Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Oct 28

ZURICH Oct 28 (Reuters) - Swiss stocks are set to open slightly weaker on Wednesday, as Asian shares fell after a dip in U.S. consumer confidence cast doubt on the speed of economic recovery.

The Swiss blue-chip index SMI.SSMI was indicated to open 7 points lower at 6,361 points, premarket data provided by bank Clariden Leu showed.CLPRE

The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Wednesday:

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)

* GlaxoSmithKline has yet to get U.S. government approval for its swine flu vaccine, the company said on Tuesday, while Novartis said it was still struggling to make vaccines.

* The European Union has approved Novartis AG's Ilaris to treat children and adults with a rare but potentially fatal auto-inflammatory disease.

For related news click on [NOVN.VX]

EFG (EFGN.S)

EFG International AG(EFGN.S) could imagine going private, its chief executive was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

For related news, click on [EFGN.S]

UBS (UBSN.VX)

UBS AG plans to reform its pay structure by hiking fixed salaries and matching bonuses to sustainable performance, but won't implement the changes until key units return to profit, an internal memo said.

For related news click on [UBSN.VX]

NESTLE (NESN.VX)

Alcon Inc ACL.N, one of the world's leading makers of eye care products, reported a lower third-quarter profit on Tuesday, but the results beat Wall Street expectations and the company raised its full-year outlook, sending its shares up nearly 4 percent.

For related news, click on [NESN.VX]

ZKB [ZKB.UL]

Commerzbank on Tuesday said it had sold a 74 percent stake in Austrian wealth manager Privatinvest Bank to Zuercher Kantonalbank for an undisclosed sum.

For related news click on [ID:nL0499488]

BANKS

U.S. Democrats aim to stop rich Americans from hiding assets offshore to evade taxes by slapping penalties on individuals and foreign banks, according to legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress on Tuesday.

For related news click on [ID:nN27251832]

ECONOMY [M-CH]

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Nationale Suisse brings a charge against former member of the Executive Board

EQUITY RESEARCH [CH-RCH]

FOR COMPANIES TRADING EX-DIVIDEND, PLEASE CLICK ON:

.EX.S for all Swiss stocks

.EXSMI.S for blue chips

.EXNSMI.S for other stocks