The Stockholm Stock Exchange has reversed early gains to trade in negative territory at midday on Thursday. Markets remain focused on developments in the Middle East following yesterday's rising optimism for peace. Brent crude fell sharply yesterday and has continued its descent today, dropping by over 2 percent. During the morning session, the Riksbank left the policy rate unchanged as expected, while the Norwegian central bank surprised markets with a rate hike.

At around 12:55 PM, the OMXS30 index was down 0.36 percent at 3,148.11. Shares worth approximately SEK 8.7 billion had changed hands on the Stockholm bourse.

Basic materials led the major industrial sectors with a 1 percent gain.
At the other end of the spectrum, energy lagged behind, falling 2.3 percent.

Among the blue-chip stocks in the OMXS30 index, Boliden rose 2.7 percent while SCA B gained 0.5 percent. Saab B was the worst performer, shedding 2.6 percent, while Hexagon B declined 1.8 percent.

Hygiene and health company Essity reaffirmed its financial targets at its Capital Markets Day. These include annual organic sales growth exceeding 3 percent and an EBITA margin, excluding items affecting comparability (IAC), of over 15 percent.

Essity is also initiating a strategic review of its global Consumer Tissue business area. According to the company, the review may lead to a divestment or spin-off of the business, although no decision has yet been made. Consumer Tissue generated sales of SEK 43.5 billion last year, representing 31 percent of Essity's net sales. The B-share was up 0.5 percent.

Technology firm Silex Microsystems' initial public offering was several times oversubscribed. The company gained 14,000 new shareholders as trading commenced on Nasdaq Stockholm today. The subscription price was set in advance at SEK 81 per share. During today's session, the stock has traded between SEK 147 and SEK 210 and is currently up 141 percent at SEK 195.

Mining company Lundin Gold reported record-high free cash flow and net earnings for the first quarter, driven by high gold prices and stable operations at the Fruta del Norte mine. The company simultaneously raised 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 stock climbed 5.9 percent.

Sector peer Lundin Mining reported adjusted EBITDA slightly below analyst expectations, while revenue was in line with consensus. The company reiterated its 2026 full-year outlook regarding production, cash costs, and capital expenditures. The stock rose 5.9 percent.

Construction group Skanska reported first-quarter 2026 revenue and operating profit that fell short of analyst estimates. Skanska shares dropped 1.6 percent.

Forest products company Stora Enso's adjusted operating profit for the first quarter came in significantly higher than consensus. Its shares on the Stockholm bourse increased 1.7 percent.

Communications service provider Sinch reported first-quarter results that beat expectations on both the top and bottom lines. CEO Laurinda Pang intends to step down from her post. She will remain in the role until a successor is appointed, but no later than December 31. Sinch shares eased 0.5 percent.

Real estate company Hufvudstaden reported an increase in profit from property management to SEK 408 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to SEK 384 million in the same quarter last year. The stock fell 1.7 percent.

Credit management firm Intrum is raising SEK 7.5 billion in new capital, split between a SEK 1.5 billion directed share issue and a SEK 6 billion rights issue. Intrum also released quarterly figures showing that adjusted operating profit was better than expected. Intrum shares plunged over 20 percent.

Fiber communications company Hexatronic completed a directed share issue raising gross proceeds of SEK 600 million. The issue was initially intended to be SEK 550 million but was increased by SEK 50 million due to oversubscription. The subscription price of SEK 38 represents an 8.2 percent discount to Wednesday's closing price. Hexatronic fell 2.5 percent.

Furthermore, technology company Micro Systemation announced new financial targets for 2030. The company aims for revenue of approximately SEK 1 billion and an EBITA of at least SEK 200 million. The stock rose 8.6 percent.

Balcony manufacturer Balco is beginning 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 stock rose 3.4 percent.

On the analyst front, Citigroup downgraded Tele2 to neutral from buy. Tele2 fell 0.9 percent.

Citigroup also downgraded Telia to neutral from buy. Telia retreated 1.2 percent.

Nordea upgraded Cloetta to buy from hold. Cloetta rose nearly 8 percent.

HC Wainwright initiated coverage on Sobi with a buy rating and a price target of SEK 530. Sobi increased 0.5 percent.

EFN recommends a buy for Kambi. The stock remained unchanged.