The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.94% Higher

The FTSE MIB rose 0.9% to close at 48,246 on Thursday after the European Central Bank held interest rates at 2% for a third straight meeting, in line with expectations. Policymakers highlighted uncertainty over the Iran conflict, particularly elevated energy prices, and signaled a wait-and-see approach to assess whether cost pressures spread more broadly. Oil prices, however, retreated after briefly topping $126 per barrel earlier in the session. Financials posted gains, with Intesa Sanpaolo up 0.9% and Generali adding 0.5%. Utilities also advanced, as Enel rose 2.6%. Eni gained 1.5%, supported by still-high oil. STMicroelectronics jumped 2.9% after positive tech earnings from major US companies.Leonardo rose 1.7% amid reports of potential US action against Iran. In contrast, Stellantis fell 6.4% after reporting weak Q1 revenue.

The FTSE MIB Index gained 450 points or 0.94 percent on Thursday to close at 48246 points. Gains were led by A2A (3.54%), Prysmian (2.85%) and Enel (2.65%). Biggest losers were Stellantis N.V. (-6.36%), Moncler (-2.22%) and Banca Mediolanum (-0.43%).

The FTSE MIB fell 1% to around 47,300 on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session and hitting a two-week low. Investors continued to weigh developments in the Iran conflict while assessing fresh corporate earnings and awaiting a raft of economic data alongside the European Central Bank’s upcoming monetary policy decision. Reports indicated that the US military would brief President Trump on potential action against Iran, stoking concerns over a possible escalation in armed conflict and a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, the ECB is expected to hold rates later today, with markets closely watching for signals on the policy outlook amid surging energy prices. On the bourse, Stellantis shed over 7% after reporting weak Q1 revenue. Most key stocks were in the red, including heavyweight financials such as UniCredit (-1.7%), Intesa Sanpaolo (-1.2%), Assicurazioni Generali (-1.3%), and Banco BPM (-1.1%). Still, the index is heading for an over 6% monthly gain.