(Alliance News) - On Monday, European stock markets opened the week -- mostly -- on a positive note as trading desks prepare for the upcoming central bank meetings in the US, UK and Japan.
Expectations have been high regarding the timing of interest rate adjustments in the U.S. and UK, which are expected in the summer.
In Japan, the possibility of abandoning eight years of negative interest rates is gaining momentum. According to local media reports, the Bank of Japan is expected to abandon its negative interest rate policy at its March meeting. The central bank began its two-day March monetary policy meeting on Monday and will announce its decision on Tuesday.
Citing "sources close to the matter," the Japan Times on Friday said BoJ policymakers have the necessary confidence that a "virtuous cycle" of wage growth and rising prices is underway. This follows the outcome of recent wage negotiations between Japanese employers and unions, which saw stronger-than-expected wage increases.
Thus, the FTSE Mib is rising 0.3 percent to 34,053.26.
The Mid-Cap is advancing 0.2 percent to 47,105.63, the Small-Cap is up 0.6 percent to 27,471.45, and Italy Growth is up 0.1 percent to 8,049.79.
In Europe, London's FTSE 100 is advancing 0.1 percent as is Frankfurt's DAX 40 while Paris' CAC 40 is moving just below par.
On the Mib, DiaSorin is doing best of all, up 3.7 percent to EUR94.94, after Friday's heavy red by virtue of the release of results. The company announced Friday that it ended 2023 with net income down to EUR159 million from EUR240 million as of December 31, 2022. Adjusted net income amounted to EUR224 million from EUR319 million in 2022. Revenues in the period stood at EUR1.15 billion from EUR1.4 billion in 2022.
Also advancing well is Banca Monte dei Paschi, which is up 2.5 percent with price at EUR4.28 per share and touched a 52-week high of EUR4.32 per share after the open.
Purchases also on Leonardo, which is advancing 1.6 percent to EUR21.67. On the stock, Deutsche Bank raised its target price to EUR25.00 from EUR20.80.
Among the bearish few, Nexi is giving up 1.6 percent with price at EUR6.18 per share, in its fourth session on the bearish side.
Also advancing well is Tamburi, which is ahead 3.4 percent, with price at EUR9.51 per share. The stock touched its new 52-week high at EUR9.61 per share.
Salcef is leading the price up 2.5 percent to EUR22.50 per share, breaking a three-session bearish mini-trend.
Good buys also on Mondadori, which is marking a plus 1.9% to EUR2.18 per share after Friday night's 3% loss.
In contrast, d'Amico is giving up 3.7 percent, with new price at EUR6.23 per share after a 4.9 percent green in the previous session.
On the Small-Cap, Bialetti brings the bar up 4.2%, reversing course after two negative sessions.
High quarters also for Beewize, which scores a plus 4.2% at EUR0.6480, after Friday night's 1.0% red.
For GPI, on the other hand, the upside is 3.0%. The company reported Friday that its board of directors approved the sale of the entire share capital of Argentea Srl to Zucchetti Hospitality Srl.
Among the bearish, Neodecortech is stepping back 3.6% to EUR2.98, pulling the oars in the boat after three bullish daily candles.
Among SMEs, Askoll Eva is advancing 4.9 percent, with nuvo price at EUR0.2360, aiming for its third session on the bullish side.
Caribbean Company is raising the bar by 4.0%, after two sessions among the bearish side.
Impianti, on the other hand, is giving up 4.3%, with new price at EUR0.4060, after four sessions among the bullish.
Rear-ends also for Health Italia, which marks minus 3.6 percent, on its fourth bearish candle if confirmed at the close.
In New York on Friday evening, the Dow closed in the red by 0.5 percent, the Nasdaq gave up 1.0 percent, and the S&P 500 closed in the red by 0.7 percent.
Among Asian marketplaces, the Nikkei closed bullish by 2.7 percent, the Hang Seng is picking up 0.1 percent, while the Shanghai Composite scores a plus 1.0 percent.
Among currencies, the euro changed hands at USD1.0895 against USD1.0887 recorded in Friday's European stock close, while the pound is worth USD1.2739 from USD1.2735 on Friday evening.
Brent crude is worth USD85.73 per barrel versus USD85.42 per barrel at Friday's close. Gold, meanwhile, trades at USD2,149.32 an ounce from USD2,167.35 an ounce Friday night.
On Monday's economic calendar, the Spanish trade balance is published at 1000 CET and an hour later the Eurozone consumer price index and trade balance.
Among the companies listed in Piazza Affari, Industrie De Nora, Interpump Group and Zucchi, among others, are expected to report results.
By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News reporter
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