Piazza Affari opened modestly higher Thursday, mirroring the cautious gains seen across European markets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.

By 9:30 a.m., the FTSE MIB index had inched up 0.15%, reflecting a lack of clear market direction.

Investor confidence in the defense sector received a boost following NATO’s confirmation of a 5% GDP target for military spending. Shares of key players like Leonardo (BIT:LDO) rose 1.7%, Avio (BIT:AVIO) gained 2.5%, while Fincantieri (BIT:FCT) led the sector with a strong 5.3% jump, fueled by news of a fresh contract with the Italian Navy.

Meanwhile, telecom stocks also showed strength after Berenberg upgraded ratings for companies such as TIM (BIT:TIT), which climbed 2.2%, and Inwit (BIT:NSCIT3040317), up 1.3%.

In contrast, sectors including banking, automotive, and energy experienced slight declines, reflecting a mixed trading session overall.