The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.21% Higher

The CAC 40 gained 0.3% to close at 8,008 on Wednesday, supported by gains in the industrial and technology sectors. STMicroelectronics surged 9.8%, tracking advances across the broader European semiconductor industry. Industrials also traded higher, with Airbus up 0.5% and Legrand gaining 1.4%. In the financial sector, BNP Paribas rose 1.1% and Crédit Agricole added 0.6%. Meanwhile, luxury stocks remained under pressure amid persistent risk aversion linked to heightened tensions in the Middle East. LVMH slipped 0.2%, while L’Oréal lost 0.9%. On the data front, final estimates confirmed France’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.2% in April from 1.7% in March, the highest level since July 2024, driven by surging energy prices. The unemployment rate also climbed to a five-year high of 8.1% in Q1 2026, above expectations of 7.8%.

The CAC 40 Index gained 17 points or 0.21 percent on Wednesday to close at 7997 points. Gains were led by STMicroelectronics (8.34%), ArcelorMittal (7.10%) and Stellantis NV (3.89%). Biggest losers were Capgemini (-2.48%), Danone (-2.13%) and Publicis (-1.73%).

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.