The Italian equity market is one of the hardest hit markets in the world this year due to the European debt crisis and Italy’s own fiscal crisis that came to the forefront of investors’ attention this week. The FTSE MIB, Itlay’s benchmark equity index is down well over 20% YTD. However with the current Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi finally stepping down and a new government led by Mario Monti taking shape, the current crisis will be contained and the economy may grow again. With the third-largest economy in EU and the eighth largest in the world, many Italian companies offer long-term investment opportunities.

Ten Italian stocks trading on the US markets are listed below for review:

1.Company: Eni SpA (E)
Current Dividend Yield: 6.63%
Sector: Oil & Gas – Integrated

2.Company: Enel SpA (ENLAY)
Current Dividend Yield: 6.12%
Sector: Utility

3.Company:Telecom Italia SpA (TI)
Current Dividend Yield: 7.33%
Sector: Telecom

4.Company: Snam Rete Gas SpA (SNMRY)
Current Dividend Yield: 7.54%
Sector: utility

5.Company: Autogrill SpA (ATGSY)
Current Dividend Yield: N/A
Sector: Food &Drug Retailer

6.Company: Saipem SpA (SAPMY)
Current Dividend Yield: 2.05%
Sector: Oil Well Services & Equipment

7.Company:Saras Raffinerie Sarde Spa (SAAFY)
Current Dividend Yield: N/A
Sector: Oil Well Services & Equipment

8.Company: Atlantia SpA (ATASY)
Current Dividend Yield: 7.29%
Sector: Highway operator

9.Company:Luxottica Group SpA (LUX)
Current Dividend Yield: 2.19%
Sector: Medical Equipment & Supplies

10.Company: Benetton Group SpA (BNGPY)
Current Dividend Yield: 6.73%
Sector: Apparel/Accessories

Disclosure: No Positions