The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.01% Lower

The FTSE MIB Index decreased 3 points or 0.01 percent on Monday to close at 52613 points. The decline was led by Avio (-2.90%), Leonardo SpA (-2.14%) and Buzzi Unicem (-1.89%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Tenaris (2.95%), Saipem (2.44%) and Eni (2.26%).

The FTSE MIB closed flat at 52,613 on Monday as markets assessed the impact that new strikes between Iran and the US can have on the economy. Oil prices rose, supporting gains on energy stocks, including Tenaris (3%) and Saipem (2.3%). ENI added 2.3% after reports that it was close to signing final agreements in Venezuela. Stellantis gained 1.6% as Canada’s largest private-sector union, Unifor, was reportedly set to begin negotiations with the automaker following the US imposition of 50% tariffs on Canada. Financials remained mixed amid ongoing merger activity. MPS rose 1.5% despite pressure from Consob, which received another complaint concerning its takeover bids for Banco BPM (0.6%) and Generali-controlled (1.0%) Banca Generali. On the downside, defense stocks underperformed, led by Avio (-2.9%) and Leonardo (-2.2%) following news that defense contractor Noble Supply & Logistics had filed for bankruptcy. Utilities also weakened amid higher European gas prices.

The FTSE MIB edged higher to around 52,700 on Monday, extending gains from the previous session, as investors monitored developments in the Middle East and Italy’s ongoing banking consolidation. US-Iran tensions intensified after Washington struck Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, while Tehran retaliated by targeting US military bases in Jordan. Energy-related stocks advanced alongside crude prices, with oil major Eni gaining 1.5% and Tenaris, a major supplier of steel pipes for the oil and gas industry, rising more than 2%. Domestically, banking stocks remained in focus as Intesa Sanpaolo prepared for a September 10 shareholder meeting on its MPS bid, while MPS continued to pursue its competing expansion plans involving Banco BPM and Banca Generali. MPS rose 1%, while Intesa Sanpaolo and Unipol edged up more than 0.2% each. For the month, the benchmark index is heading for a modest decline.