Italy: FTSE MIB Closes Flat.

The FTSE MIB closed little changed at 53,693 on Thursday, remaining in a narrow range after reaching record levels earlier in the week, as positive developments across sectors offset broader macroeconomic concerns. Saipem rose 3.6% after securing a $2 billion offshore contract in the Middle East. Nexi advanced 2.4% following reports that CDP is preparing to increase its stake to 29.9%, becoming the company’s largest shareholder without launching a takeover bid. UniCredit gained 0.8% amid reports that the ECB is leaning toward approving its takeover bid for Commerzbank, with the stock reaching its highest level in nearly 17 years. On the downside, uncertainty over Middle East peace talks kept energy markets volatile, with oil and natural gas prices remaining elevated. Unipol, Inwit and Moncler fell less than 1%. Eni slipped 0.9%, tracking lower global oil prices. In turn, utilities extended their recent decline.