Swiss Stocks Lifted By U.S. Jobs Report

(RTTNews) - Swiss shares rallied Thursday, following markets in the U.S. and Europe sharply higher following upbeat economic news.

US employers added 288,000 jobs, the Labor Department said Thursday. The unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent versus 6.3 percent in May. That's the lowest it's been since September 2008.

Meanwhile, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said that euro area interest rates will remain low.

The Swiss Market Index rose 1.01 percent to 8,694.32, led by strong gains from a variety of major companies.

Actelion, Holcim and Credit Suisse rose more than 2 percent each. Roche added 1.8 percent and food giant Nestle picked up 0.9 percent.

An experimental antibody drug from Roche has produced promising results in mid-stage tests for asthma, the company said.

Swiss Re said it was on track to meet its 2011-2015 financial targets. Shares were down fractionally.