The FTSE MIB rose 0.5% to close at 42,410 on Monday, supported by signs of recovery in Italy’s manufacturing sector. After nearly 18 months of contraction, the headline HCOB PMI edged into growth at 50.4 in August. Also on the macroeconomic front, Italy’s unemployment fell to an 18-month low of 6.0% in July. Leonardo shares surged 4.5% to lead the gains in Milan and track the broader defense sector, after EU Commission President Von der Leyen stated the EU is preparing plans for military deployments to Ukraine as part of negotiated security guarantees. Telecom Italia also advanced with a 3.3% jump, while Campari lost 1.4% for a mixed session for discretionary brands.