The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.69% Lower

The CAC 40 fell 1% to close at 8,156 on Wednesday amid uncertainty over the US extension of the ceasefire with Iran, as optimism remained subdued despite the pause in hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz stayed largely closed with no signs of renewed US-Iran negotiations, while oil prices rose on reports of gunfire attacks on container ships, fueling fears of energy-driven stagflation and rate hikes. Luxury stocks declined on risk aversion, with LVMH down 2.4% and Hermès losing 1.8%, while L'Oréal edged lower ahead of its earnings release. The industrial sector also posted losses, as Airbus fell 2.5% and Safran shed 3.5%, though Danone bucked the trend, rising 2.5% after reporting solid first-quarter 2026 results. Elsewhere, Essilor also releases it's results and closed down 2.5%, while TotalEnergies gained 1.3% on rising oil prices.

The CAC 40 Index decreased 57 points or 0.69 percent on Wednesday to close at 8179 points. The decline was led by Bureau Veritas (-10.34%), Eurofins Scientific SE (-9.69%) and Safran (-3.51%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Danone (2.50%), ENGIE (1.79%) and TotalEnergies SE (1.37%).

The CAC 40 fell 0.2% to 8,220 on Wednesday, extending losses from the previous session as geopolitical concerns in the Middle East continued to weigh on sentiment. While US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire, he also warned that the naval blockade would remain in place. Moreover, a second round of US–Iran peace talks failed to take place. Meanwhile, earnings season remained in focus. Bureau Veritas plunged 12.4% to a three-week low after reporting a decline in first-quarter revenue and lowering its 2026 outlook, citing contract terminations. In addition, Eurofins Scientific dropped 8.8% despite posting organic growth and improved margins while reaffirming its guidance. Notable decliners included LVMH (1.3%), Hermès (-1.4%), EssilorLuxottica (-2.1%), and Safran (-2.2%). In contrast, Danone climbed 3% after reporting solid sales growth and maintaining its 2026 outlook. Gains were also seen in Schneider Electric (1.9%), Legrand (2.1%), and STMicroelectronics (1.5%).