European markets set for green opening following Trump remarks

(Alliance News) – Major European indices are expected to open in positive territory on Tuesday, following gains on Wall Street and recovering from losses recorded at the start of the week.

Buying sentiment in New York was bolstered by comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that military operations in Iran could conclude soon and are proceeding well ahead of initial estimates of four to five weeks.

Oil prices also retreated below the USD100 per barrel mark. Trump expressed readiness to guarantee the security of the Strait of Hormuz, announcing measures aimed at containing energy costs and inflationary risks.

Furthermore, G7 Finance Ministers stated they stand ready to release oil from strategic reserves if necessary.

The FTSE Mib is called to open up 1.9% or 840.0 points after closing Monday down 0.3% at 44,024.96.

In Milan yesterday evening, the Mid-Cap closed down 1.6% at 55,234.30, the Small-Cap shed 1.3% to 34,162.82, while Italy Growth fell 1.3% to 8,372.61.

In Europe, London's FTSE 100 is forecast to rise 0.8% or 77.8 points, Paris's CAC 40 is indicated up 1.6% or 123.4 points, and Frankfurt's DAX 40 is expected to gain 1.5% or 343.5 points.

Returning to Milan's blue-chip index, Leonardo was among the few gainers, rising 6.6% to EUR62.48 per share, driven by Middle East tensions.

Strength was also seen in Eni and Saipem – as crude prices surged – up 2.3% and 4.8% respectively.

Prysmian, however, shed 2.1%, following a 0.5% gain on Friday evening. Notably, AQR Capital Management reduced its short position on the stock to 0.68% from 0.79%.

Assicurazioni Generali – down 0.7% – announced on Monday that it has reached an agreement to sell its P&C operations in Ireland and Northern Ireland to Zurich Insurance Europe and Zurich Insurance Company, UK Branch, both part of the Zurich Insurance Group. The P&C business was previously managed through the Irish and British branches of Generali Spain under the RedClick brand. The sale value is EUR337 million.

Brunello Cucinelli fell 3.8% to EUR72.18, propping up the blue-chip list. JPMorgan Asset Management raised its short position on the stock to 1.11% from 1.05%, while Pertento Partners lowered its short to 0.48% from 0.57%.

On the mid-cap segment, Alerion surged 6.7%, marking its fourth consecutive bullish candle.

Avio – up 2.7% – announced on Friday that Defense Systems and Solutions selected the group for the development, qualification, and initial production of a solid propellant motor for air defense. Defense Systems and Solutions is a joint venture between Yulista Integrated Solutions and Science and Engineering Services, acting as a prime contractor for the U.S. Department of War.

Brembo shed 5.1%, despite announcing on Monday that it signed an agreement with JAC Group, one of China's leading automakers, to develop innovative synergies for future vehicles.

The board of Anima Holding – down 2.8% – approved net inflow data for February 2026, a month that saw negative net inflows of EUR560 million in asset management.

Banca Generali – down 1.1% – reported on Monday that it achieved net inflows of EUR710 million in February, bringing total inflows to EUR1.2 billion since the start of the year. The company noted that the quality of inflows was positive, highlighted by an increase in Assets under Investment flows compared to January, totaling EUR322 million for the month and EUR384 million year-to-date.

In the Small-Cap sector, Class Editori showed strength, closing up 6.1%. The group, which publishes Milano Finanza, could be the subject of a corporate transaction, according to a report by Domani on Monday. Among the interested parties is Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, who is reportedly considering adding the financial publication alongside Il Giorno, a daily whose publisher he controls through QN.

Maurizio Belpietro is also said to be looking at Milano Finanza with interest, having long intended to strengthen his publishing hub with a financial newspaper following a failed 2022 attempt with Verità & Affari. Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone, publisher of Il Messaggero, also remains a figure to watch; he already holds approximately 5% of Class Editori and could play a role in the company's future developments.

Landi Renzo edged up 0.1% to EUR0.82 after two positive sessions.

Banca Profilo ended the session down 4.6% at EUR0.15 per share, following a 2.1% decline in the previous session.

Among SMEs, Green Oleo closed up 4.6%, following a 9.1% gain on Friday.

Growens shed 8.5%, after a 2.6% rise in the previous session, with a final price around EUR2.17 per share.

Maps – down 1.3% – announced it has been awarded a contract by the Puglia Region to upgrade and expand technological systems supporting health prevention campaigns. Specifically, the company will evolve the application currently used by the Region for managing screening, vaccination, and infectious disease surveillance campaigns. The contract is worth approximately EUR1.3 million to Maps over a 24-month period.

Compagnia dei Caraibi closed down 4.9% at EUR0.37, following a 1.0% gain on Friday.

In New York on Monday, the Dow Jones closed up 0.5%, the S&P 500 rose 0.8%, and the Nasdaq gained 1.4%.

In Asian markets, the Nikkei closed up 2.9%, the Shanghai Composite is up 0.7%, and the Hang Seng is advancing 1.9%.

On the currency front, the euro is trading at USD1.1634 from USD1.1595 at Monday's European close, while the pound is trading at USD1.3457 from USD1.3404 yesterday evening.

Among commodities, Brent is trading at USD92.68 per barrel from USD98.00 on Monday, while gold is worth USD5,184.34 per ounce from USD5,107.06 yesterday evening.

Tuesday's macroeconomic calendar includes Italian consumer price inflation data at 1000 CET.

From the U.S., ADP employment data is due at 1315 CET, followed by weekly oil inventories at 2130 CET.

Among Piazza Affari companies, results are expected from Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, Carel Industries, R&TL, Saipem, and Toscana Aeroporti.

By Antonio Di Giorgio, Alliance News reporter

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