French Stocks Break 3-Day Gains

2026-03-26 08:49 By Czyrill Jean Coloma 1 min. read

The CAC 40 slipped 0.7% to 7,791 on Thursday, breaking a three-day winning streak as investors wrestled with mixed signals of de-escalation in Middle East tensions.

US President Donald Trump insisted Iran remains open to a deal, even as Tehran rejected a ceasefire, proposed its own plan, and said it has no intention of negotiating.

The market was further pressured by hawkish ECB signals.

Policymaker Joachim Nagel said the bank has the option to raise rates at its April meeting, while President Christine Lagarde warned that the ECB could act if Middle East tensions push eurozone inflation higher.

Domestically, industry (99 vs. 102 in February) and consumer (89 vs. 91) confidence fell in March 2026, while households’ inflation expectations rose following the outbreak of the Iran conflict.

Financial stocks were among the biggest laggards, with BNP Paribas down 0.9%, Crédit Agricole 0.7%, and Société Générale 1.1%.



News Stream
French Stocks Break 3-Day Gains
The CAC 40 slipped 0.7% to 7,791 on Thursday, breaking a three-day winning streak as investors wrestled with mixed signals of de-escalation in Middle East tensions. US President Donald Trump insisted Iran remains open to a deal, even as Tehran rejected a ceasefire, proposed its own plan, and said it has no intention of negotiating. The market was further pressured by hawkish ECB signals. Policymaker Joachim Nagel said the bank has the option to raise rates at its April meeting, while President Christine Lagarde warned that the ECB could act if Middle East tensions push eurozone inflation higher. Domestically, industry (99 vs. 102 in February) and consumer (89 vs. 91) confidence fell in March 2026, while households’ inflation expectations rose following the outbreak of the Iran conflict. Financial stocks were among the biggest laggards, with BNP Paribas down 0.9%, Crédit Agricole 0.7%, and Société Générale 1.1%.
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