Five Top Tables: The Best Restaurants in Milan Right Now

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha arrived in Milan on Thursday ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Vance was greeted at Malpensa Airport by U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and his wife. The visit is part of the U.S. delegation's participation in the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday evening.

The International Olympic Committee is monitoring the event for any potential disruptions, particularly concerning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has stated that ICE officials will not conduct street policing during the games.

On the economic front, the Italian Pavilion at IMTEX 2026 highlighted strong industrial ties with India. The event featured Italian machine tool manufacturers focusing on automation and precision engineering. India imported EUR 85 million worth of metal-forming machine tools from Italy in 2025, underscoring the country's growing reliance on Italian technology.

Why Did This Happen?

The U.S. delegation's presence in Milan underscores the city's increasing role as a global hub for major international events. Italy's strategic positioning as a key supplier in the manufacturing sector is also evident in its growing exports of precision engineering tools to India.

RedBird Capital Partners recently completed a refinancing of AC Milan, replacing previous vendor financing with institutional debt. The move aims to strengthen the club's long-term financial flexibility and align with RedBird's strategic goals. The refinancing also involves changes to the AC Milan board, with Elliott Managing Partner Gordon Singer stepping down.

How Did Markets React?

Banco BPM reported strong performance in the second half of 2025, with robust profit growth and improved asset management. The bank plans to focus on products that generate sustainable revenue rather than upfront commissions. Bank executives emphasized the importance of aligning with market conditions and client needs.

The Italian Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) market is projected to expand significantly, reaching $26.6 billion by 2031. Key players like Klarna, Scalapay, and PayPal are driving this growth, supported by increasing consumer adoption and digital payment innovations. The market's expansion is attributed to growing consumer confidence in digital financial services.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring the impact of the U.S. delegation's presence on international relations and public sentiment during the Winter Olympics. The presence of ICE personnel has sparked debate, and any public reaction could affect the event's overall tone.

In the financial sector, attention is turning to the success of the new debt facilities at AC Milan and how they will influence the club's long-term strategic plans. Investors are also watching Banco BPM's ability to sustain its strong performance in 2026, especially as it continues to refine its product offerings and expand its market share according to recent reports.

The Italian Pavilion's role in promoting advanced manufacturing solutions to Indian buyers is another key area of interest. As India's manufacturing sector continues to grow, the ability of Italian firms to meet increasing demand for high-precision tools will be a major factor in sustaining this trade relationship.