The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.61% Lower

The CAC 40 Index decreased 50 points or 0.61 percent on Wednesday to close at 8159 points. The decline was led by Stellantis NV (-3.95%), Kering (-3.64%) and Capgemini (-3.04%). On the upside, the strongest performers were Veolia (2.19%), Air Liquide (1.90%) and TotalEnergies SE (1.49%).

The CAC 40 fell 0.7% to close at 8,150 on Wednesday, tracking broader European losses as investors weighed uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict and fresh US tariff threats. The US Trade Representative proposed additional duties of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including the EU. Meanwhile, hostilities in the Gulf intensified after Iranian attacks on Kuwait damaged the country's airport and injured dozens, while the US carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose, reviving concerns about energy-driven inflation and higher borrowing costs as bond yields increased. Financials weakened, with BNP Paribas down 1.3% and AXA losing 1.9%. Luxury shares also came under pressure, with LVMH shedding 3% and L'Oréal falling 2.2%. Airbus lost 2%, Safran retreated 1.4%, and Stellantis dropped 4% despite announcing new investments in France.

The CAC 40 fell 0.5% to 8,166 on Wednesday, tracking broader European markets lower as investors weighed uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire and fresh tariff threats from the US. Renewed tensions resurfaced in the Middle East after Iran launched ballistic missiles toward neighboring countries, prompting retaliatory US strikes on Qeshm Island. Trade concerns also emerged after the US Trade Representative proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 trading partners, including the European Union, over alleged failures to prohibit imports linked to forced labor. Domestically, final estimates showed the Composite PMI was revised up to 44.9 in May 2026, though it stillmarked the sharpest downturn since January 2024. The Services PMI was also revised higher to 44.3 but remained at its steepest contraction since November 2020. Industrial and aerospace shares led the decline, with Schneider Electric (-0.9%), Airbus (-1.8%), and Safran (-1.7%) among the biggest drags on the index.