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]
ECONOMY [M-CH]
Swiss National Bank Chairman Jean-Pierre Roth is due to hold a speech at 1715 GMT.
For related news, click on [M-SNB-CH]
COMPANY STATEMENTS [CNR-CH]
* LLB (LLB.S) Group achieves net profit of CHF 150.6 million [LLB.S]
* Komax Group (KOMN.S) reports 2008 results [KOMN.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
