The Stockholm Stock Exchange opened higher on Thursday but eventually turned downward into negative territory, a trend that intensified in the afternoon. The market remained focused on developments in the Iran conflict following the peace optimism that lifted exchanges the previous day. Brent crude prices continued to decline throughout the day. Furthermore, the Riksbank left the policy rate unchanged as expected, while its Norwegian counterpart unexpectedly raised its policy rate.

At the close, the OMXS30 index was down 1.52 percent to 3,111.32. Shares worth approximately SEK 27.9 billion were traded on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

The best performance among the exchange's major industrial sectors was consumer staples, with an increase of 0.3 percent. On the other side of the scale, energy was at the bottom, down 3.5 percent.

Among the leading shares included in the OMXS30 index, Boliden rose 1.7 percent while Evolution was up 0.7 percent. The weakest performance came from Sandvik, down 4.9 percent, while Saab B fell 4.4 percent.

Hygiene and health company Essity is initiating a strategic review of its Consumer Tissue global business area. According to the company, the review may lead to a separation of the business, although no decision has been made. Consumer Tissue had sales of SEK 43.5 billion last year, corresponding to 31 percent of Essity's net sales. The announcement came ahead of the company's capital markets day. The B-share was up 0.2 percent.

Technology company Silex Microsystems' share rose sharply on its debut day on Nasdaq Stockholm.
The share traded during the day in the range of SEK 147-225.55 and was up 178 percent to SEK 225.55 at the close. The subscription price was SEK 81.

Mining company Lundin Gold reported record-high free cash flow and net income for the first quarter, driven by high gold prices and stable operations at the Fruta del Norte mine. The company is simultaneously raising its quarterly dividend to USD 1.21 per share (1.15), consisting of a fixed dividend of USD 0.30 and a variable dividend of USD 0.91 per share. The share rose 1.6 percent.

Industry peer Lundin Mining's adjusted EBITDA came in slightly lower than analysts' expectations, while revenue was in line with consensus. The company reiterated its outlook for the full year 2026 regarding production, cash costs, and capital expenditures. The share rose 5.5 percent.

Construction company Skanska reported revenue and operating profit for the first quarter of 2026 that were lower than analysts' expectations. Skanska fell 2.2 percent.

Cash handling company Loomis' adjusted operating profit came in higher than expected at SEK 896 million, compared to the expected 837 million. The share, which traded ex-dividend of SEK 20, rose 4.3 percent. Including the dividend, the increase was a full 9.2 percent.

Forest products company Stora Enso's adjusted operating profit in the first quarter came in significantly higher than consensus. The share on the Stockholm Stock Exchange increased 0.1 percent.

Communication services company Sinch reported a better-than-expected report for the first quarter, regarding both revenue and earnings. CEO Laurinda Pang intends to leave her post. She will remain in the role until a successor has been appointed, but no later than December 31. Sinch rose 4.8 percent.

Real estate company Hufvudstaden reported an increased profit from property management to SEK 408 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 384 million in the same quarter the previous year. The share fell 1.5 percent.

Credit management company Intrum is raising SEK 7.5 billion in new capital, divided into SEK 1.5 billion in a directed share issue and a rights issue of SEK 6 billion. Intrum also released quarterly figures showing that adjusted operating profit was better than expected. Intrum fell by a full 27 percent.

Fiber communications company Hexatronic completed a directed share issue providing gross proceeds of SEK 600 million. The issue was initially intended to be SEK 550 million but was increased by 50 million due to being oversubscribed. The subscription price of SEK 38 represents a discount of 8.2 percent to Wednesday's closing price. Hexatronic fell 3.3 percent.

Furthermore, technology company Micro Systemation announced new financial targets for 2030. The company aims for revenue around SEK 1 billion and an EBITA of at least SEK 200 million. The share was up 9.6 percent.

Balcony manufacturer Balco is initiating the recruitment of a new CEO as Camilla Ekdahl leaves her position with immediate effect. She will remain for a short transition period to ensure an orderly handover. The share rose 2.7 percent.

On the analysis front, it is noted that Citigroup downgraded Tele2 to neutral from buy. Tele2 fell 1 percent.

Citigroup also downgraded Telia to neutral from buy. Telia fell 1.9 percent.

Nordea upgraded Cloetta to buy from hold. Cloetta rose 7 percent.

HC Wainwright initiated coverage on Sobi with a buy rating and a target price of SEK 530. Sobi increased 0.7 percent.

EFN recommends a buy for Kambi. The share was up 3 percent.