Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Nov 18

ZURICH Nov 18 (Reuters) - Swiss shares were seen opening higher on Wednesday, in line with other European equities markets, with investors waiting for macro-economic data from the United States.

The blue chip SMI index .SSMI was expected to open 30 points higher at 6,406 points, according to pre-market data from bank Clariden Leu CLPRE.

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

ROCHE(ROG.VX)

Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX) said it would conduct a new late-stage trial to evaluate the effect of drug candidate dalcetrapib in combating the thickening of the arteries in patients.

For related news click on [ROG.VX]

NESTLE (NESN.VX)

The business of selling food that is halal, or acceptable to Muslims, is set to grow rapidly in Europe in coming years as more supermarket chains target the sector, a Nestle executive said on Tuesday.

For related news click on [NESN.VX]

RICHEMONT (CFR.VX)

Online fashion retailer Net-a-porter, which is 28 percent-owned by luxury group Richemont, said on Tuesday an initial public offering was not on the agenda as it did not need to raise cash.

For related news click on [CFR.VX]

JULIUS BAER (BAER.VX)

The wealth manager has hired two private bankers in Singapore from Bank of America's Merrill Lynch to focus on Southeast Asia; former ML Managing Director Lawrence Lua, will head a team of private bankers and Frances Lee will join as a relationship manager.

For related news click on [BAER.VX]

ECONOMY [M-CH]

Swiss National Bank Vice-Chairman Philipp Hildebrand is due to hold a speech in Geneva at 1730.

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Basilea (BSLN.S) says its Toctino receives marketing authorization in Canada (BSLN.S)

* BioXell BXLN.S says it supports planned acquisition by Cosmo Pharmaceuticals [BXLN.S]

* Kudelski KUD.VX - EDEN CPA DDA e7020 receives EMVCo Type Approval [KUD.VX]

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