French Stocks Open Higher
2026-04-16 08:12
By
Joshua Ferrer
1 min. read
The CAC 40 index rose 0.4% to around 8,300 on Thursday, reversing losses from the previous session as optimism over a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict lifted market sentiment.
Reports suggest the US and Iran are considering extending their fragile ceasefire by two weeks to allow more time for negotiations, with the current truce set to expire next week, although shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains suspended under a continued US naval blockade.
Meanwhile, markets continued to digest corporate updates, with TotalEnergies signalling a strong first-quarter performance as higher energy prices and increased production outside the Middle East are expected to offset disruption from the conflict, though the energy giant still fell 0.8%.
Among other notable performers, LVMH rose 1%, Airbus gained 1.1%, and Schneider Electric added 0.6%.