The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.39% Higher

The CAC 40 Index gained 33 points or 0.39 percent on Wednesday to close at 8552 points. Gains were led by Bureau Veritas (5.08%), Societe Generale (3.11%) and Credit Agricole (3.04%). Biggest losers were Pernod Ricard (-7.46%), Edenred (-3.33%) and LVMH (-1.60%).

The CAC 40 rose 0.5% to close at 8,559 on Wednesday, hitting a record high as global sentiment improved amid easing concerns over AI disruptions, offsetting pressure on the luxury sector. Attention remained on upcoming earnings from US chipmaker Nvidia, a key gauge of AI-driven demand. Meanwhile, investors assessed remarks from President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, where he proposed using tariff revenues to eventually replace income taxation. Domestically, the consumer confidence indicator stood at 91. Banking stocks were the standout performers, with Société Générale jumping 3.2%, Crédit Agricole advancing 2.8%, and BNP Paribas gaining 2%. In contrast, significant losses were seen in Pernod Ricard (-7.9%) after double-digit sales collapses in China and the US, aggressive distributor destocking, and mounting margin fears surrounding the potential escalation of global trade tariffs. Meanwhile luxury giants LVMH, Hermes, and L'Oréal fell between 0.9% and 1.6%.

The CAC 40 rose 0.4% to 8,554 on Wednesday, marking a fresh all-time high as global sentiment improved amid easing concerns over AI disruptions. Attention now turns to upcoming earnings from US chip heavyweight Nvidia, seen as a key gauge of the sustainability of AI-driven demand. Meanwhile, investors assessed remarks from US President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address. He emphasized that tariff revenues paid by foreign countries would eventually replace the modern system of income taxation, while stating last week’s Supreme Court ruling on tariffs as “very unfortunate.” Domestically, the consumer confidence indicator came in at 91 in February 2026, slightly above market expectations and December’s reading of 90. Banking stocks were among the standout performers, with BNP Paribas gaining 1.4%, Crédit Agricole advancing 1.1%, and Société Générale rising 1.9%. In contrast, losses were seen in Pernod Ricard (-3.8%), Edenred (-5.1%), and STMicroelectronics (-1.1%).