Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, European stock markets, including Milan, are on track to end the week in positive territory.
On the macroeconomic front, market attention is focused on December's update of the US PCE index, a closely watched inflation gauge by the Fed, scheduled for 14:30.
Around 12:15, the Ftse Mib is up by 0.97%. Trading volumes are around 1.4 billion euros.
Highlighted stocks:
** Leading the main index is MONCLER, soaring by 11%, driven by fourth-quarter results that beat expectations. "The figures exceeded forecasts both in terms of revenue and margins, thanks to a strong acceleration that appears to be continuing in the first weeks of 2026," comment analysts at Banca Akros, who have upgraded their recommendation to 'buy' from 'accumulate' and raised the target price to 65 from 61 euros.
** Earnings also lifted UNIPOL, which is up more than 6%. The group closed 2025 with consolidated net profit up 36.8% and announced it will propose a cash dividend of 1.12 euros per share, up 31.8% from the previous year. Both results and dividend are above analysts' estimates, putting the group in a position to potentially exceed its 2027 business plan targets.
** Banks are well positioned, with the sector index up 1.3%. BANCO BPM leads the rise with a 2.7% gain, followed closely by MEDIOBANCA (+2.4%), MPS < BMPS.MI (+1.9%), and BPER (+1.8%).
** The energy sector is mixed, after being sold off yesterday following the Council of Ministers' approval of the so-called 'bill decree'. With uncertainty still dominating due to government decisions on the sector, ERG continues to be penalized, down 1.2%, while ENEL, ITALAGS, A2A, HERA, and TERNA recover some ground. ENI and SAIPEM, which closed higher yesterday, are down 0.2% and 0.9% respectively.
** TENARIS, which had rallied the previous day on earnings, is now seeing profit-taking and drops 3.2%.
(Sabina Suzzi, editing Antonella Cinelli)
