The Stockholm Stock Exchange is trading lower at midday, mirroring the performance of leading European markets.

Brent crude has turned upward again, rising nearly 3 percent after the U.S. military conducted new strikes against targets in Iran overnight, according to a U.S. source reported by CNN. Separately, Kuwait activated its air defenses on Thursday following what the country described as hostile missile and drone threats.

As of 12:49 PM, the OMXS30 index was down 0.91 percent at 3,127.39. Shares worth approximately SEK 6.5 billion had changed hands on the Stockholm exchange.

Energy was the best-performing major industrial sector, gaining 1.51 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, healthcare lagged the market, falling 1.81 percent.

Among the blue-chip stocks in the OMXS30 index, Saab B rose 5.0 percent while Telia gained 0.9 percent. The weakest performers were Alfa Laval, down 2.4 percent, and Atlas Copco A, which also shed 2.4 percent.

Few major domestic news items had emerged by midday.

Defense firm Saab is trading higher, following the trend of its European peers. The company also announced a deepened collaboration with Canada's CAE.

Medical technology company Elekta reported lower-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025/2026, while adjusted EBIT came in above consensus at SEK 902 million, compared to the expected 811 million. The board proposes an unchanged dividend of SEK 2.40 per share. Gross order intake was lower than anticipated. For the full year 2026/2027, Elekta expects net sales in constant currencies to increase compared to the previous year, with a further improvement in the EBIT margin. The stock plunged around 12.8 percent.

The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FI) issued a warning and a fine of SEK 90 million to Norion Bank for deficiencies in its anti-money laundering efforts. The investigation covers the period from April 30, 2022, to May 1, 2023, and concerns the bank's handling of corporate customers with a high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. The stock retreated 1 percent.

Retail investor favorite and heating technology firm Nibe announced a minor acquisition, purchasing Italy's Beltrami, which has revenues of approximately EUR 9 million. Nibe fell 1.5 percent.

Construction company Wastbygg's subsidiary, Logistic Contractor, has been commissioned by Swedish Logistic Property to build a 22,000-square-meter logistics facility in Jonkoping. The order value amounts to SEK 153 million. Wastbygg rose 2.9 percent and SLP edged up 0.2 percent.

Furthermore, Sweco has secured an order in Norway worth SEK 140 million. Instalco also received an order in the same country valued at NOK 46 million. Sweco fell 0.5 percent and Instalco dropped 1.1 percent.

In the analyst flow, SB1 Markets initiated coverage on Atlas Copco with a neutral rating and a price target of SEK 190. The stock fell 2.2 percent.

Barclays upgraded Boliden to overweight (from equal weight) with a price target of SEK 650. Meanwhile, Handelsbanken reiterated its buy recommendation with a price target of SEK 610. The stock was up 0.4 percent.