French Stocks Head for Strong Weekly Gains

2026-05-22 07:53 By Czyrill Jean Coloma 1 min. read

The CAC 40 rose 0.6% to 8,134 on Friday, rebounding from the previous session as heavyweight luxury stocks led gains and investors assessed a fresh batch of domestic economic data.

LVMH advanced 1.2%, Hermès added 0.5%, and Kering gained 0.8%, buoyed by stronger-than-expected full-year sales from peer Richemont.

Chipmaker STMicroelectronics also climbed 3.7%, extending momentum in the global tech sector.

On the domestic economic front, the overall business climate index held steady at 94 in May 2026, in line with expectations but still well below its long-term average of 100.

Weakness in services and retail offset stronger industrial confidence, underscoring continued pressure on domestic demand from the Iran war’s economic fallout.

Meanwhile, the manufacturing business climate index climbed to a four-month high of 102 in May, from 100 in April.

For the week, the CAC 40 is set to post a solid gain, underpinned by hopes that the US and Iran could reach a peace agreement.



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2026-05-22
French Stocks Head for Strong Weekly Gains
The CAC 40 rose 0.6% to 8,134 on Friday, rebounding from the previous session as heavyweight luxury stocks led gains and investors assessed a fresh batch of domestic economic data. LVMH advanced 1.2%, Hermès added 0.5%, and Kering gained 0.8%, buoyed by stronger-than-expected full-year sales from peer Richemont. Chipmaker STMicroelectronics also climbed 3.7%, extending momentum in the global tech sector. On the domestic economic front, the overall business climate index held steady at 94 in May 2026, in line with expectations but still well below its long-term average of 100. Weakness in services and retail offset stronger industrial confidence, underscoring continued pressure on domestic demand from the Iran war’s economic fallout. Meanwhile, the manufacturing business climate index climbed to a four-month high of 102 in May, from 100 in April. For the week, the CAC 40 is set to post a solid gain, underpinned by hopes that the US and Iran could reach a peace agreement.
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