Piazza Affari follows the rebound movement of the rest of Europe after its recent descent and proceeds to rise moderately, although the tone remains subdued due to the closing of U.S. markets on Thanksgiving Day.

Also recovering is the Cac40, which was under pressure yesterday due to political tensions in France over the budget maneuver, while early data from individual German states shows a new uptick in inflation in November. The overall national figure will be released at 2 p.m.

In Milan, meanwhile, around 12 noon the Ftse Mib rises 0.4 percent. Thin volumes around 600 million.

Among the headlines:

In sharp recovery the automotive sector after declines triggered by fears about US import duties pre-announced by Donald Trump. Iveco up 3.7 percent, Stellantis up 2 percent.

Banks up moderately, led by Mps' +1.7%. Unicredit rises 0.6% while Banco Bpm is steady at -0.1%.

Nexi (+3.4%) remains bright ignited by rumors that Cdp is considering buying the interbank network (Rni) from the payments group.

Tonic Leonardo (+1.6%) on expectations that the Gcap program will expand to Saudi Arabia. "The news would be positive as it would allow cost sharing, reducing industrial risk, and secure orders from an additional country; however, the effects are diluted over the long term," Equita comments.

Energy and utilities down.

(Claudia Cristoferi, editing Stefano Bernabei)