The FTSE MIB rose 0.2% to 43,209 on Thursday as investors paused after consecutive sessions of strong gains driven by rising expectations of a US rate cut next month. Progress toward a potential Russia-Ukraine ceasefire also supported sentiment. Leonardo gained 1.4% as uncertainty over a full deal persisted. Autos advanced, with Ferrari up 1.5% and Stellantis 0.7%. Utilities traded mostly higher, led by Enel at 0.8%. Meanwhile, financials were mixed: UniCredit rose 0.4%, Azimut 2.4%, while Intesa Sanpaolo slipped 0.1%. MPS fell 4.6% amid an investigation of the CEO and major shareholders Francesco Caltagirone and Delfin over undisclosed agreements linked to the Mediobanca acquisition and possible market manipulation.