Italian Stocks Gain

The FTSE MIB ended 0.9% higher at 51261 on Tuesday, tracking a broadly positive mood across European and US markets, supported by lower oil prices and bond yields. Heavyweight financial stocks led the advance, with the sector remaining in focus amid ongoing M&A activity in the Italian banking sector. UniCredit (1.6%), Intesa Sanpaolo (1.3%), Bper Banca (1.5%) and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (2.3%) were higher. In contrast, Telecom Italia lost 3.7%, Leonardo fell 2.2% and Tenaris lost 2.8%. The energy sector was also under pressure, with Eni falling 1.1%