Finland's principal market closed in positive territory on Monday, with the OMX Helsinki 25 adding 0.97% at the Helsinki close. Broad sector gains in Utilities, Oil & Gas and Financials were the principal drivers behind the uptick in the benchmark.
Among constituents of the OMX Helsinki 25, Fortum Oyj led the session's gainers, finishing up 2.77% - a rise of 0.56 points to close at 20.76. Kesko Oyj also posted strong performance, rising 2.56% or 0.52 points to end the day at 20.84. Qt Group Oyj finished higher as well, up 2.17% or 0.50 points to 23.56 in late trade.
Not all stocks moved higher. Hiab Oyj was the largest decliner among the named names, slipping 1.56% or 0.80 points to close at 50.50. Nokia Oyj eased 1.47% or 0.18 points to finish at 11.73, and Mandatum Oyj declined 0.88% or 0.05 points to 5.64 at the close.
On breadth, market data reported an unusual count: falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Helsinki Stock Exchange by 87 to 87, with 16 issues unchanged. The phrasing in the exchange data reflects the reported figures without adjustment.
Commodities traded with mixed direction during the session. Brent oil for July delivery rose 1.53% - gaining $1.67 - to settle at $110.93 a barrel. U.S. crude for July delivery also advanced, up 1.82% or $1.84 to $102.86 a barrel. By contrast, the June Gold Futures contract moved lower, down 0.29% or $13.18 to trade at $4,548.72 a troy ounce.
Foreign exchange and dollar indicators were relatively stable: EUR/USD was quoted as unchanged at 1.16 with a 0.19% figure attached, while EUR/GBP was noted unchanged at 0.87 with a 0.50% figure attached. The US Dollar Index Futures was reported down 0.24% at 98.97.
The session output painted a picture of selective stock-level leadership supporting a modestly higher headline index, while commodity moves were notable primarily for gains in oil and a decline in gold futures. Market participants looking across sectors should note that Utilities, Oil & Gas and Financials were cited as the day's sectoral drivers.
Data points and price levels used in this report reflect the exchange and market figures as reported at the close of trading in Helsinki.