Start of session in moderate rise for European stock markets, which are trying to consolidate the recent highs in a context still dominated by caution. Supporting the markets is above all the US macro scenario, in the aftermath of the December inflation data, remained stable at 2,7%, while geopolitical tensions continue to weigh heavily in the background. The spotlight remains onIran, Where the repression of protests is taking on increasingly dramatic contours, and on the institutional clash between Trump and Powell.
Opening on Ftse Eb salt of the 0,31% to 45.663 points, in line with other European markets: CAC 40 +0,42%, FTSE 100 +0,26%, Dax +0,15%, while Madrid advances of the 0,59 %. More weak Amsterdam (-0,10%).
On the American front, the Wall Street futures are moving in negative territory with the market looking at the quarterly results of the big banks: after JPMorgan's accounts, today they are expected Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. The possible implications of new political pressure on the Fed and the possibility of further tariffs linked to the Iranian crisis also remain under observation.
Buzzi rises in Milan, banks remain under scrutiny
At Piazza Affari, attention remains focused on the banking sector, while with the start of the new year, the possibility of a new phase of the game of risk is taking shape. Rumors are circulating again about a possible interest from UniCredit (+0,40%) for the share Dolphin in Ps, a scenario that could rekindle the consolidation of the sector. Also to be monitored Bpm bank, stm, Stellantis, Unipol e Bank Ifis.
Among the blue chips in evidence stands out Buzzi, which advances 2,67% to € 51,95, also supported by the recent update of analysts' ratings. Utilities also did well, with Enel (+ 1,23%), Terna (+ 1,09%), Snam (+ 0,87%), A2A (+ 0,68%) and Italgas (+0,56%). On the rise Recordati (+ 1,04%), Fincantieri (+ 0,83%), Hera (+ 0,79%) and DiaSorin (+ 0,69%).
On the other side of the price list, sales hit Lottomatica Group (-1,25%), Saipem (-0,92%) And Leonardo (-0,92%), while they also fall Prysmian (-0,60%) And Tenaris (-0,50%).
Stay in the spotlight Hera, following the rumours reported by Il Sole 24 Ore on ongoing negotiations for the acquisition of the group Sostelia, a player active in water technology and treatment, a dossier that could be included in the new industrial plan expected in the coming weeks.
Gold and silver hit highs, oil retreats
The precious metals rush. gold updates all-time highs above $4.630 an ounce, supported by bets on future Fed rate cuts and persistent geopolitical uncertainties. New record for silver too, which exceeds 90 dollars an ounce, while platinum and palladium also advance.
Oil prices are falling, however After yesterday's rally, Brent crude fell 0,32% to $65,26 a barrel and WTI crude oil fell 0,41% to $60,90, as the market balanced geopolitical fears related to Iran with rising crude inventories in the United States. Natural gas is also weak in Europe: on the Amsterdam TTF, February futures fell below 31 euros per megawatt hour, thanks to milder temperatures and an improvement in supply prospects.
On the currency, the dollar remains weak against the euro, which exchanges just above 1,164. The Bitcoin temporarily recover area 95 thousand dollars, before folding back slightly.
Asia positive, Tokyo updates records
I Asian markets they mostly closedrising. Tokyo led the gains by updating all-time highs: the Nikkei it closed up 1,48% at 54.341 points (the first time above 54), supported by the prospect of early elections and the possibility of new fiscal stimulus. yen has weakened at its lowest since July 2024, trading at 159,20 to the dollar.
A more interlocutory session for China. Shanghai closed lower by 0,31%, Shenzhen, +0,56%. Hong Kong was positive, with the Hang Seng rising by 0,43%, as were Seoul (+0,65%) and Taiwan, +0,76%. Mumbai moved little (-0,07%) and Sydney was essentially unchanged (+0,14%).
Mixed macro signals also came from China. In December, the trade surplus stood at $114,1 billion, in line with expectations, with exports growing by 6,6% annually, well above forecasts.
