The FTSE MIB Index Closes 1.33% Lower

The Italian FTSE MIB fell 1.6% to close at 44,608 on Thursday, as a prolonged war in the Middle East could seriously impact Europe and Asia economically. Olli Rehn of the ECB Governing Council cautioned against over-optimism on a quick resolution to the Iran conflict, citing risks to both inflation and growth. ECB’s Pedro Machado noted limited direct impact on the banking sector but warned of broader economic spillovers. Financial stocks declined, with UniCredit down 2.7% and Intesa Sanpaolo losing 2%. Nexi plunged 16.6% to a record low after reporting a miss in Q4 earnings and reaffirming its target of mid-single-digit growth by 2028. Amplifon also slumped 13.2% following a Q4 profit decline and plans to exit the UK market by selling directly operated clinics. In contrast, Eni gained 1.3% as Middle East supply concerns drove oil prices higher.

The FTSE MIB Index decreased -603 points or 1.33 percent on Thursday to close at 44734 points. The decline was led by Nexi (-14.65%), Amplifon (-13.08%) and Leonardo SpA (-5.56%).

The Italian FTSE MIB fell over 1% toward 44,800 on Thursday, giving back gains from the previous session and moving in line with its European peers. With the US–Iran conflict now entering its sixth day, renewed concerns about a wider confrontation dampened risk sentiment, as both sides signal the possibility of intensified attacks in the coming days. Most stocks were in the red, notably Nexi, which plunged more than 17% after posting a slight Q4 earnings miss and maintaining a target of mid-single-digit growth by 2028. Amplifon also slumped over 14% following a Q4 profit decline and plans to withdraw from the UK market by selling around 100 directly operated clinics. Financials also retreated, including Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (-4.1%), Mediobanca (-3%), Banco BPM (-1.2%), Intesa Sanpaolo (-1.2%), and UniCredit (-1.5%). On the data front, the PM survey showed that Italy’s construction sector returned to expansion in February.