The CAC 40 Index Opens 0.20% Higher

The CAC 40 was little changed around 8,303 on Friday but remained on track for a weekly loss as investors weighed escalating Middle East tensions and fresh US trade measures. With the US carrying out its 13th consecutive day of strikes on Iran, President Trump threatened further military action against Iran and the Houthis over any additional attacks on Red Sea shipping. On the trade front, Trump imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from major trading partners over alleged failures to curb forced labor in supply chains, though the EU tariff rate is expected to remain capped at 10%. Domestically, preliminary data showed private-sector activity improved to a five-month high of 49.6 in July, as stronger services activity (49.8 vs 46.8) offset a deeper manufacturing downturn (48.8 vs 49.1). Among stocks, LVMH (-0.3%), Sanofi (-2.6%), and Christian Dior (-1.1%) declined, while banks outperformed, led by BNP Paribas (1.2%), Crédit Agricole (1.5%), and Société Générale (0.9%).

The CAC 40 Index is up by 17 points or 0.20 percent on Friday. Top gainers are Dassault Systemes (4.23%), Capgemini (2.84%) and ArcelorMittal (1.59%). Biggest losses came from Carrefour (-5.18%), Sanofi (-2.12%) and Edenred (-1.70%).

The CAC 40 Index dropped 158 points or 1.88 percent on Thursday to close at 8280 points. Losses were led by STMicroelectronics (-16.72%), Eurofins Scientific SE (-6.09%) and Kering (-4.96%).