The CAC 40 Index Opens 0.95% Lower

The CAC 40 fell more than 1% to around 8,345 on Thursday, reversing the previous session’s gains as escalating geopolitical tensions dampened risk appetite amid a busy slate of corporate earnings and updates. President Trump warned that the US would strike Iranian infrastructure in response to attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran threatened retaliation against regional energy assets. Adding to concerns, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi tankers. Among corporate movers, STMicroelectronics plunged 14.3% after issuing a Q3 sales forecast below market expectations, while BNP Paribas slipped 1.1% despite reporting upbeat Q2 results. In contrast, Thales added 1.8% after reporting a surge in first-half orders, and Dassault Aviation surged 7.5% after posting strong first-half earnings and reaffirming its 2026 sales outlook. Moreover, TotalEnergies climbed 2% after reporting a 68% jump in adjusted net income to $6.03 billion.

The CAC 40 Index is dropping 80 points. Leading the losses are STMicroelectronics (-12.12%), Eurofins Scientific SE (-4.09%) and Hermes International (-2.13%). Top gainers were Dassault Systemes (2.51%), Thales (2.38%) and TotalEnergies SE (1.74%).

The CAC 40 rose 0.9% to close at 8,438 on Wednesday as investors focused on corporate earnings and company updates. Airbus surged 7% after forecasting adjusted EBIT of €12–13 billion by 2029, reaffirming its 2026 guidance, announcing a €5 billion share buyback program, and outlining plans to accelerate production across its A220, A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families. BNP Paribas (+1.5%) and Thales (+0.8%) closed higher ahead of their earnings reports due on Thursday. TotalEnergies, also scheduled to report on Thursday, gained 2% with support from higher oil prices. In contrast, luxury stocks traded mixed as escalating tensions in the Middle East lifted risk aversion. LVMH fell 0.9%, while Hermès and Kering edged 0.1% lower. L'Oréal bucked the trend, rising 0.5%.