The CAC 40 Index Opens 0.76% Lower

The CAC 40 fell 0.7% to around 8,379 on Wednesday, extending its decline to a third straight session as investors grappled with mounting political uncertainty in France and renewed tensions in the Middle East. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen confirmed her intention to mount a fourth presidential campaign despite legal challenges stemming from her conviction for the misuse of public funds. Recent polls show her party, National Rally, leading voter preferences, with its candidate widely expected to reach the second-round runoff, while the race to succeed Emmanuel Macron remains open and fragmented. Adding to the cautious sentiment, the US carried out fresh airstrikes and revoked a sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to export oil globally. Luxury stocks were among the weakest performers, with LVMH falling 0.9%, Hermès losing 1.7%, and Kering declining 1.3%. Financial shares also came under pressure, led by BNP Paribas (-2.1%), Crédit Agricole (-1.6%), and Société Générale (-2.4%).

The CAC 40 Index is losing 64 points. Losses were led by STMicroelectronics (-2.66%), Societe Generale (-2.35%) and Renault (-2.32%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were TotalEnergies SE (1.60%).

The CAC 40 Index fell 26 points or 0.31 percent on Tuesday to close at 8454 points. Leading the losses are STMicroelectronics (-8.39%), Schneider Electric (-3.52%) and Safran (-2.81%). Top gainers were Pernod Ricard (5.36%), Carrefour (3.71%) and L'Oréal (2.98%).