Swiss stocks - Factors to watch on Nov 25

ZURICH, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Swiss shares were seen opening higher on Wednesday after U.S. and Asian stocks climbed after the Federal Reserve raised U.S. growth forecasts for 2010.

The blue chip SMI index .SSMI was expected to open 35 points higher at 6,433 points, according to pre-market data from bank Clariden Leu CLPRE.

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

SWISSCOM (SCMN.VX)

France Telecom SA (FTE.PA) says it and TDC (TDC.CO) agreed to merge Orange Switzerland and Sunrise. France Telecom to pay at closing 1.5 billion euros to TDC, to become a 75 percent shareholder. TDC will hold the remaining 25 percent.

For related news, click on [SCMN.VX]

NOVARTIS (NOVN.VX)