FTSE MIB Plunges as Inflation Fears Mount

2026-03-20 17:11 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

The FTSE MIB fell 2% to close at 42,840 on Friday, as surging energy prices prompted major central banks to warn of fresh inflation risks.

On Thursday, the ECB held rates steady as expected but raised its inflation forecasts, spurring markets to price in two rate hikes this year.

Financials old off as BTP yields surged to their highest since June 2025, with UniCredit falling 3.8%, BPM dropping 2.9%, and Intesa Sanpaolo down 2.2%.

However, Inwit led losses, tumbling 7.5% after cutting its 2026 guidance amid escalating disputes with anchor tenants.

Also, Leonardo dropped 4.1% amid hopes of de-escalating geopolitical tensions as US signals it is unlikely to deploy ground forces against Iran, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s suggestion of potential easing on Iranian oil sanctions.



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