The FTSE MIB Index Closes 1.09% Higher

The FTSE MIB edged up to around 52,500 on Friday, modestly extending gains from the previous session as investors continued to monitor developments in the Middle East. A pullback in oil prices after this week's sharp rally improved sentiment amid reports that the US and Iran would continue diplomatic negotiations. Financials led the gains, with Intesa Sanpaolo (+1.1%), Mediobanca (+1.3%), Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (+0.7%), and Banco BPM (+0.7%) advancing. Automakers also moved higher, with Ferrari and Stellantis rising 1.2% and 1.3%, respectively. Italgas added 0.2% after Moody's Ratings revised its outlook on the company to positive from stable. Meanwhile, technology stocks underperformed, with STMicroelectronics (-0.4%) and Prysmian (-0.6%) trading lower as investors awaited the US market debut of South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix. For the week, the benchmark index is heading for a modest decline.

The FTSE MIB rose 1.1% to close at 52,381 on Thursday, led by a rebound in AI-related stocks. Semiconductor shares rebounded from yesterday's slump amid reports that orders for SK Hynix ADRs are oversubscribed, easing concerns of overinvestment on chip producers. STMicroelectronics surged 7.2%, leading gains on the index, followed by Prysmian (+2.4%). Financial stocks also outperformed, with the BTP-Bund spread narrowing to 75 basis points. UniCredit gained 2.6% while on the verge of acquiring Commerzbank's shares up to nearly 48%, although employee opposition to a potential takeover persisted. Meanwhile, defense declined and energy stocks remain pressured by volatile oil prices.

The FTSE MIB Index went up by 565 points or 1.09 percent on Thursday to close at 52382 points. The rise was led by STMicroelectronics (7.28%), Diasorin (4.45%) and Prysmian (2.66%).