The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.01% Lower

The FTSE MIB closed little changed at 53,693 on Thursday, remaining in a narrow range after reaching record levels earlier in the week, as positive developments across sectors offset broader macroeconomic concerns. Saipem rose 3.6% after securing a $2 billion offshore contract in the Middle East. Nexi advanced 2.4% following reports that CDP is preparing to increase its stake to 29.9%, becoming the company’s largest shareholder without launching a takeover bid. UniCredit gained 0.8% amid reports that the ECB is leaning toward approving its takeover bid for Commerzbank, with the stock reaching its highest level in nearly 17 years. On the downside, uncertainty over Middle East peace talks kept energy markets volatile, with oil and natural gas prices remaining elevated. Unipol, Inwit and Moncler fell less than 1%. Eni slipped 0.9%, tracking lower global oil prices. In turn, utilities extended their recent decline.

The FTSE MIB Index decreased 5 points or 0.01 percent on Thursday to close at 53693 points. The decline was led by Unipol Gruppo (-1.41%), Infrastrutture Wire (-1.32%) and Assicurazioni Generali (-1.13%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Saipem (3.27%), Fincantieri (2.52%) and Nexi (2.46%).

The FTSE MIB rose to around 53,900 on Thursday, remaining close to record levels, as stabilizing energy prices supported investor sentiment and eased some concerns around inflation expectations. Heavyweight financials were the top performers, led by UniCredit, which rose over 1% after reports showed that the ECB is leaning toward approving the takeover of Commerzbank. Its peers also started higher, including Intesa Sanpaolo (+0.8%), Unipol Gruppo (+0.9%), Banca Mediolanum (+1.1%), and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (+1%). Saipem also rose 0.9% after announcing a new offshore EPCI contract in the Middle East, valued at approximately $1.8 billion. Other notable gainers were defense stocks Leonardo, Fincantieri, and Avio, which added 0.6%, 1.6%, and 1.7%, respectively.