Mib bullish; strength on banking stocks.

(Alliance News) - Piazza Affari advanced positively on Monday, with a good boost from the banking segment, as traders await clarity on President Donald Trump's intiative U.S. tariffs policy, which will go into effect -- if confirmed -- on April 2.

Trump on Friday suggested that there could be "flexibility" in the plan, while reports over the weekend indicated that the duties could be narrower in scope.

Investors are closely monitoring ceasefire talks aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with U.S. officials scheduled to hold a meeting with Russian counterparts later today, following discussions with Ukrainian diplomats on Sunday.

Thus, the FTSE Mib is marking a green of 0.4 percent at 39,201.42 points.

London's FTSE 100 is rising 0.2 percent as is Paris' CAC 40, while Frankfurt's DAX 40 is in the green by 0.5 percent.

The Mid-Cap is advancing in the green by 0.1 percent to 50,875.95, the Small-Cap is advancing 0.3 percent to 28,971.99, while Italy Growth is in the green by 0.3 percent to 7,859.81.

On the Mib, strength on Banca Mediolanum, which is up 2.7 percent to EUR15.02 per share. Of note, JP Morgan began coverage on the stock with target price at EUR17.40 per share.

Forz also on FinecoBank, which is rallying 1.9% to EUR18.80 per share after three sessions closed among the bearish.

Unipol, on the other hand, moves ahead 1.8 percent to EUR15.58, touching a new annual high during the session at EUR16.62 per share.

Vivendi has begun to reduce its stake in Telecom Italia -- in the green by 1.0 percent -- selling about 5 percent of shares in the last week, dropping from 23.8 percent to 18.4 percent and cashing in about EUR220 million. As Milano Finanza reports, on March 21, the French partner notified Consob that it had dropped below 20%. After further divestments, the stake is now at 18.4 percent of ordinary shares and 13.2 percent of share capital.

Iveco Group -- in the green by 0.2 percent -- values the divestment of its defense division -- Iveco Defence Vehicles -- to raise up to EUR1.5 billion, capitalizing on growing demand for military assets. According to Bloomberg, the Exor-controlled group is in talks with potential buyers, including Leonardo, which could submit a bid with Rheinmetall. The sector is booming, driven by rising global military spending. In addition to Leonardo and Rheinmetall, other defense groups and private equity funds would also be interested.

In contrast, Monler - among the few bearish performers - gives up 1.6 percent, in its third bearish session.

On the Mid-Cap, strength on Juventus FC, which is proceeding bullish by 2.2 percent. Technical guidance has now passed to Igor Tudor, who replaces Thiago Motta on the Turin club's bench.

Banca Generali, on the other hand, advances 1.9%, after two bearish sessions and with price in the EUR52.75 per share area.

The top of the list is for Philogen, which advances 2.4% to EUR19.15 per share and with accounts expected on Thursday.

Queue of the list for Salvatore Ferragamo, which shows a bearish candle of 3.0%, heading for the fourth session to end in negative balance.

MAIRE takes a step back 1.4 percent to EUR8.62, after the 1.3 percent surplus with which it closed Friday evening. Of note, Barclays cut its target price on the stock to EUR11.00 per share.

On the Small-Cap, Generalfinance moves up 4.9% to EUR16.20. Of note, surante the session touched a new high on the 52-week range at EUR16.50.

FILA - in the green by 2.7 percent - reported Friday that it closed the 2024 fiscal year with a normalized net profit of EUR40.9 million, up from EUR30.9 million a year earlier. Group net income, including extraordinary items, was EUR81.8 million, down from EUR170.6 million in 2023.

In contrast, Aeffe advances 3.9 percent to EUR0.6960 per share, after three sessions ended among the bearish.

Among the bearish, list minority, Aquafil, on the other hand, gives up 3.5 percent, subject to profit-taking after three bullish sessions.

Among SMEs, Pozzi Milano -- in the green by 2.2 percent -- announced Monday that it had completed the acquisition of 90 percent of Venditio SAS, a French master agent specializing in tableware and kitchenware products, based in Montélimar. The acquisition includes an option to purchase the remaining 10 percent by April 30, 2027. The deal is a strategic move to strengthen Pozzi Milano's presence in France, a key area for its growth. The agreement provides for a total consideration of EUR750,000, of which EUR675,000 has already been paid for 90 percent of Venditio's capital. Pozzi Milano will have the option to acquire the remaining 10% in two tranches between July 1, 2025 and April 30, 2027.

Growens advances 3.2 percent to EUR3.90 per share, rebounding after three sessions closed among the bearish.

Alfonsino--forward 6.3 percent--reported Monday that it has signed a national agreement with Befed Franchising Srl, a historic Bergamo brand known for its barbecued cockerel and craft beers. The agreement calls for the integration of the Alfonsino delivery service in Befed restaurants located in the areas covered by the platform, initially with the activation of the service at the Centro Commerciale Campania based in Marcianise, in the province of Caserta.

At the tail end, FAE Technology is giving up 3.6 percent, following a 4.5 percent green in the previous session.

H-Farm, on the other hand, is giving up 2.7 percent, after two sessions in which the stock closed unchanged.

In New York on Friday evening, the Dow rallied 0.1%, the Nasdaq closed up 0.5%, and the S&P 500 rallied 0.1%.

In Asia, the Hang Seng closed advancing 0.9 percent, the Shanghai Composite picked up 0.2 percent, while the Nikkei gave up 0.2 percent.

Among currencies, the euro changed hands at USD1.0849 against USD1.0819 in Friday's European stock close. In contrast, the pound is worth USD1.2963 from USD1.2917 on Friday evening.

Among commodities, Brent crude is worth USD72.64 per barrel from USD72.07 per barrel at Friday's European stock close. Gold trades at USD3,028.56 an ounce from USD3,014.89 an ounce Friday evening.

Monday's macroeconomic calendar includes in the afternoon from the US the release of the manufacturing and services PMI at 1445 CET. At 1845 CET, however, a Bostic speech from the Federal Reserve will be given.

By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News reporter

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