Futures point higher on US-Iran negotiation rumors

(Alliance News) - European stock markets are set for a higher opening, bolstered by improving sentiment surrounding a potential reopening of dialogue between the US and Iran, alongside a simultaneous easing of inflationary pressures.

The more constructive tone reflects a partial unwinding of the geopolitical risk premium after President Donald Trump indicated signs of contact from Tehran, suggesting the possibility of resumed negotiations toward a more lasting ceasefire.

This development contributed to a correction in energy prices, with oil retreating following recent tensions linked to the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Consequently, the FTSE Mib - after closing down 0.2% at 47,527.16 points - is currently indicating a gain of 220.00 points.

Among the secondary indices yesterday evening, the Mid-Cap shed 0.3% to 56,046.13, the Small-Cap finished 0.4% lower at 33,847.24, while Italy Growth slipped 0.3% to 8,654.65.

London's FTSE 100 is up 6.70 points, Paris's CAC 40 is advancing by 21.80 points, while Frankfurt's DAX 40 is posting a gain of 174.00 points.

Returning to Milan, on Piazza Affari's blue-chip index yesterday evening, Leonardo featured among the minority of gainers, rallying 2.7% to EUR 57.80 following a 5.3% decline in the previous session.

Poste Italiane also showed strength, closing up 2.6% at EUR 22.13. Notably, BofA upgraded the stock to "buy" from "underperform" and raised its price target to EUR 28.80 from EUR 21.50.

Tenaris advanced 1.1% to EUR 25.73 per share, recovering from a 0.9% loss in the prior session.

Conversely, Enel shed 0.4% to EUR 9.82 per share. According to this week's analysis by Claudio Guerrini on Evaluation.it, Enel presents a lower-than-average market risk profile, thanks to a beta below 1 and the defensive nature of the sector, characterized by stable cash flows and high geographical diversification. Applying valuation models based on discounted cash flows and Economic Value Added, the analyst sets a theoretical value for the stock at EUR 9.37 per share.

Brunello Cucinelli retreated 2.0% to EUR 82.14 per share. Berenberg reiterated its "buy" recommendation and a target price of EUR 120.00, unchanged, in light of a first quarter that exceeded expectations and growth visibility that remains high over the medium term. Analysts Nick Anderson, Harrison Woodin-Lygo, and Vani Mohindra highlighted double-digit retail growth across all regions and a positioning that continues to stand out in the luxury sector.

On the mid-cap segment, GVS showed strength, surging over 10% after a 1.9% gain the previous day. The company announced on Monday its decision to launch a voluntary partial public tender offer for up to 23.3 million treasury shares, representing approximately 12% of the share capital. The offer excludes 1.7 million treasury shares currently held by the company, representing 0.9% of the share capital.

De' Longhi - up 1.0% - announced on Friday that a new share buyback program totaling approximately EUR 60 million will commence on April 13. The buyback will run for a maximum of six months.

Webuild closed the session down 5.1% at EUR 2.52 per share, following a 3.5% gain on Friday evening. Notably, Mirabella Financial Services reduced its short position on the stock to 0.93% from 1.08%.

Selling pressure also hit Cementir Holding, which saw its price drop 3.2% after a 2.6% gain in the previous session.

Enav shed 2.0% to EUR 5.29 per share, following a 1.3% loss on Friday with a final price of EUR 5.26 per share.

On the Small-Cap index, Seco gained 5.5%. The company announced on Monday that it has extended its collaboration with Hitachi Energy.

Following an initial one-year phase focused on the development and integration of the Clea framework, Hitachi Energy signed a multi-year agreement with Seco to adopt the solution as a key element in the evolution of its Energy Connect platform, according to the company's press release.

Enervit rallied 4.6%, continuing its upward streak with a final price around EUR 4.57 per share.

Gas Plus shed 2.5% to EUR 6.36 per share. Banca Akros maintained its view on the stock but raised the target price to EUR 8.00 from EUR 6.50 for August 2025, citing a potential upside of 9.0% due to results slightly above estimates and a "significant improvement in the net financial position."

Trevi Finanziaria Industriale retreated 5.7% to EUR 0.2986 per share, marking its third consecutive bearish candle.

Among SMEs, Green Oleo closed up 4.8%, following a 0.8% gain in the previous session.

Destination Italia - flat at EUR 0.28 - announced on Friday that it closed the first quarter of the year with consolidated sales revenues of EUR 21.9 million, up 1.6% compared to EUR 21.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. The contribution margin reached EUR 2.9 million, a 16% increase compared to EUR 2.5 million in Q1 2025.

Siav - up 2.5% - announced it has signed a binding agreement to acquire 9.1% of Atacod Srl through a total investment of EUR 1 million, based on a pre-money valuation of EUR 10 million. The transaction, announced by Siav, is part of the group's growth strategy and aims to broaden its technological offering by integrating advanced expertise in business process automation via artificial intelligence.

Estrima shed 5.8%, following an 8.7% gain on Friday evening, with a final price of EUR 0.1065 per share.

In New York, during the European evening, the Dow closed up 0.6%, the Nasdaq rose 1.2%, while the S&P 500 advanced 1.0%.

Among Asian markets, the Nikkei is up 2.3%, the Shanghai Composite is 0.3% higher, while the Hang Seng is advancing 0.3%.

On the currency front, the euro is trading at USD 1.1764 from USD 1.1706 on Monday evening, while the pound is trading at USD 1.3514 from USD 1.3454 yesterday evening.

Among commodities, Brent is trading at USD 98.45 per barrel from USD 101.37 per barrel yesterday evening, while gold is valued at USD 4,764.32 per ounce from USD 4,707.84 per ounce yesterday evening.

Tuesday's macroeconomic calendar includes the ADP employment report at 1415 CEST, while Balz of the Bundesbank and Barkin and Collins of the Fed are scheduled to speak at 1900 CEST.

On the corporate front, results are expected from Bastogi, Telesia, Triboo, and Vimi Fasteners.

By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News reporter

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