Milan Stock Market Rises Despite ECB Rate Hike

The Milan stock exchange concluded Thursday on a positive note, with its benchmark FTSE MIB index climbing 0.95% to close at 50,504.74 points. This gain occurred despite the European Central Bank's decision to raise interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the key rate to 2.25%.

The broader FTSE Italia All-Share index mirrored this upward trend, advancing 0.92% to reach 53,153.63 points. During the trading session, approximately 531 million shares were exchanged, valued at €4.179 billion (around $4.812 billion).

Investors also closely monitored developments in the Middle East, particularly the recent intensification of attacks between the U.S. and Iran, which added a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to market sentiment.

Among the top performers on the selective index was the oil company Saipem, which saw its shares surge by 5.76%. Technology firm Stmicroelectronics followed with a 5.71% increase. Other notable gainers included Prysmian (4.88%), Avio (4.77%), and Ficantieri (3.70%). Conversely, losses were led by laboratories Diasorin (-2.25%), telecommunications company Inwit (-1.81%), gambling group Lottomatica (-1.11%), alcoholic beverage company Campari (-1.09%), and luxury fashion brand Brunello Cucinelli (-0.99%).