The roar of theIsraeli attack on Iran marked this Friday, June 13, heavily influencing global financial markets. The European stocks closed lower, following the negative trail of the Asian markets and theWall Street starts in the redThe military escalation in the Middle East, with the destruction of various nuclear sites and the subsequent declaration of war by Tehran, has fueled strong fears of instability and concerns about a possible widening of the conflict. The American president Donald Trump commented on the crisis in harsh tones, issuing an ultimatum to Iran to accept a nuclear deal and announcing that future Israeli attacks could be "even more brutal." Meanwhile, the Israeli army is preparing for possible retaliation, issuing a warning to the entire population in view of possible attacks.
In Milan the Ftse Mib lost 1,28%, closing at 39.438,75 points, in line with other major European financial markets. Frankfurt loses 1,09%, Paris 1,04%, Madrid 1,23% and London 0,36%. Wall Street is also feeling the tension: the Dow Jones leaves 0,90% on the ground, Nasdaq 100 0,46%, and theS&P 500 0,40%. Among the fear signals of the markets, the volatility index VIX jumped 17%, returning to its highest level since late May.
Markets down, but gold, oil and gas soar
The immediate effect of the escalation was seen in the rush to safe haven assets and energy commodities. The Oil prices is recording a surge: WTI for July delivery has exceeded $74 a barrel (+8%), while Brent for August has broken through $75, up 8,5%. gas in Amsterdam rose by 5%, settling at 38,2 euros per megawatt hour.
On the currency, the dollar strengthened, bringing the euro/dollar exchange rate below the 1,15 threshold. Also their, a traditional safe haven in times of crisis, gained 1,62%, settling at 95,47 euros per gram.
At Piazza Affari, the Energy and Utilities Stocks they are the only ones in positive, with Eni (+ 1,04%), Italgas (+ 1,09%), A2a (+ 0,90%), Tenaris (+ 0,16%) and Saipem on the rise, driven by the surge in raw materials. Also Leonardo (+0,43%), the main defense stock, limited its losses, benefiting from the increased focus on strategic sectors.
Banks in trouble, waiting for the Mediobanca meeting
The day was overall negative for most Italian stocks. Among the worst performers in the Milan stock exchange are nexi (-4,93%), Campari (-3,40%), Stellantis (-3,39%), Azimuth (-3,20%) And Amplifon (-3,14%). Stellantis, in particular, was also penalized by Trump's recent statements on possible 25% increase in car tariffs, fueling new uncertainties in the automotive sector.
In banking sector tensions related to the risk of the sector are intensifying. Banca Popolare di Sondrio (-2,45%) has defined as “risky and uncertain” thepossible merger with Bper (-1,28%), criticizing the public purchase offer, but recognizing that the price is right. Attention is focused on theMediobanca meeting (-1,67%) on Monday, considered crucial for the command structure of Italian finance and future moves on Generali (-1,47%).
Lo Spread between BTP and Bund rises at 96 basis points (+1,91%), with the yield on the Italian 3,50-year bond at XNUMX%, slightly up.
