Top performing Swiss Shares 2017

Performance on the Swiss Stock Market was excellent in 2017 both on the  Swiss Market Index (SMI), the Swiss Blue Chips +14%, as well as the Swiss Performance Index (SPI) that posted its largest annual profit since 2013, at +20 %.
The SMI was only 170 points off its all-time high of 9548 points on June 4, 2007.
With global political risks on the decrease and the economic outlook improving, prospects for 2018 seem positive.

Regarding SMI share performance in 2017, the index changed slightly with the swapping of 2 shares on the 20 share index: Lonza replaced Actelion and Sika replaced Syngenta). Interestingly these 2 new SMI companies were the best performing on the index by a large margin, as the following table shows. Lonza (+ 61 %) benefitted from increasing outsourcing tendencies at pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Additionally the acquisition of capsule manufacturer Capsugel was strategically very good.

Sika (+ 58 %), was a slightly speculative position as there are some uncertainties and an unclear takeover dispute with the French company Saint-Gobain. However analysts are positive regarding the growth of the company in the global marketplace.

Banks seemed somewhat under pressure but also were in the positive.

Shares of luxury goods manufacturers gained in value after a disappointing 2016. Recovery in watch exports was driven by the improved situation in the key sales markets in Asia.

Top 10 - Swiss Market Index (SMI)

Lonza                   +61%

Sika                     +58%

Julius Bär             +32%

Richemont           +31%

Credit Suisse       +30%

Swatch                +25%

SGS                    +23%

ABB                    +22%

Givaudan             +21%

Swiss Life           +20%

The SMI performed well, but was outshined by the SPI titles.

AMS, The Austrian semiconductor manufacturer grew +206 % percent. AMS generates more than half of its sales with sensors for tablets and smartphones. It is a major supplier for Apple and it is foreseen that in 2018 the Android phone market could increasingly use the 3D sensor camera modules from AMS.

Other amazing performances were seen with
Meyer Burger who manufacture solar panel components (+150%) and the insulation products manufacturer Von Roll (+ 125 %).

Top 10 - Swiss Performance Index (SPI)

AMS                    +206%

Meyer Burger       +150%

Von Roll               +125%

SNB                     +122%

Cicor                    +117%

Orascom              +115%

Tornos                   +94%

Leonteq                 +85%

Peach Property      +84%

Bobst                    +83%