(Alliance News) - European stock markets are set to open sharply lower on Monday, following fresh tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposal, aimed at exerting political pressure for the acquisition of Greenland, includes the imposition of punitive tariffs on European countries opposing the initiative.
In particular, the targeted NATO members — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands — face the introduction of 10% tariffs starting February 1, with a potential increase to 25% from June if no agreement is reached. The news has triggered an immediate surge in risk aversion across European indices.
On the political front, European leaders are said to have begun consultations on possible retaliatory measures, including the revival of a plan, already discussed last year, to impose tariffs on U.S. goods. According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for the activation of the EU's anti-coercion instrument, signaling a possible escalation in transatlantic trade tensions.
The Mib — after closing Friday's session down 0.1% at 45,799.69 points — is currently marking a loss of 572.00 points.
The CAC 40 is down by 145.50 points, the DAX 40 is retreating by 298.30 points, while the FTSE 100 is losing 52.80 points.
Among the smaller indices on Friday, the Mid-Cap closed up 0.2% at 61,345.70, the Small-Cap ended down 0.6% at 37,853.18, and Italy Growth contracted by 0.1% to 8,864.31.
On Piazza Affari, Monte dei Paschi di Siena ended Friday down 4.2%. By mid-March, both the industrial plan for the group with Mediobanca — which saw a 3.5% sell-off — as requested by the European Central Bank, and the list of candidates the outgoing board will propose to the April 16 shareholders' meeting for the renewal of top management, must be presented.
Additionally, MPS has successfully completed the placement of a European Covered Bond — Premium — Conditional Pass Through type, maturing January 22, 2030, aimed at institutional investors, for a total amount of EUR750 million.
Still on the M&A front, "Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone has had no contact with MPS CEO Luigi Lovaglio for several weeks," reads a statement from the group denying rumors of ongoing direct talks between the two. Caltagirone's stock, among midcaps, closed down 2.1%.
Italgas — flat at EUR10.17 — is accelerating its biomethane strategy with the connection of a new plant in Porto Tolle, Rovigo province, capable of transforming agricultural waste into enough energy for about 2,400 families.
The new Ferrari shareholders' agreement, down 2.1%, which secures a total of 32% of the capital, significantly redefines the balance between the two main shareholders, Exor and Piero Ferrari.
The agreement grants the founder's son wide latitude, allowing him to sell up to 5% of the Maranello company at any time without invalidating the pact and, crucially, to withdraw from the agreement at his own discretion.
For Antonio Filosa of Stellantis — down 3.0% — the current year will be crucial for expanding the U.S. market with more profitable brands such as Jeep and Ram.
Leonardo has signed an agreement to acquire Enterprise Electronics Corporation, a U.S. company specializing in the development, production, and maintenance of meteorological radar instruments and satellite receiving stations for meteorology, hydrology, research, and aviation, both military and civilian. The stock rose 1.7%.
Eni, up 0.8%, announced together with partners China National Petroleum Corporation, ENH, KOGAS, and XRG, in Geoje, South Korea, the launch of the Coral North FLNG hull off northern Mozambique, in line with the project schedule.
Campari closed up 3.8 at EUR5.844%; Brunello Cucinelli ended down 5.4%.
On the Mid-Cap, Ferretti — up 0.6% — announced that Ferretti International Holding purchased 235,000 ordinary shares of the company. The shares were bought at an average unit price of EUR3.53, for a total value of EUR829,550.
MAIRE, which through subsidiary Nextchem won two contracts in China, led the gains with 5.9% at EUR13.95 per share, followed by WIIT up 4.7% at EUR23.35.
On the smaller index, luxury closed the basket with marked selling: Salvatore Ferragamo fell by 4.8%.
Among small caps, Antares Vision — up 0.2% — announced that Consob has suspended the review period relating to the takeover bid launched by Crane NXT Inspection and Tracking Technologies.
The consolidation among smaller banks continues, pending the decisive phase for larger institutions. The next key date is January 26, when Banca Cf+ launches its OPAS on Banca Sistema, which gained 0.2%.
Generalfinance — down 0.8% — successfully completed the private placement of additional unsecured bonds for a total of EUR20 million, reserved exclusively for qualified investors.
Caleffi was the day's best performer on the index with a 2.6% gain.
Among SMEs, Eles — flat at EUR3.18 per share — announced that the board has appointed Alessandro Violante as a new member of the board of directors. The appointment follows the failed nominations of Michael Bosco, not confirmed by shareholders, and a director proposed by Mare Group, which closed down 3.0%.
Haiki+, up 0.9%, reported that IGERS, in which it holds a 24.5% stake and which is active in textile waste recycling, has received authorization for the construction of a new textile recycling plant. The project involves a total investment of EUR6 million.
Metriks AI, with no trades, issued a EUR1.8 million bond for bolt-on acquisitions.
Marzocchi Pompe closed up 9.8% at EUR2.24 per share.
In New York, markets will remain closed today for Martin Luther King Day.
In Asia, the Nikkei fell 0.7%, the Shanghai Composite closed up 0.3%, while the Hang Seng is retreating by 1.0%.
On the currency front, the euro is trading at USD1.1637 from USD1.1598 at Monday's close of European equities, while the pound is trading at USD1.3408 from USD1.3391 on Monday evening.
Among commodities, Brent is trading at USD63.65 per barrel from USD64.41 per barrel on Friday, while gold is valued at USD4,592.69 per ounce from USD4,599.53 per ounce on Friday evening.
On Monday's economic calendar, the German Buba report is due at 1200 CET, while French BTF auctions are scheduled from 1500 CET.
At Piazza Affari, results from I Grandi Viaggi are expected.
By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News Reporter
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