Helsinki's stock market faced downward pressure on Friday, with the OMX Helsinki 25 index closing down by 0.69%, reflecting widespread declines particularly in the Financials, Basic Materials, and Oil & Gas industries.
Standing out amidst the general downturn, Nokia Oyj (HE:NOKIA) advanced 2.77%, increasing by 0.15 points to finish at 5.71. Similarly, Fortum Oyj (HE:FORTUM) experienced a gain of 2.59%, adding 0.51 points to reach a closing price of 20.00. Orion Oyj B (HE:ORNBV) also appreciated, rising 1.01% or 0.70 points to end the session at 70.10.
Conversely, some of the most pronounced declines were seen in Sampo Oyj A (HE:SAMPO), which dropped 5.19% or 0.51 points to 9.28 at the close. Qt Group Oyj (HE:QTCOM) decreased by 2.06%, or 0.64 points, settling at 30.42. Nordea Bank Abp (HE:NDAFI) also saw a reduction, falling 1.80% or 0.31 points to close at 16.64.
The overall market breadth mirrored this mixed performance: 86 stocks declined, 83 advanced, and 20 remained unchanged on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
In commodity markets, Brent crude oil for March delivery rose by 2.87%, equivalent to $1.84, settling at $65.90 per barrel. Crude oil futures for March likewise climbed 2.93%, up $1.74 to $61.10 per barrel. Additionally, the February Gold Futures contract increased by 1.35%, a gain of 66.49 points, closing at $4,979.89 per troy ounce.
Currency trading showed minimal change, with the euro holding steady against the US dollar at 1.18 — a 0.18% variation — and remaining stable against the British pound at 0.87, marking a 0.53% fluctuation. The US Dollar Index Futures declined 0.35%, resting at 97.83.