(Alliance News) - European stock markets are set for a positive open on Friday, buoyed by a broadly favorable global sentiment following U.S. inflation data that aligned with expectations. This outcome has strengthened hopes for an imminent rate cut by the Federal Reserve, possibly as soon as next week's meeting.
Market participants also digested the European Central Bank's decision to keep its benchmark rate steady at 2% for the second consecutive meeting. President Christine Lagarde emphasized the institution's solid position and highlighted an improved balance of macroeconomic risks within the eurozone.
Among the economic indicators released before the opening bell, Germany's annual consumer inflation rose to 2.2% in August, its highest level in five months, up from 2.0% in July, confirming preliminary estimates.
The Mib--after closing with a 0.9% gain at 42,432.42 points last night--is currently up by 47.50 points.
Among the minor indices on Thursday, the Mid-Cap rose 0.9% to 56,229.71, the Small-Cap climbed 1.8% to 35,499.49, and Italy Growth ended the session up 0.3% at 8,517.89 points.
Paris' CAC 40 is up by 17.10 points, Frankfurt's DAX 40 has gained 48.40 points, while London's FTSE 100 is up by 22.20 points.
At Piazza Affari last night, Buzzi and Stellantis shared the top spot, rising by 6.7% and 9.2% respectively.
BlackRock has become the most active investor in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, increasing its stake to 5.011% according to Consob, after attending the April shareholders' meeting with about 0.5% and contesting the OPAS on Mediobanca.
The U.S. fund sold its roughly 5% stake in Piazzetta Cuccia by accepting the offer from the institution led by Luigi Lovaglio. MPS shares rose by 2.1%, while Mediobanca registered the same percentage gain.
In ongoing M&A developments, Crédit Agricole is in talks with Banco BPM--up 0.7%--regarding the reintroduction of the general manager role, which could be filled by a manager nominated by the French group, given its 20% stake in the former cooperative bank.
According to Milano Finanza, tariffs on copper introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump could become a competitive advantage for Prysmian, although the stock fell by 0.7%.
Eni, which announced Thursday that GreenIT--a joint venture between its subsidiary Plenitude and CDP Equity--has secured project finance funding of about EUR370 million to develop greenfield onshore projects in Italy, ended the session down 0.2% at EUR14.92 per share.
DiaSorin ended at the bottom of the list, losing 1.8% to EUR80.10 per share.
On the Mid-Cap, Anima Holding recorded positive net inflows of EUR325 million in August in the managed savings segment, net of insurance mandates in branch I.
Total assets under management amounted to EUR207.0 billion, rising to EUR208.2 billion when including administered assets. Year-to-date inflows stand at EUR2.23 billion. The stock benefited, rising by 1.2%.
Sesa closed the first quarter of the fiscal year to July 31, confirming a return to organic growth and full alignment with its 2026-27 industrial plan guidance. Adjusted net profit reached EUR29.8 million, up 6.4% year-on-year, sending the stock up 11% to the top of the index.
On Wednesday, El.En Spa announced it closed the first half with a positive group net result of EUR17.9 million, down 34% from EUR27.3 million in the first half of 2024. Consolidated revenue stabilized at EUR285.3 million compared to EUR271.5 million in the same period last year, a 5.1% increase. The stock fell by 4.1%.
Among the worst performers were D'amico, which dropped 2.5%, and PharmaNutra, which closed down 2.2%.
SOL posted a daily gain of 4.9% to EUR52.20 per share. Strong financials and a 12% rise in first-half net profit prompted buying interest.
Exane BNP upgraded De' Longhi to 'outperform' from 'neutral' with a target price set at EUR38.00. The stock rose 4.2%.
On the Small-Cap, Esprinet posted a double-digit increase of 19% after improved half-year results and confirmation of guidance.
I Grandi Viaggi, despite higher revenue but worsening losses, fell by 0.8%.
Immsi closed the first half with declining revenue and a 44% drop in profits, yet the stock still managed a 1.2% gain.
Fidia announced Wednesday that Global Growth Holding converted 15 bonds from its convertible bond loan with warrants. The conversion, at EUR0.25 per share, resulted in the issuance of 600,000 new Fidia shares, which have been directly admitted to trading on the regulated market. The stock fell by 2.6%.
SIT delivered a standout double-digit performance, up 12% to EUR1.90 per share.
Among SMEs, Dedem rebounded towards the top with an 8.1% gain, with Impianti posting a strong 11% increase.
However, the top spot went to Gambero Rosso, which surged 16% to EUR0.2620 per share.
Pozzi Milano, up 3.1%, announced Thursday it has launched new promotional activities in Austria and Poland worth a total of EUR1.6 million.
The worst performers included TMP Group, down 8.3%, Premia Finance with a 6.6% drop, and Eprcomunicazione, falling 7.9%.
In New York during the European evening, the Dow advanced 1.4%, the Nasdaq gained 0.7%, while the S&P 500 moved up 0.9%.
In Asian markets, the Nikkei is up 0.9%, the Hang Seng climbs 1.4%, and the Shanghai Composite is up 0.2%.
On the currency front, the euro is trading at USD1.1726 from USD1.1730 at Thursday's equity close, while the pound is changing hands at USD1.3553 from USD1.3557 last night.
Among commodities, Brent crude is trading at USD65.87 from USD66.39 per barrel at Thursday's equity close, while gold is valued at USD3,652.70 an ounce from USD3,636.72 an ounce at yesterday's European market close.
On Friday's economic calendar, at 1000 CEST Italy will release its quarterly unemployment rate, and at 1030 CEST the UK will report inflation expectations.
In the U.S., at 1900 CEST, the drilling rig count will be released.
At Piazza Affari, results are expected from B&C Speakers, Cembre, IRCE, and Italian Wine Brands.
By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News Reporter
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