The CAC 40 Index Opens 0.23% Higher

The CAC 40 edged up 0.2% to 7,993 on Wednesday, following four straight sessions of losses, as investors focused on key economic data releases and corporate earnings reports. Domestically, final estimates confirmed that the annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% in April 2026 from 1.7% in March. It marked the highest level since July 2024, driven by surging energy prices amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate jumped to a five-year high of 8.1% in Q1 2026, above expectations of 7.8% and up from 7.9% in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, US–Iran peace talks remained fragile after the speaker of Iran’s parliament said the military is prepared to “teach a lesson” to any aggressor, following US President Trump’s rejection of Iran’s response to the latest American peace proposal. Top performers included Engie (1.1%), STMicroelectronics (4.3%), and Legrand (1.3%). In contrast, luxury stocks such as LVMH (-1.3%), Hermès (-0.7%), and Kering (-1.5%) declined.

The CAC 40 Index is gaining 19 points or 0.23 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are ArcelorMittal (3.47%), STMicroelectronics (3.10%) and Legrand (1.12%). Top losers are Renault (-1.89%), Kering (-1.30%) and LVMH (-1.29%).

The CAC 40 Index decreased 76 points or 0.95 percent on Tuesday to close at 7980 points. The decline was led by STMicroelectronics (-5.44%), Societe Generale (-4.33%) and Schneider Electric (-3.86%). On the upside, the strongest performers were TotalEnergies SE (1.67%), Danone (1.55%) and L'Oréal (1.41%).