Mixed Results for European Markets, Modest Buying on the Mib

(Alliance News) - On Monday, major European markets closed mixed amid ongoing geopolitical turmoil involving Venezuela, Iran, and the fragile peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

In the US, the debate remains open regarding Jerome Powell's succession at the helm of the Federal Reserve, which has recently come under investigation—probes that Powell was quick to frame as part of the retaliatory measures President Trump is allegedly using to influence a more accommodative monetary policy.

The Mib ended trading marginally higher at 45,732.20 points, the Mid-Cap slipped 0.4% to 60,792.89, the Small-Cap gained 0.5% to 37,826.35, and the Italy Growth index advanced 0.2% to 8,855.11 points.

The CAC 40 retreated 0.1%, the DAX 40 closed up 0.5%, and the FTSE 100 inched up 0.1%.

On the Milan Stock Exchange, FinecoBank's board reported total inflows since the beginning of the year of EUR13.4 billion, with the number of clients surpassing 1.8 million.

In December, net inflows reached an all-time high of nearly EUR1.67 billion, up 37% from EUR1.21 billion in December 2024. The stock edged up 0.1%.

Generali entered into a partnership with UNIDO for sustainable coffee production in Africa, with its shares rising 0.4% to EUR34.95 each.

Eni—up 0.1%—announced plans to issue a new perpetual fixed-rate subordinated hybrid bond for institutional investors as part of its Euro Medium Term Note program.

Azimut Holding's board—down 0.1%—highlighted record results in both inflows and net profit. The group expects to close the year with a net profit exceeding EUR515 million, above its previously communicated target of EUR500 million.

Fincantieri reported that its Norwegian subsidiary Vard has signed a new contract with Ocean Infinity for the design and construction of four Multi-Purpose Robotic Vessels.

The total value of the agreement exceeds EUR200 million. The stock topped the rankings with a 3.9% gain to EUR20.24.

Buzzi performed well, hitting a 52-week high with a 3.2% increase. Lottomatica and Stellantis lagged behind, down 4.5% and 4.3%, respectively.

Iveco Group, flat at EUR18.825, announced Monday the launch of a new program between the Iveco brand and technology partner PlusAI, a global leader in AI-based virtual driving software for autonomous trucks.

Banca Mediolanum—down 0.3%—successfully completed the issuance of a EUR500 million Senior Preferred Bond maturing in five years (January 2031), with a call option starting January 2030.

On the Mid-Cap, according to an assessment by MarketScreener, Danieli & C presents a solid overall picture. The analysis shows that over 70% of listed companies underperform in terms of growth, profitability, debt levels, and business visibility. The stock gained 1.1%.

Banca Generali's board—down 0.3%—released 2025 figures, confirming that all fundraising targets for the year were met, despite a complex market environment marked by extraordinary events. 2025 inflows exceeded EUR6.8 billion.

Ferretti announced that Ferretti International Holding has purchased 205,000 ordinary shares of the company at an average unit price of EUR3.1737, for a total value of EUR650,608.50. The stock, topping the index with an annual high, rose 4.5%.

Banco Desio Brianza ended at the bottom with a 3.4% decline.

On the Small-Cap, Esprinet named Roberto Sasso as its new Chief Financial Officer, with the stock up 0.2%.

Also in governance news, Biesse—down 0.9%—announced the appointment of Caterina De Rossi as Chief Human Resources Officer and executive with strategic responsibilities.

Piquadro reported consolidated revenue of EUR136.8 million for the first nine months of the year, up from EUR134.6 million as of December 31, 2024.

For the Piquadro brand, revenues stood at EUR54.4 million, down 5.1% compared to the first nine months of 2024. The stock rose 0.8%.

OPS eCom—up 12% on buying interest—announced that Meridiana Holding has finalized the sale of 16.9 million shares of the company to Fortezza Capital Holding, which will assume full control of the group.

Altea Green Power performed well, up 7.2%, while EPH ended at the bottom with a 12% decline.

Among SMEs, Marzocchi Pompe—up 6.7%—announced the granting of a new patent for the reversible version of its Elika pump family.

The patent was granted by the UIBM—the Italian Patent and Trademark Office of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy—and the European portion (EP24711633.8) is now in the process of being issued.

TMP Group—up 1.0%—announced the launch of a new visual and strategic identity, involving its logo, tagline, and website, as part of its growth trajectory.

The company explained that the rebranding aims to more clearly represent the group's current profile and future direction.

RedFish Listing Partners—up 1.1%—is accelerating on the fundraising front. The board, a holding company for innovative participations and services, approved the issuance of the second and final tranche of the bond loan called "RedFish Listing Partners Spa – 6% Eur 2025-2030," already resolved in July 2025.

Growens—down 1.1%—released preliminary data for the fourth quarter of 2025 and annual sales, highlighting growth in both business lines.

CrowdFundMe—up 0.8%—approved its consolidated financial statements for 2025, closing with improved operating results. The group posted total inflows of EUR34 million, up 15% from EUR29.5 million in 2024, confirming the strength of its model and the growing interest in alternative investment instruments.

Eles—up 0.3%—announced Monday it has received further orders from one of the world's top four foundries, already an established client, for the supply of ART Medium Power systems, with delivery expected in the first half of 2026.

H-FARM's board, up 15%, decided to return value to shareholders with a special dividend. The board resolved to propose to the shareholders' meeting a one-off payout of EUR0.06 per share, totaling EUR12 million.

In New York on Friday, the Dow Jones fell 0.1%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained 0.1%.

In currency markets, the euro traded at USD1.1679 from USD1.1631 at Friday's close in Europe, while the pound traded at USD1.3470 from USD1.3431 on Friday evening.

Among commodities, Brent crude traded at USD63.53 per barrel from USD63.47 per barrel at Friday's European close, while gold was valued at USD4,614.66 an ounce from USD4,504.32 an ounce on Friday evening.

On Tuesday's economic calendar, UK retail sales data is due at 0101 CET, followed by a speech from BoE Governor Bailey at 1000 CET.

At 1110 CET, there is an auction of 3-year Italian BTPs. US employment and consumer price data are expected from 1415 CET, and at 1600 CET, the economic optimism index and new home sales figures will be released.

On the Milan Stock Exchange, LU-VE results are expected.

By Michele Cirulli, Alliance News Reporter

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