FTSE MIB Rises on Middle East Resolution Hopes

The FTSE MIB rose 1.5% to 44,013 on Wednesday, tracking European advances amid hopes for a Middle East resolution. Reports that the US and Iran are raising conditions to end their war raised hopes for resumed Persian Gulf oil exports, pulling down crude oil prices and easing inflation concerns. Bond yields fell and the BTP-Bund spread narrowed, lifting financials. UniCredit and Generali rose 1.7%, Intesa Sanpaolo advanced 1.6%, while MPS, Mediobanca, BPER, and BPM were all up about 3%. Other notable performers included Stellantis up 1.6%, Prysmian up 3.8%, and STMicroelectronics up 4.5%. In other news, Fincantieri jumped 6% on strong Q4 2025 results and after its CEO signaled plans to expand through M&A in the submarines sector.

The FTSE MIB Index rose 644 points or 1.48 percent on Wednesday to close at 44013 points. Leading the gains are STMicroelectronics (4.49%), Interpump Group (4.19%) and Prysmian (4.01%).

The FTSE MIB rose more than 1% to above 44,000 on Wednesday, extending gains for a third straight session and tracking advances across European markets, as hopes for a resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted sentiment. US President Donald Trump said Washington is engaged in ongoing negotiations with Iran and signaled Tehran’s willingness to reach a peace agreement, despite Iranian officials denying any direct talks. Most major stocks traded higher, including UniCredit (+2.7%), Intesa Sanpaolo (+2.3%), Assicurazioni Generali (+1.6%), Ferrari (+1.3%), STMicroelectronics (+2.5%), and Prysmian (+3.8%). In contrast, Eni fell more than 1%, tracking a decline in oil prices. On the economic front, Italy is set to release its business and consumer confidence data for March later today.