Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on March 24

ZURICH, March 24 (Reuters) - Swiss stock were seen opening stronger on Tuesday as global stocks continue a rally sparked by a U.S. plan to help financial institutions get rid of troubled assets that have crippled their balance sheets.

The Swiss blue-chip SMI index .SSMI was expected to open 59 points higher at 4,990 points, according to pre-market data from bank Clariden Leu CLPRE. Swiss Life (SLHN.VX) shares were indicated up 3.2 percent on news Talanx is taking a stake.

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

CREDIT SUISSE (CSGN.VX)

The bank publishes its annual report and the agenda for its annual general meeting, including changes to its share capital.

For a story, click on [CSGN.VX]

SWISS LIFE(SLHN.VX)

Swiss Life said Germany's Talanx is buying a 9.9 percent stake in the company and will take 8.4 percent in German pensions specialist MLP (MLPG.DE) from Swiss Life holdings, as the insurer announced a 2008 net profit of 345 million Swiss francs ($306.7 million).

For related news, click on [SLHN.VX]

UBS (UBSN.VX) (UBS.N)

Stifel Financial Corp (SF.N) said it would acquire up to 55 branches of UBS Wealth Management Americas to expand across the United States in a deal that will boost the investment bank's profit in the first year.

For related news, click on [UBSN.VX]