FTSE MIB Trades Higher

The FTSE MIB rose to around 52,100 on Tuesday, following a subdued previous session, as markets continued to monitor developments in the Middle East. Oil prices eased following reports that diplomats were seeking to restore the ceasefire between the US and Iran. Still, uncertainty remained elevated as US military strikes continued for a tenth consecutive night. Meanwhile, markets expect the ECB to leave interest rates unchanged this week as policymakers assess the effects of June's tightening. Across the bourse, technology-related stocks led gains, tracking a broader rebound among their Asian peers, with STMicroelectronics and Prysmian rising about 2% and 3%, respectively. Defence stock Leonardo also climbed more than 3% after receiving helicopter orders from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund-backed THC. On the downside, losses were led by Tenaris (-1.8%), Moncler (-1.3%), Davide Campari-Milano (-1.2%), and Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane (-1.2%).

The FTSE MIB ended little changed at 51,863 on Monday as traders remained cautious ahead of a busy earnings week. Escalating tensions in the Middle East kept risk sentiment subdued, although markets drew some optimism from reports of a proposed 10-day pause in hostilities. Meanwhile, rising European natural gas prices increased concerns over lower profit margins, weighing on utility stocks, with Terna (-1.2%) and A2A (-0.9%) among the sector's biggest decliners. Avio led losses on the index, falling 2.8%, followed by Telecom Italia (-2.4%) and Inwit (-1.7%). On the upside, Moncler jumped 3.2% ahead of its earnings release, with revenue expected to rise 4.5%. Amplifon (2.6%), Saipem (2.6%), Nexi (2.1%), and STMicroelectronics (2.1%) also advanced, with the latter rebounding from recent losses. Financials were also higher as investors expected the ECB to leave interest rates unchanged at this week's meeting. Banco BPM rose 1.0%, while UniCredit gained 0.6% ahead of its earnings report.

The FTSE MIB Index decreased 19 points or 0.04 percent on Monday to close at 51863 points. The decline was led by Avio (-2.81%), Enel (-2.64%) and Telecom Italia (-1.91%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Moncler (3.16%), Amplifon (2.61%) and STMicroelectronics (2.01%).