CAC 40: Paris Makes Cautious Progress, Auto Sector Leads the Way

A Cautious Session Awaiting Key Meetings This Week

The Parisian market is making slow progress. The increase remains modest, and the dispersion reflects a fragile balance: 23 CAC 40 stocks are up, 16 are down, and one remains stable. In Europe, the tone is generally a bit firmer. The STOXX 600 is up 0.47% during the session, the German DAX climbs 0.60%, and the London FTSE 100 rises 0.67%.
Several deadlines are influencing the mood. In the United States, the September consumer price index is expected on Wednesday, two weeks before a Federal Reserve meeting. On Friday night on Wall Street, the major indices ended higher: the S&P 500 at 7,811.54 points (+0.59%), the Dow Jones at 51,654.95 points (+0.83%), and the Nasdaq 100 at 30,883.15 points (+0.51%).
In France, the budgetary context is fueling caution. The finance committee of the National Assembly rejected the revenue section of the 2027 finance bill on the evening of October 9, while the risk premium on French debt remains under close watch. This backdrop does not prevent banks from being among the top performers of the day.

Automotive and Banks Leading the Way

The top of the chart is occupied by car manufacturers. Stellantis records the strongest rise in the CAC 40, with a gain of 2.06% to 4.09 euros. Renault follows closely with an increase of 1.62% to 26.93 euros. The automaker is benefiting from renewed attention from analysts: Citi has initiated a buy recommendation, while CIC Market Solutions maintains its positive outlook.
Financial stocks are also joining the movement. Euronext gains 1.53% to 166.10 euros and Société Générale rises 1.35% to 63.89 euros. The defense sector rounds out this leading group, with Thales up 1.33% to 221.20 euros. This quintet sets the tone for a session without a single theme, where buying interests are spread across several sectors simultaneously.

Hospitality and Materials in the Red

On the downside, the decrease remains contained. Accor records the largest drop in the CAC 40, with a decline of 1.54% to 44.69 euros. ArcelorMittal falls by 0.87% to 56.78 euros, impacted like the rest of the basic materials sector. EssilorLuxottica loses 0.82% to 145.15 euros, and Orange drops 0.79% to 13.76 euros.
Air Liquide slightly decreases by 0.54% to 168.76 euros, even though CIC Market Solutions has raised its price target for the stock while maintaining a positive outlook. The energy backdrop remains relevant: oil prices are trading above 100 dollars per barrel, fueled by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. This scenario can impact energy-intensive sectors like chemicals. By midday, the Paris session retains a cautious tone, divided between some notable sectoral advances and measured declines.