Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Dec 21

ZURICH, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Swiss stocks were seen opening higher on Friday after U.S. and Asian markets gained.

The Swiss blue-chip SMI index .SSMI was expected to open 54 points higher at 8,456 points, according to pre-market data from bank Clariden Leu CLPRE.

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

ACTELION (ATLN.VX)

Actelion said on Thursday it had started a late-stage trial of its almorexant drug against insomnia.

For related news, click on [ATLN.VX-RTRS-LEN]

UBS (UBSN.VX)

Saudi Arabian investors also bought a large stake in UBS when the Swiss bank sold a roughly 9 percent stake to the Singapore government, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

For related news, click on [UBSN.VX-RTRS-LEN]

CREDIT SUISSE (CSGN.VX)

Credit Suisse's China asset management venture said on Friday it will launch a fund for sale on Jan 3 to raise up to 22 billion yuan ($2.99 billion) for investment in overseas financial markets.

Separately, a senior executive said Credit Suisse expects to steal a march on rivals in competing for business and talent as many Wall Street banks are distracted by mounting losses.

For related news, click on [CSGN.VX-RTRS-LEN]