MILAN (Reuters) - A session of realizations in Piazza Affari and European stock markets more broadly. Weighing on the decline in Asian stock markets this morning, as investors position themselves ahead of key U.S. inflation data expected this afternoon.

Adding to the uncertainty of the scenario is the new jump in oil prices, which increases the tension related to price pressure, complicating the outlook on rates.

Next up tomorrow will be the ECB's turn, with markets ready for a possible hike after recent statements by 'hawks'.

Around 11:55 a.m. the Ftse Mib index is down 0.70 percent. Volumes just above 640 million.

Not much to report today with markets effectively congealed.

Down are banks with the sector index down 0.3%. Among the biggies, Intesa Sp falls 0.3 percent and UniCredit 0.6 percent. On the rise, however, Mps, which jumps 1.6 percent, again at the mercy of rumors and expectations of the institution's privatization.

Campari (-0.85%) remains weak after the -4.2% recorded yesterday due to the classic "sell on news" effect caused by the surprise announcement of the resignation of current CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz, who has decided to retire from his position as of April 2024. According to Equita, "the news is slightly negative, given Kunze-Concewitz's successful leadership in his 16-year tenure as group CEO. However, yesterday's reaction seems excessive to us."

Oil stocks change course with Saipem down 1.3 percent on realizations after its recent run, while Eni remains positive and rises 0.35 percent. Brent crude oil prices above $92 per barrel support the prices of these stocks.

Utilities sell off in general. In particular Terna and Snam lose more than 1.5 percent penalized by the new rise in the yields of the 10-year Btp in direct competition with the yield of the energy sector.

Down sharply Cnh at -2.8%, Stellantis at -0.65%.

Outside the main basket, Saea Getters soars 12.2% after it received a favorable opinion from the Federal Trade Commission yesterday on the sale of its medical Nitinol business to U.S.-based Resonetics. Equita upgraded "the target to 38 euros per share from 32 euros, leaving the gross Nav unchanged."

Unieuro falls, penalized by Banca Akros downgrade linked to weakness in the electronics market after Esprinet's weak half-year results.

(Giancarlo Navach, editing Andrea Mandalà, Francesca Piscioneri)