Switzerland's SMI Index Reaches Record Territory on Late-Session Rally

Switzerland’s benchmark SMI index delivered a strong closing performance on Tuesday, punctuated by a powerful rally during the final trading hour. After navigating most of the session in the red and dipping to an intraday low of 13,196.67, the index surged higher to establish a fresh record peak of 13,357.76 before ultimately closing at 13,322.15, representing a gain of 74.83 points or 0.56%.

The late-day surge in the SMI was underpinned by robust institutional buying activity, with several heavyweight components leading the advance. Straumann Holding emerged as the day’s standout performer, advancing nearly 6%. Other significant gainers included Galderma Group, which climbed 3.5%, while Sandoz Group, Novartis, Alcon and Kuehne + Nagel posted gains ranging from 2.5% to 3%. Additional strength was evident in VAT Group, Roche Holding, Givaudan and Zurich Insurance, each recording gains between 1% and 1.8%.

On the downside, selective weakness emerged in defensive plays and cyclical names. Logitech International and Lindt & Spruengli declined by 1.4% and 1.25% respectively, while ABB, Amrize, Swiss Re and Helvetia Baloise Holding finished lower, retreating 0.6% to 1%.

The index’s achievement of a record high reflects renewed investor confidence following a hesitant start to the session, underscoring the market’s capacity to recover and establish fresh highs despite near-term volatility.