Swiss Equities Close Higher; Nestlé, Barry Callebaut in Red

The Swiss Market Index rebounded on Thursday, closing 0.29% higher, as investors took stock of the latest corporate updates and closely monitored the geopolitical developments in Europe and the Middle East. "The US has now conducted a second consecutive day of strikes on Iran, reportedly targeting around 90 sites including air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance infrastructure. This marks a clear escalation, with Washington signalling it is prepared to sustain operations to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," analysts at Deutsche Bank Research said in a note. "In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard has reportedly struck US-linked bases in the Gulf and warned of further retaliation, raising the risk of a broader regional conflict." Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin is reportedly likely to escalate Russia's war against Ukraine, rejecting calls to negotiate a peace deal with the latter, sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters. Back home, Swiss President Guy Parmelin met with Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum during his visit to Mexico to bolster bilateral ties between their countries. The discussions were mainly focused on.