Finland's stock market finished the Thursday session slightly higher, with gains concentrated in Technology, Oil & Gas and Consumer Services. At the close in Helsinki, the OMX Helsinki 25 advanced 0.01% to register a new all-time high.
Leading the index on the upside was Neste Oyj (HE:NESTE), which climbed 2.19% - an increase of 0.46 points - to close at 21.43. Metso Oyj (HE:METSO) followed, adding 1.90% or 0.32 points to finish at 16.87. Kojamo (HE:KOJAMO) also posted a positive result, rising 1.51% or 0.14 points to end the session at 9.77.
On the downside, Fortum Oyj (HE:FORTUM) was the weakest performer, slipping 1.84% or 0.37 points to close at 19.77. KONE Oyj (HE:KNEBV) dropped 1.60% - a fall of 1.02 points - to 62.78, while Nordea Bank Abp (HE:NDAFI) declined 1.28% or 0.22 points to finish at 16.53.
Market breadth was modestly positive, with 96 stocks advancing versus 75 that fell on the Helsinki Stock Exchange; 19 names ended the day unchanged.
Commodities saw notable moves during the session. Brent crude for April delivery increased 2.26%, or $1.59, to trade at $71.94 a barrel. U.S. crude for April delivery rose 2.55%, or $1.66, reaching $66.71 a barrel. In metals, the April Gold Futures contract ticked up 0.09%, or $4.36, to trade at $5,013.86 a troy ounce.
Currency and index futures were mixed. The euro was essentially unchanged against the dollar, quoted at 1.18 with a 0.20% change noted, while EUR/GBP was listed at 0.87 with a 0.18% change. The US Dollar Index Futures was higher by 0.24%, at 97.86.
Session takeaway
The Helsinki market posted a marginal overall gain even as gains were concentrated in a handful of sectors and individual stocks. Oil price gains were among the most conspicuous market developments outside equities, and several large-cap names finished lower.