An article in the New York Times reporting that Iranian agents are discussing terms to end the conflict has reversed the trend of U.S. stock index futures, which are now moving slightly higher.
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered insurance guarantees for navigation in the Gulf and stated that the U.S. Navy could escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, seemingly easing concerns over a broader energy crisis.
Around 12:40 pm, Brent Crude was up about 1% at $82.1 per barrel.
At the same time, the Ftse Mib index rose 1.6%. Volumes were around 2 billion euros.
Today's standout stocks
** Banks rebounded after being heavily hit in recent days, with the sector index up 1.7%. UNICREDIT gained 2.3%, while INTESA rose 1.8%. The top performer was POP SONDRIO, jumping 3.7%.
** Bucking the trend, however, was MPS, down 1.9%, weighed by reports that the nominations committee did not include CEO Luigi Lovaglio in the shortlist for today's board renewal. A trader noted that the market reacted poorly to Lovaglio's exclusion, as he had overseen the entire operation involving MEDIOBANCA (-1.86%). Consequently, governance issues triggered selling in the shares of the Siena-based bank.
** In the defense sector, LEONARDO remained strong with a 2.5% surge, followed by FINCANTIERI, also up 2.5%.
** Some uncertainty persisted among utilities, penalized by the spike in gas and electricity prices. ENEL gained 1.2%, partially recovering after recent losses, with a similar trend for A2A. ITALGAS slipped 0.5% following fourth quarter 2025 results, which were "slightly better than expected on Ebitda," according to an Equita daily report.
** MAIRE rose 1.2% ahead of its 2025 results and today's update of its strategic plan.
** LOTTOMATICA soared over 8%, hitting its highest level since early January after yesterday's rally following results that beat expectations.
** STELLANTIS also drew buying interest, up 4%.
(Giancarlo Navach, editing Andrea Mandalá)
