Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on May 19

ZURICH, May 19 - Swiss stocks were set to ease on Wednesday, in line with other bourses, as Germany's decision to ban naked short-selling of some bonds, stocks and credit protection was hitting investors' sentiment globally.

The Swiss blue-chip index SMI.SSMI was indicated to fall 55 points to 6,414 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.

ROCHE (ROG.VX)

Roche and Biogen Idec end the ocrelizumab clinical development programme in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

For related news, click on [ROG.VX]

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)

Current and former female employees of drugmaker Novartis want up to $285 million in punitive damages after winning a ruling that a U.S. division of the company engaged in a pattern of discrimination, a lawyer for the women said on Tuesday.

For related news, click on [NOVN.VX]

ECONOMY [M-CH]

Switzerland's currency reserves soared in April, data published on the country's statistics office website showed on Wednesday, reflecting massive currency interventions by the Swiss National Bank.

For related news, click on [ID:nWEA2915]

COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]

* Phoenix Mecano (PM.S) is to acquire full ownership of Germany's Lohse GmbH with retroactive effect from 1 May 2010, expanding its solar business [PM.S]

* Addex Pharmaceuticals(ADXN.S) announced the departure of Emmanuel le Poul, Head of the CNS Business Unit [ADXN.S]

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