FTSE MIB Extends Record Rally

The FTSE MIB climbed to around 53,100 on Monday, extending last week's record-setting rally and tracking gains across European markets. Sentiment remained supported by lower oil prices, while investors also focused on corporate developments ahead of the earnings season. Among the top performers, shipbuilder Fincantieri surged more than 11% after agreeing to acquire four Italian underwater technology firms in an initial €600 million investment. Defence group Leonardo also gained over 5% after being selected, alongside Thales, by NATO's NCIA to deliver a next-generation secure communications and information system for SOFCOM. Banco BPM rose nearly 2% after Crédit Agricole increased its stake in the lender to 29.3%, strengthening its presence in Italy. Other notable gainers included Intesa Sanpaolo (+1.1%), Banca Mediolanum (+1.1%), Ferrari (+2.6%), and Stellantis (+1.9%).

The FTSE MIB Index gained 391 points or 0.75 percent on Friday to close at 52819 points. Gains were led by Amplifon (4.71%), Saipem (3.69%) and Lottomatica (3.67%). Biggest losers were Stellantis N.V. (-3.60%), Brunello Cucinelli (-0.70%) and Azimut Holding (-0.52%).

The FTSE MIB rose 0.8% to close at 52,819 on Friday, with gains broad-based across sectors. Amplifon led the advance, climbing 4.7%, followed by Lottomatica (4.0%). Saipem gained 3.6% after announcing a new contract through its joint venture. AI-related stocks also outperformed ahead of financial statements, lifting Prysmian (3.0%) and STMicroelectronics (1.5%). Data centers-linked demand extended gains for utilities, led by A2A (2.0%) and Enel (1.4%). Leonardo added 1.1% after its Edgewing joint venture secured a £4.6 billion contract, while Avio and Fincantieri each rose around 1%. Banks remained supported as expectations of further interest rate hikes eased, with Mediobanca and BPER Banca both up 1.1%, and Banca Mediolanum gaining 0.9%. Insurers also advanced, led by Unipol (1.5%) and Generali (0.8%). On the downside, Stellantis fell 3.6% while luxury stocks lagged, with Brunello Cucinelli down 1.1%. For the week, the index gained 3.85%, rebounding from the previous week's decline.