(Alliance News) – European markets closed mixed on Thursday, as attention remained focused on earnings results and, at the same time, on an AI-driven disruption that is reshaping the exchanges.
On the macroeconomic front, the latest US unemployment data showed a decrease that fell short of expectations, according to the Department of Labor. The figures could prompt the Fed to adopt a more cautious rate policy.
The Mib ended down 0.6% at 46,222.95 points, the Mid-Cap lost 0.4% to 60,271.63, the Small-Cap slipped 0.4% to 36,301.89, while Italy Growth closed marginally higher at 8,719.52 points.
The CAC 40 gained 0.3%, the DAX 40 lost 0.1%, and the FTSE 100 dropped 0.8%.
"The FTSE 100 lost ground today despite its new all-time high, weighed down by losses in BP. Caught between payroll data and the consumer price index, US markets failed to maintain momentum, even as European stocks continue to outperform their US counterparts, with the CAC 40 hitting a new record high," noted Chris Beauchamp of IG.
The analyst added: "US equities still do not offer a compelling risk-reward profile, especially as AI-related fears keep shifting from one sector to another. This is still a bull market, of course, but one where energy and consumer staples lead is not the environment that generates the highest returns."
At Piazza Affari, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero on Thursday outlined a picture of industrial expansion based on technological competitiveness, business integration, and strengthening international presence, indicating the group aims to consolidate its leadership in complex shipbuilding while expanding into more innovative activities.
The company stated that net profit will not be less than €110 million, reaching this target a year ahead of schedule, with positive results also on the deleveraging front. The stock rose 2.9% to €16.50 per share.
The board of Iveco Group – down 0.4% – approved the 2025 accounts, closing with an adjusted net profit of €312 million, down from €520 million in 2024, with an adjusted diluted earnings per share of €1.16 compared to €1.91 in the previous year.
According to Bloomberg, Stellantis – up 3.4% – is reportedly considering exiting the US battery joint venture StarPlus Energy with Samsung SDI, as part of a strategy to reduce exposure to electric vehicles and safeguard liquidity after writedowns exceeding €22 billion.
Buzzi closed down 8.9% at €46.44 per share, while Ferrari gained 1.9%, alongside positive performances from Brunello Cucinelli, up 4.5%, and Inwit, up 2.5%.
On the Mid-Cap, the board of Arnoldo Mondadori Editore approved the main consolidated preliminary figures for 2025, not yet audited, and the 2026 guidelines presented by CEO Antonio Porro.
The group closed 2025 with revenues of €931.5 million, down 0.3% from €934.7 million in 2024. The stock fell 2.1%.
Ascopiave – up 3.0% – approved the 2026-2029 strategic plan, a path which – the company explains – aims for sustainable growth by leveraging both ongoing investments and the potential award of new gas distribution concessions, while maintaining financial balance and a dividend policy described as rewarding and progressively increasing.
Carel Industries gained 8.2%, while ERG fell 4.6%.
Deutsche Bank Research reaffirmed its "buy" recommendation on Banca Generali – up 0.8% – with a target price of €66.00, compared to a February 11 close at €53.60, after fourth-quarter results were deemed in line with operational expectations despite market volatility.
On the Small-Cap, Gefran's board of directors – down 0.5% – released consolidated results as of December 31, 2025, reporting revenues of €139 million, up 4.8% from €132.6 million the previous year.
The increase includes the contribution from the acquisition of CZ Elettronica, consolidated since last April for a total value of €1.6 million.
BasicNet – down 2.2% – released preliminary results as of December 31, 2025, reporting consolidated revenue of €415.8 million, up 1.6% from €409.2 million in the previous year.
Immsi – up 1.5% – announced that its subsidiary Intermarine Spa has started developing an innovative autonomous surface vehicle for the Navy, designed with high modular capabilities to integrate various systems and sensors.
Softlab – down 0.4% – signed a preliminary agreement to acquire the Consulting and Facility Management business units of Synthesis3.
Tesmec, which during the session reached a 52-week high at €0.2090, closed up 5.4%, while OPS Retail ended down 19%.
Among SMEs, First Capital – down 1.5% – announced that as of December 31, 2025, total Net Asset Value reached €106.7 million, surpassing the €100 million threshold for the first time.
ESI – up 1.1% – secured financing from Banca Italiana per l'Ambiente e l'Energia for the construction and commissioning of a proprietary 1.65 MW photovoltaic plant located in Nettuno, developed through the recently acquired vehicle company ED Solar 2 Srl.
iVision Tech – up 4.8% – wrapped up MIDO 2026 with better-than-expected results, recording a 175% increase in orders over the three-day event compared to the previous edition and entering four new countries via distribution agreements.
Circle announced it had signed a contract with a leading Italian logistics and transport company, worth about €120,000. The stock closed flat at €9.24 per share.
TMP Group – down 11% – announced a new partnership with Songu Europe for the design and construction of exhibition spaces for major trade shows in Italy and across the continent.
In New York, the Dow was down 0.8%, the Nasdaq 1.7%, and the S&P 500 1.1%.
On the currency front, the euro changed hands at USD1.1866 from USD1.1873 at Wednesday's European equity close, while the pound traded at USD1.3624 from USD1.3648 last night.
Among commodities, Brent was trading at USD67.95 per barrel from USD69.98 per barrel last night, while gold was valued at USD4,936.17 per ounce from USD5,073.13 per ounce on Wednesday evening.
On Friday's economic calendar, at 0900 CET, Spain will release its consumer price index, while at 1300 CET in the UK, a speech by Pill from the Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled.
At 1430 CET in the US, focus will be on the consumer price index, while at 1900 CET, Baker Hughes data on total drilling rigs is due.
At Piazza Affari, results are expected from Intempump, Sanlorenzo, and three other companies.
By Michele Cirulli, Alliance News Reporter
Comments and questions to redazione@alliancenews.com
Copyright 2026 Alliance News IS Italian Service Ltd. All rights reserved.
