FTSE MIB Flat Amid Geopolitical and Trade Tensions

2026-05-08 16:29 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

The FTSE MIB closed flat at 49,289 on Friday as investors weighed renewed tariff threats and escalating geopolitical tensions.

US President Donald Trump warned that the European Union could face significantly higher tariffs as early as July 4 if it does not reduce duties on US imports to zero.

The comments followed a call with European Commission President von der Leyen, who said negotiations were progressing toward lowering trade barriers.

Markets were also pressured by heightened tensions in the Middle East after the US carried out strikes on Iranian military targets in response to attacks on three US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Financials traded lower, with UniCredit down 1.3% and Intesa Sanpaolo losing 2.0%, despite the latter reporting stronger-than-expected Q1 2026 results.

Leonardo dropped 3.2% following the appointment of Lorenzo Mariani as CEO.

In contrast, energy-related stocks advanced, with Eni up 1.7%, Prysmian gaining 5.8%, and Tenaris rising 2.8%.



News Stream
FTSE MIB Flat Amid Geopolitical and Trade Tensions
The FTSE MIB closed flat at 49,289 on Friday as investors weighed renewed tariff threats and escalating geopolitical tensions. US President Donald Trump warned that the European Union could face significantly higher tariffs as early as July 4 if it does not reduce duties on US imports to zero. The comments followed a call with European Commission President von der Leyen, who said negotiations were progressing toward lowering trade barriers. Markets were also pressured by heightened tensions in the Middle East after the US carried out strikes on Iranian military targets in response to attacks on three US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. Financials traded lower, with UniCredit down 1.3% and Intesa Sanpaolo losing 2.0%, despite the latter reporting stronger-than-expected Q1 2026 results. Leonardo dropped 3.2% following the appointment of Lorenzo Mariani as CEO. In contrast, energy-related stocks advanced, with Eni up 1.7%, Prysmian gaining 5.8%, and Tenaris rising 2.8%.
2026-05-08
The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.00% Lower
The FTSE MIB Index dropped 1 points or 0.00 percent on Friday to close at 49290 points. Losses were led by Leonardo SpA (-4.08%), Fincantieri (-3.69%) and Intesa Sanpaolo (-2.43%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Prysmian (6.68%), Tenaris (2.53%) and Poste Italiane (2.25%).
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FTSE MIB Extends Retreat
The FTSE MIB fell 0.5% to 49,000 on Friday, extending its pullback from record highs, as tariff threats and geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment. President Trump warned that the European Union could face significantly higher tariffs as early as July 4 if it does not cut duties on US imports to zero. The remarks followed a call with European Commission President von der Leyen, who said negotiations were still progressing and that the EU was making “good progress” toward lowering trade barriers ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, markets were also pressured by heightened tensions in the Middle East after the US conducted strikes on Iranian military targets in response to attacks on three US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. Financial stocks led losses, with UniCredit (-1.4%), Intesa Sanpaolo (-1.2%), BPER Banca (-2.2%), and Banca Mediolanum (-1%), among the notable laggards. For the week, the index is heading for a second weekly advance.
2026-05-08