CAC 40 Recovers on Softer ECB Rate Outlook

The CAC 40 Index gained 74 points or 0.96 percent on Friday to close at 7804 points. Gains were led by ArcelorMittal (5.64%), Capgemini (3.79%) and Bureau Veritas (3.56%). Biggest losers were STMicroelectronics (-3.94%), Orange (-2.35%) and Carrefour (-1.08%).

The CAC 40 rose 0.9% to close at 7,803, recovering from two consecutive sessions of losses as markets pared back expectations for ECB rate hikes. Money markets now price in a deposit rate of 2.72% by December, up from the current 2.50%, and 3.20% by late 2027. Gains were broad-based, with BNP Paribas up 0.8%, Safran rising 1.7% and Schneider Electric adding 2%. Luxury stocks also advanced, with Hermès up 1.6% and Kering gaining 2.3%. Domestically, French markets have faced mounting pressure as investors weigh the country’s debt burden, fiscal deficit and political uncertainty ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The CAC 40 rose 0.8% to 7,791 on Friday, recovering from two consecutive sessions of losses as geopolitical concerns subsided after President Donald Trump dismissed the prospect of a US strike on Iran ahead of the midterm elections. Trump also said Washington was “having productive discussions” with Tehran, pushing oil prices lower and easing pressure on bond yields. Adding to the positive sentiment, markets pared back expectations for ECB rate hikes, with money markets pricing in the deposit rate rising from 2.50% currently to 2.72% by December and 3.20% by late 2027. Domestically, French markets have faced mounting pressure as investors weigh the country’s debt burden, fiscal deficit and political uncertainty ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Among the notable gainers were L’Oréal (1.3%), Schneider Electric (1.4%), Hermès (2.1%) and Safran (1.2%). For the week, the CAC 40 remained on track to post its second consecutive weekly decline.