(Alliance News) - European stock markets opened on a positive note, continuing the rebound from the previous session. Selling pressures on the AI-linked sector, which had triggered profit-taking and sector rotation, appear to be easing, with a more stabilized risk appetite prevailing.
On the geopolitical front, there has been a moderate reduction in the risk premium. The US and Iran have reached an agreement on the "guiding principles" regarding the nuclear dossier. Additionally, Russia and Ukraine have concluded two days of peace talks mediated by the US, contributing to a less tense market environment.
On the institutional front – according to the Financial Times – Christine Lagarde is reportedly considering stepping down from the ECB before her term ends in 2027. The prospect of her resigning before next year's French presidential election would open up an unprecedented scenario of transition in Eurozone monetary governance.
The Mib is thus marking a 0.7% gain at 46,113.27 points.
Among the secondary indices, the Mid-Cap is up 0.1% at 59,213.12, the Small-Cap is up 0.3% at 35,807.18, while Italy Growth slips 0.1% to 8,683.83 points.
Other European exchanges are also positive, with the CAC 40 up 0.4%, the DAX 40 advancing 0.6%, while the FTSE 100 posts a 0.6% gain. The Euro Stoxx 50 is also up 0.6%, with Siemens AG leading the pack, up 3.2%.
On the Mib, Leonardo leads the way with a 2.6% rise, following a 1.0% decline in the previous session.
The board of directors of Monte dei Paschi unanimously approved, after a lengthy meeting, the path towards integration with Mediobanca, in line with what was outlined a year ago in the offer document and already reviewed by the ECB.
The board announced it will proceed with the "full integration" of Mediobanca, of which Siena holds 86.3%, through a merger by incorporation and the subsequent delisting of the Milanese institution.
Banca Monte dei Paschi is up 3.1%, while Mediobanca soars 7.3%.
Recordati – up 2.2% – announced Tuesday that it closed fiscal year 2025 with a net profit of EUR443.6 million, up 6.5% from 2024, while adjusted net profit rose to EUR651.1 million, an increase of 15% from the previous year. Consolidated net revenues stood at EUR2.62 billion, up 12% from 2024, or 8.3% on a like-for-like basis at constant exchange rates.
Iveco Group – just below parity – reported Tuesday that Empresa Casal has strengthened its fleet for the Seville metropolitan area with 17 new Iveco Bus vehicles, thereby enhancing local public transport service. The supply is part of the Spanish operator's fleet renewal plan and provides for the deployment of the new buses on urban and metropolitan routes in the area.
In the mid-cap segment, ERG moves up 2.6%, following a 4.9% gain in the previous session.
Strength for CIR, up 1.4% at EUR0.7360, heading towards its fourth consecutive bullish session if confirmed at close.
The board of Edison – down 3.3% – on Wednesday evening approved the financial statements as of December 31, closing with a net profit of EUR240 million compared to EUR403 million in 2024. The board will propose a dividend distribution of EUR0.035 per ordinary share and EUR0.065 per savings share, for a total of EUR170 million.
Sales also hit Juventus FC, down 2.1% after a heavy defeat in Istanbul that could jeopardize their Champions League run and related revenues.
On the Small-Cap, Bastogi rises 4.4% to EUR1.17, after a 2.2% loss the previous day.
IGD advances 4.1%, following a 2.4% gain the previous day. The stock – which has a market cap of around EUR – is listed on the MarketScreener platform with an average target price of EUR3.93 according to three analysts, roughly in line with the current market price.
Somec – up 2.8% – announced Wednesday it had acquired a new order worth over EUR41 million for the benefit of the Mestieri division, specializing in the design and creation of customized interiors through its subsidiary TSI – Total Solution Interiors. The order concerns three cruise ships of a new design class, under construction at a major Italian shipbuilding group for a leading North American operator in the sector.
Mondo TV – down 1.7% – announced Tuesday the signing of two new distribution agreements for the preschool series "Lola on Board" with RSI, Radiotelevisione Svizzera di lingua italiana, and De Agostini Editore, an Italian publishing and media operator. The agreements cover audiovisual rights for the series, co-produced by Mondo TV together with Digitalcomedia and Tile, and provide the company with a guaranteed minimum, as well as other standard market economic conditions.
Among SMEs, Emma Villas shows strength, rising 2.9% to EUR1.43 per share, following a 4.5% gain in the previous session.
The board of Casta Diva Group – up 0.7% – announced Wednesday it has reviewed the preliminary consolidated revenue figure for 2025, with revenues reaching EUR134.9 million, up 11% from EUR121.9 million in the previous year.
Magis – flat at EUR10.00 – announced Tuesday that between February 5 and 16, it bought back 4,770 of its own ordinary shares at an average price of EUR9.8439 each, for a total of EUR36,951.34. To date, the company holds 24,418 treasury shares, equal to 0.4% of the share capital.
Sales for Xenia Hotellerie, down 4.7% to EUR3.28 per share, after two consecutive sessions in the green.
Among Asian markets, the Nikkei closed up 1.0%, while Hong Kong and mainland China remained closed for the New Year.
On the currency front, the euro is trading at USD1.1831 from USD1.1828 at Tuesday's European stock close, while the pound is at USD1.3560 from USD1.3528 Tuesday evening.
Among commodities, Brent is trading at USD67.85 per barrel from USD67.11 per barrel last night, while gold is valued at USD4,920.89 an ounce from USD4,877.13 an ounce last night.
On Wednesday's economic calendar, at 1300 CET in the US, attention turns to mortgage data, while the industrial production report is scheduled for 1515 CET. At 2230 CET, the estimate for weekly oil inventories will be released.
At Piazza Affari, results are expected from Brunello Cucinelli.
By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News Reporter
Comments and questions to redazione@alliancenews.com
Copyright 2026 Alliance News IS Italian Service Ltd. All rights reserved.
