(Alliance News) - European stock markets moved without a single direction on Friday, not far from parity, with caution dominating sentiment in anticipation of a major U.S. labor market report that could solidify "bets" on fewer Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year.

A senior U.S. Federal Reserve official said Thursday that the central bank should proceed cautiously before backing any future interest rate cuts, adding that he sees the December rate cut as the last step for the time being.

On Dec. 17 and 18, the Fed voted 11 to 1 in favor of lowering rates by a quarter percentage point, reducing the benchmark interest rate between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent, despite a rise in inflation. Michelle Bowman said she supported the December cut but would be willing to revise her position. She added that the Fed should be cautious in considering changes to rates as it moves toward a more neutral policy.

Thus, the FTSE Mib is advancing 0.2 percent to 35,398.57 -- the best among Europeans -- and with a put/call ratio at 2.02.

In Europe, London's FTSE 100 is down marginally, Paris' CAC 40 is advancing 0.1 percent, and Frankfurt's DAX 40 is just above par.

Among the smaller lists, the Mid-Cap is floating just below par at 47,726.97, the Small-Cap is fractionally advancing 28,552.88, while Italy Growth is marking minus 0.2 percent at 8,012.59.

On Piazza Affari's largest-capitalization list, Leonardo is off to a good start, rising 2.2 percent to EUR27.93 per share, updating its 52-week high with that price.

Strength also on Banca Monte dei Paschi, which is up 0.9% and pointing to its fifth bullish candle session.

Prysmian's dual listing in New York is imminent, as Milano Finanza writes Friday. CEO Massimo Battaini confirmed in an interview that the group is considering a dual listing in the U.S., with the decision expected on Capital Market Day March 26-27. The second listing, after Milan, is expected to take a year to complete, the financial newspaper continued. n addition, Battaini pointed out that Trump's return to the White House could favor Prysmian, which generates 35 percent of revenues in the US. The stock is advancing 0.1 percent.

Stellantis -- down 0.1 percent to EUR12.41 -- may be targeting an experienced profile to lead the group after Carlos Tavares' departure, Il Corriere della Sera wrote Friday. Among the candidates is Mike Manley, former CEO of Fiat Chrysler and promoter of the relaunch of Jeep.

On the Mid-Cap, Cembre advances well, posting a gain of 0.9 percent, on the heels of eve's green with 0.2 percent.

Purchases also prevail on Salvatore Ferragamo, which appreciates 0.7 percent, continuing Thursday's 1.7 percent gain.

Cementir Holding gave up 1.3%, after the 0.6% red in the previous session, setting the price at EUR10.58.

Banca Generali -- in the black with 0.1 percent -- reported Thursday that in December it recorded net inflows of EUR980 million, up 18 percent, thus achieving "the best year-end close," the company points out. For the full year, total cumulative inflows amounted to EUR6.6 billion, up 14 percent year-on-year, exceeding the guidance of EUR6.5 billion.

On the Small-Cap, Digital Bros advances well, posting a plus 5.0% at EUR11.60 per share, rebounding after three bearish sessions.

Bestbe Holding advances more than 16 percent in double digits before going into a volatility auction. It reported Thursday that 84,706 new shares with the same characteristics and rights as the shares already outstanding were issued to bondholder Tenet Securities Ltd, resulting from the conversion of a total of 10 convertible bonds.

BasicNet -- in the green by 2.1 percent -- reported Thursday that the Kappa brand and soccer club AS Monaco have unveiled an exclusive uniform, developed in collaboration with Parisian haute couture brand KOCHÉ.

Olidata, on the other hand, marks minus 3.5 percent, after two sessions ended with bullish candle.

Among SMEs, Frendy Energy pushes the price ahead by more than 13 percent to EUR0.2840, taking the top spot in the segment.

Giglio.com - in the green by 2.6 percent - announced the launch of a new line of business aimed at synergistically connecting its ecosystem of partners. Thus, it launched the Community Shopping project: a catalog of fashion apparel and accessories is made available to affiliated multi-brand stores, thanks to which, each partner will be able to serve the clientele of its physical boutique by drawing, in real time, from this digital catalog that has nearly 100,000 references per season.

Mare Group - flat at EUR4.48 - on Thursday announced the achievement of total funding of EUR23.5 million, consisting of EUR15.5 million in equity, subscribed in the recent ABB transaction, and EUR8 million in new financing, which stems from contracts signed with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti for EUR5 million and with BPER Banca Spa for EUR3 million.

Portobello, on the other hand, is giving up 5.8 percent, in its fourth bearish session.

In New York yesterday, stock exchanges were closed for the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter.

In Asia, the Nikkei gave up 1.1 percent, the Hang Seng closed down 0.9 percent, and the Shanghai Composite closed down 1.3 percent.

Among currencies, the euro changed hands at USD1.0305 against USD1.0300 on Thursday in closing European equities. In contrast, the pound is worth USD1.2292 from USD1.2306 last night.

Among commodities, Brent crude is worth USD77.60 per barrel from USD77.06 per barrel at Thursday's close. Gold trades at USD2,677.46 an ounce from USD2,684.59 an ounce last night.

Friday's macroeconomic calendar includes an update on retail sales at 1000 CET from Italy.

In the afternoon, at 1430 CET, from the US is the private sector payrolls data.

The day will close at 1900 CET with the release of the report on U.S. Baker Hughes drilling rigs.

Among the companies in the Piazza Affari, no particular events are expected.

By Maurizio Carta, Alliance News reporter

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