The FTSE MIB edged higher to around 53,700 on Friday, remaining close to record levels, as markets digested fresh financial-sector earnings while assessing the next phase of industry consolidation. Monte dei Paschi rose 0.4% after reporting better-than-expected Q2 profit and evaluating strategic alternatives amid Intesa Sanpaolo’s takeover bid. Unipol reported a 42% year-on-year increase in first-half net profit, supported by strong performance in its insurance business, although its shares fell more than 1%. Larger lenders UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo advanced 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Outside the financial sector, defense stocks were among the strongest performers, with Leonardo and Avio advancing more than 2% and 5%, respectively. For the week, the benchmark index is heading for its best week in five.