FTSE MIB closes 0.9 percent higher as Leonardo leads
Published on 10/16/2026 at 19:13 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSInflation and defense lift Milan
- FTSE MIB closed at 49,857 points on October 16, up 460 points or 0.9 percent.
- Italian inflation reached 4.2 percent year over year in September, up from 3.3 percent.
- Leonardo led the gainers at 4.5 percent, while Technoprobe fell 2.6 percent.
- China releases third-quarter GDP data on October 19 at 4:00 a.m. CEST.
The FTSE MIB closed at 49,857 points on October 16, gaining 460 points or 0.9 percent. Italian inflation reached 4.2 percent year over year in September, up from 3.3 percent, Marketscreener reported.
Leonardo led Milan's blue-chip stocks with a 4.5 percent gain. Brunello Cucinelli also advanced after stronger nine-month sales and higher 2026 revenue guidance, Teleborsa reported.
Why did the FTSE MIB rise on October 16?
Defense stocks helped drive the advance after Italy confirmed plans to raise defense spending to 1.6 percent of gross domestic product in 2027 from 1.3 percent this year. UniCredit gained after the European Central Bank approved a larger Commerzbank stake, while Cucinelli raised its 2026 revenue-growth forecast to 12 percent, Trading Economics reported.
Winners and losers in the FTSE MIB
Closing moves for October 16 from Trading Economics:
- Leonardo up 4.5 percent: defense spending plans supported the stock.
- Brunello Cucinelli up 4.3 percent: the company raised its 2026 revenue outlook.
- Buzzi up 3.9 percent.
- Technoprobe down 2.6 percent: technology stocks remained under pressure.
- Moncler down 2.1 percent: Santander cut its price target.
- Banco BPM down 1.6 percent.
FTSE MIB closes the week 0.2 percent higher
The index ended the week 0.2 percent higher after three positive sessions offset two declines. Trading value on Piazza Affari reached EUR 3.10 billion, while technology shares faced renewed concerns about artificial intelligence investment returns, Marketscreener reported.
What comes next for the FTSE MIB
- October 19, 2026, 4:00 a.m. CEST: China releases third-quarter GDP, retail sales, industrial production and investment data, Reuters reported.
- October 22, 2026: Eni is scheduled to release nine-month results, Marketscreener reported.
FTSE MIB price data for October 16, 2026
The index closed at 49,857 points on October 16, 2026, according to Marketscreener. It gained 460 points or 0.9 percent versus the previous close of 49,398 points.
FTSE MIB by the numbers on October 16, 2026
- Index: FTSE MIB
- Home exchange: Borsa Italiana, Italy
- Close on October 16, 2026: 49,857 points
- Change versus previous close of October 15, 2026: up 460 points (up 0.9 percent)
- Previous close: 49,398 points
- Top gainer: Leonardo up 4.5 percent
- Top loser: Technoprobe down 2.6 percent
- Next scheduled event: October 19, 2026, 4:00 a.m. CEST: China third-quarter GDP data
