The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.13% Higher

The FTSE MIB Index gained 68 points or 0.13 percent on Friday to close at 52173 points. Gains were led by Amplifon (8.19%), Diasorin (4.21%) and Brunello Cucinelli (3.51%). Biggest losers were Snam (-2.33%), Stellantis N.V. (-1.72%) and Italgas (-1.58%).

The FTSE MIB closed little changed at 52,173 on Friday, as concerns over rising European gas prices weighed on utilities and offset support from upbeat corporate earnings. Amplifon surged 8.1% after posting stronger-than-expected results, supported by a wave of positive analyst reviews, including an Outperform rating from Intermonte, a Buy recommendation from Citi, and higher revenue forecasts from Mediobanca. Diasorin (4.2%) and Brunello Cucinelli (3%) also advanced, while banking stocks extended recent gains, led by Banca Mediolanum (1.7%). On the downside, utility shares came under pressure as European gas prices continued to climb. Italy became Europe's largest LNG importer in July as traders took advantage of government incentives to secure cargoes despite soaring prices, fueling concerns over prolonged tensions in the Middle East. Snam and Italgas both lost more than 1.5%. In turn, Stellantis fell 2% after recalling over 1.5 million vehicles worldwide due to a seat belt defect.

The FTSE MIB rose to around 52,580 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session and moving closer to its record high, driven by renewed enthusiasm for AI-related stocks while investors assessed a fresh batch of corporate earnings. Technology shares led the advance, tracking the global rally in the sector, with STMicroelectronics and Prysmian climbing more than 4% each. Defence company Leonardo also gained over 3% after reporting solid second-quarter results and raising its full-year 2026 guidance. Brunello Cucinelli also advanced more than 3% after reporting strong first-half sales and lifting its annual guidance. Amplifon surged 8% after posting its strongest second-quarter organic growth in two years. Meanwhile, most banking stocks also traded higher. For the week, the benchmark index is heading for its first weekly gain in four weeks.