CAC 40 Edges Higher

2026-03-24 16:55 By Felipe Alarcon 1 min. read

The CAC 40 closed slightly higher at 7,741 on Tuesday as investors balanced a deteriorating domestic economic outlook against volatile energy dynamics and conflicting Middle East headlines.

Market sentiment was tested by flash estimates showing the French composite PMI dropping to a five month low of 48.3 in March 2026 as the services sector contracted further to 48.3 despite manufacturing remaining just above the 50 point threshold.

Geopolitical uncertainty resurfaced after Tehran denied holding talks with Washington which largely neutralized the optimism from President Trump's temporary strike postponement and pushed Brent crude back above 100 dollars per barrel.

Energy and industrial heavyweights led the gains with Air Liquide rising 2.2% and TotalEnergies advancing 1.6% while Stellantis jumped 3.4% and ArcelorMittal added 2.3%.

In contrast the luxury sector saw a mixed performance as LVMH fell 1.3% while L'Oreal climbed 1% and Kering edged up 1.2%.



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