The week European stock markets start cautiously, be careful of the Updates on the conflict in Ukraine and the vote in Germany on investment plan promised by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, scheduled for tomorrow. Anarrow approval, thanks to the support of the Greens. Investors are also monitoring macroeconomic data, especially those coming from the United States, and the decisions of the main central banks (Fed, Bank of Japan, Bank of Canada and Bank of England). Over the weekend, the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, warned that he does not rule out a possible recession, Wednesday will be the Wednesday Fed meeting, awaiting signals on the impacts of trade policy.
READ MORE: Stocks, optimism returns on Europe and China
In the middle of the day the European markets are all positive but with moderate gains. The best at the moment is Madrid. In Italy, attention is focused on February inflation which rose by 1,6% and on the possible reform of the "debt brake". Meanwhile, theOECD cuts global growth forecast, with GDP expected at 3,1% in 2025 and 3% in 2026, down 0,2 and 0,3 points respectively from December estimates. For Italy, growth estimates have been revised downwards, with GDP forecast at +0,7% in 2025 and +0,9% in 2026, with a cut of 0,2 and 0,3 points compared to the December forecast. For 2024, Italian growth has been revised upwards, rising to +0,7%, with an increase of 0,2 points.
In the market of raw material, Petroleum is rising thanks to China's economic measures to stimulate consumption and developments in Yemen. The Brent exceeds $71 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate exceeds $67. In contrast, the natural gas drops below 42 euros per Megawatt hour, with a 1,2% drop to 41,7 euros. Theeuro salt 0,17% to $1,088, awaiting economic data such as the Italian consumer price index and U.S. retail sales. Bitcoin returns above $83.
In Milan, Spotlight on Stellantis for the possible transfer of Maserati production from Turin to Modena. The Minister of Industry, Adolfo Urso, announced that the government will allocate 2,5 billion euros over three years for support the car components.
Banking Risk: the voluntary takeover bid has started di Banco Bpm on Anima, aiming to acquire a 45% stake to pursue its integration plans, although this is not enough for a merger while the Government has given the go-aheadok to Banca Ifis for the takeover bid on illimity Bank without Golden Power. The entire banking sector is rising, where the Ps, pink jersey of the day, which gains over 4,5% and Mediobanca.
Saipem Shoots which benefits from the increase in oil prices and a target price revised upwards by Jefferies, from 3,50 to 3,70 euros. Analysts see resistance at 2,142 and 2,196 euros. Citigroup has instead Prysmian's target price lowered from 73 to 69 euros, maintaining the “Buy” rating. Berenberg raised the target price on BRUNELLO CUCINELLI from 120 to 125 euros (buy rating) but the stock does not benefit from it and is currently the worst on the list.
It still goes up Leonardo, driven by the European arms race and by new orders coming from Airbus.
Lo spread Btp-Bund falls to 105 basis points.
I Asian markets close higher, supported by hopes for peace in Ukraine. The Seoul Stock Exchange is the best performer in the area, up 1,7%. Tokyo and Sydney are up 0,9% and 0,8% respectively. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index is up 0,96%, while Shanghai and Shenzhen are just above parity, after the Industrial production in China increased 5,9% in the first two months of 2025, marking a better than expected figure, but down from December. Beijing has launched a plan to stimulate domestic consumption, with the aim of increasing incomes and stabilizing markets.
Wall Street opens weak but above par as investors focus on the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on the economy. Macroeconomic data is coming out: a report from the Department of Commerce showed that Retail sales rebounded less than expected in February, following a revised 1,2% decline in January.
