The FTSE MIB Index Closes 1.36% Higher

The FTSE MIB Index gained 705 points or 1.36 percent on Friday to close at 52512 points. Gains were led by Avio (3.89%), Moncler (3.00%) and Prysmian (2.63%).

The FTSE MIB rose 1.4% to 52,512 on Friday, amid broad-based gains across sectors, while bank merger talks remained in focus. Financials outperformed after the Antitrust Authority stated it would launch an in-depth investigation into the MPS divestment between Intesa Sanpaolo (2.6%) and Unipol (0.2%). Additionally, Prime Minister Meloni stated the state will refrain from interfering in Intesa’s takeover bid for MPS (2.5%). Meanwhile, UniCredit (1.6%) CEO is set to meet the German Finance Minister on Monday to discuss a potential deal involving Commerzbank. Avio advanced 3.9% after reporting upbeat first-half profits, while Prysmian rose 3% after completing a capital increase to partially finance its acquisition of Atkore. Utilities found some respite as European gas prices declined, while Italy adopted measures aimed at boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce its dependence on fuel imports. On the downside, Saipem (-1.2%) led the losses.

The FTSE MIB rose to around 52,100 on Friday, after edging lower in the previous session, as oil prices eased, offering some relief to markets. Still, tensions in the Middle East remained elevated, keeping inflation risks and expectations for tighter monetary policy in focus. Banking stocks outperformed, with UniCredit up 0.7% and Intesa Sanpaolo 1.5%, as investors continued to assess the sector’s consolidation wave. UniCredit’s board approved a capital increase to support its planned takeover of Commerzbank, while Intesa’s proposed acquisition of MPS faces an upcoming antitrust review. Other financials rising included Unipol (+1.4%), Banca Mediolanum (+1.3%) and FinecoBank (+1.0%). Prysmian also added 0.8% after raising €850 million through a capital increase to partially fund its planned acquisition of US-based Atkore. For the week, the benchmark index is poised for a muted performance.