Finland's equity market closed lower on Thursday, with the OMX Helsinki 25 falling 0.90% at the end of trading in Helsinki. Broad sector weakness - led by Industrials, Utilities and Telecoms - exerted downward pressure on the benchmark.
Among constituents, Qt Group Oyj (HE:QTCOM) was the top performer, advancing 5.63% - an increase of 1.52 points - to finish at 28.54. Outokumpu Oyj (HE:OUT1V) rose 2.09% or 0.13 points to close at 6.11, while SSAB AB B (HE:SSABBH) gained 1.77% or 0.15 points to end the session at 8.74.
On the downside, Wartsila Oyj Abp (HE:WRT1V) led losses, sliding 3.01% or 1.10 points to close at 35.49. Sampo Oyj A (HE:SAMPO) declined 2.09% or 0.19 points to end at 9.08, and Hiab Oyj (HE:HIAB) fell 1.60% or 0.85 points to 52.40.
Market breadth favored sellers on the Helsinki exchange, with 103 decliners versus 65 advancers and 23 stocks finishing unchanged. The session produced some notable share-price milestones: Outokumpu's shares reached three-year highs, rising to 6.11, and SSAB AB B moved to all-time highs at 8.74.
Commodity markets posted gains during the European session. Brent crude for August delivery increased 0.96% or 0.89 to trade at $93.14 a barrel. US crude for July delivery was up 1.27% or 1.13, reaching $89.81 a barrel. The August gold futures contract rose 0.72% or 32.25 to trade at $4,513.75 a troy ounce.
In foreign exchange markets, EUR/USD was effectively unchanged, moving 0.20% to 1.16, while EUR/GBP was unchanged by 0.07% at 0.87. The US Dollar Index Futures was lower by 0.17% at 98.99.
Market snapshot
- OMX Helsinki 25: -0.90%
- Top gainers: Qt Group Oyj (HE:QTCOM) +5.63%, Outokumpu Oyj (HE:OUT1V) +2.09%, SSAB AB B (HE:SSABBH) +1.77%
- Largest decliners: Wartsila Oyj Abp (HE:WRT1V) -3.01%, Sampo Oyj A (HE:SAMPO) -2.09%, Hiab Oyj (HE:HIAB) -1.60%
Trading activity produced a visibly higher number of falling stocks than rising ones, reflecting the session's sector-led weakness. Commodity price increases were recorded for Brent and US crude oil as well as gold futures.
Index composition and breadth
The day’s performance shows the index was pulled lower by losses concentrated in Industrials, Utilities and Telecoms. Despite the overall decline, select industrial and materials names registered gains, including one reaching a three-year peak and another an all-time peak.
The exchange closed with 103 stocks down, 65 up and 23 unchanged, underscoring the uneven nature of the session.