European Stocks Mixed; Defense Sector Dips, Commodities Rise

European stock markets are showing mixed performance, with declines in the defense sector being balanced by gains in commodity-related stocks. Investors are closely watching for signals on future monetary policy, particularly potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026.

European Markets Overview

The pan-European STOXX 600 index is up by a marginal 0.06% to 587.07 points in midday European trading, retreating from a record peak of 589.61 earlier in the session. Germany's DAX is down 0.06%, while the UK's FTSE 100 is up 0.03%. France's CAC 40 is up 0.11%, and Milan's Ftse Mib is down 0.2%.

Top Performers

Mercedes Benz is the top blue-chip performer in Europe, up 1.3%, followed by other German companies like Basf and Adidas, with similar gains.

Defense Sector Downturn

The defense sector is under pressure following weekend talks between President Zelensky and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, which hinted at potential peace in the coming weeks. Rheinmetall in Frankfurt is down 2.65%, while Thales in Paris is also experiencing selling pressure.

Commodity Market Surge

Commodity companies are on the rise, driven by the Bloomberg Commodities index reaching a three-year high. In London, Glencore is up 2%. However, precious metals have seen a slowdown. Silver, after surpassing $80 an ounce, is down 5% at $75 an ounce. Gold is at $4,465 an ounce, down 1.5%. Platinum is down 5%, and Palladium is down 12%.

Berikut tabel harga logam mulia terkini:

Monetary Policy Outlook

In the last week of trading for the year, investors are focusing on upcoming monetary policy decisions, particularly anticipating at least two interest rate cuts by the Fed in 2026. The minutes from the Federal Reserve's December 9-10 meeting, which decided on the fourth US rate cut of the year, will be closely scrutinized. US labor market data, including weekly ADP employment and unemployment claims, are also expected this week. Futures on Wall Street indices indicate a slightly lower opening.

Currency and Bond Market Update

The euro is trading at 1.175 against the dollar, after rising 0.5% last week. Bulgaria will adopt the euro on January 1st, replacing the lev.

Italian Bond Market

The 10-year BTP yield is at 3.52%, and the Bund yield is at +2.85%, resulting in a spread of 68 basis points.

Oil Market Trends

Brent crude oil is up 1.7% at $61.7 a barrel. President Donald Trump recently mentioned a new US military initiative against drug trafficking from Latin America. There was also a US military attack on terrorist structures in Nigeria. Supporting growth statements from Beijing are influencing demand. Bitcoin's gains have been erased, now at $87,020.

Piazza Affari Performance

Piazza Affari is showing uncertainty in the penultimate session of 2025, with the Ftse Mib down 0.2%.

Defense Stocks in Milan

Defense stocks are also weak in Milan, with Leonardo leading the declines at -3.68%, followed by Fincantieri at -1.78%. However, both stocks are set to close a record year in 2025.

Berikut adalah performa saham-saham sektor pertahanan di Milan:

Other Notable Stock Movements

WIIT

WIIT (+1.44%) has renewed two contracts for over 8.5 million euros, according to a company note. WIIT is a major European operator in Cloud Computing services for mission-critical applications.

DiaSorin

DiaSorin (+3.24%) has received FDA authorization for Liason Nes, a new generation molecular diagnostics platform designed to bring lab-quality testing closer to patients with greater speed, accuracy, and ease of use in a compact, fully automated device.

Berikut adalah pergerakan saham-saham lainnya:

Intesa Sanpaolo

Intesa Sanpaolo (+0.02%) is changing its Compliance and Risk management. From January 1, 2026, Francesca Nieddu will be responsible for the Chief Compliance Officer area, while Mauro Senati will be responsible for the Chief Risk Officer area. Davide Alfonsi and Piero Boccassino will continue as Senior Advisors, reporting directly to CEO Carlo Messina.

Banca Monte Paschi

Banca Monte Paschi (+1%) is close to obtaining ECB approval for changes to its statute, allowing the board of directors to present a list of candidates for renewal, according to Corriere della Sera. The board's list will likely be the only one presented to nominate the majority of board members, as key shareholders are not expected to present competing lists.

Share Buybacks

Cir (-0.28%) is buying 175,000 of its own ordinary shares for over 123,000 euros. Tenaris (+0.89%) is buying back its own shares for over 39 million euros.

Prysmian and Fincantieri

Prysmian (-0.07%) and Fincantieri Spa (-1.37%) have signed an agreement to acquire Xtera Topco Limited, a UK and US-based company and a leader in submarine telecommunications systems, allowing Prysmian to become a competitive global player in the sector in a joint venture with Fincantieri to acquire Xtera.

Berikut adalah rincian aktivitas pembelian kembali saham:

Nexi

Nexi (+1.9%) - Worldline has no intention of merging with Nexi or selling its assets in Italy, according to Worldline CEO Pierre-Antoine Vacheron in an interview with la Repubblica.

Stellantis

Stellantis (-0.7%) - Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor aims to sell 1 million cars in 2026 through a global expansion strategy in collaboration with Stellantis, according to CEO Zhu Jiangming.

Enav

Enav (-0.1%) - The Treasury may sell a 15% stake, retaining control with a 38% stake, according to La Repubblica.

Maire

Maire (+0.8%) announced on Wednesday that its company Nextchem has signed a binding agreement to acquire the entire share capital of the Ballestra Group, a leading global operator in licensing, design, and engineering of transformation plants, as well as the supply of proprietary technologies and equipment for the chemical industry.

Berikut adalah ringkasan pergerakan saham-saham penting:

Conclusion

European markets are navigating a complex landscape of shifting sector performances and anticipation of future monetary policy decisions. Investors remain focused on key economic data and corporate developments as they close out the year.