The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.20% Lower

The CAC 40 closed flat at 7,969, holding near one-month highs after rising earlier in the session, as economic headwinds mounted. Preliminary data showed France’s GDP contracted 0.1% quarter over quarter, missing expectations for 0.1% growth. Annual inflation accelerated to 3.4%, above forecasts of 3.2% and its highest since December 2023. The data added to economic and political pressures, including rising borrowing costs, violent protests and persistent fiscal uncertainty. Gains in L’Oréal (+2.9%) and Hermès (+2.2%) helped offset losses. Sanofi rose 4.7% after beating third-quarter earnings and revenue estimates, while Crédit Agricole shed 2% despite also topping forecasts. Technology stocks weighed on the index, with STMicroelectronics (-5.3%) and Schneider Electric (-4.1%) tracking weakness on Wall Street. The CAC 40 gained 2% for the week and edged up 0.1% in October.

The CAC 40 Index fell 16 points or 0.20 percent on Friday to close at 7954 points. Leading the losses are STMicroelectronics (-5.13%), Schneider Electric (-4.14%) and Legrand (-3.06%). Top gainers were Sanofi (5.04%), Essilor (3.73%) and Capgemini (3.47%).

The CAC 40 edged up 0.1% to 7,978 on Friday, reaching its highest level in a month and putting the benchmark on track for a modest monthly gain despite mounting economic headwinds, particularly an unexpected economic contraction and a fresh acceleration in inflation. Preliminary estimates showed France’s GDP contracted 0.1% q-o-q in Q3 2026, following stagnation in the previous quarter and missing expectations for 0.1% growth. Meanwhile, annual inflation accelerated to 3.4% in October from 3.1% in September, exceeding forecasts of 3.2% and marking its highest level since December 2023. The data added to mounting economic and political pressures, including rising borrowing costs, violent protests and persistent fiscal uncertainty. L’Oréal (1.3%), Hermès (1.3%) and Air Liquide (1.2%) led the gainers. In contrast, Schneider Electric (-3%), BNP Paribas (-1.9%) and Safran (-1.1%) lagged. STMicroelectronics also tumbled 3.8%, tracking broader weakness across the technology sector.