CAC 40 Sets New All-Time Record Driven by Edenred and Industrial Stocks
The Paris Stock Exchange had an exceptional session on Tuesday, with the CAC 40 index rising by 0.64% to close at 8,258.86 points. This performance allowed it to set a new all-time high, both intraday at 8,271.48 points and at the close, surpassing its previous peak of 8,259.19 points set on May 10, 2024. This stock market euphoria contrasts with a more measured Europe, as the EuroStoxx 50 increased by only 0.18%, highlighting the remarkable outperformance of the Parisian market.
Edenred electrifies the market with a remarkable surge
The undisputed star of this session was Edenred, whose stock soared by 19.64% to 24.92 euros, leading the CAC 40 with a significant lead over its peers. The specialist in payment systems for specific uses released quarterly results that were slightly above market expectations, while also confirming its annual targets. This announcement not only boosted the stock but also had a ripple effect on Pluxee, which increased by 5.33% in the SBF 120.
The second contributor to the index's rise was Capgemini, with a jump of 5.39% to 130.05 euros, closely followed by Stellantis, which rose by 4.8% to 9.55 euros. STMicroelectronics completed the podium of the most dynamic stocks with a gain of 2.35% to 26.57 euros, while Michelin added 2.09% to reach 27.89 euros. This concentration of increases among a few market leaders reflects a marked selectivity by investors, who are more attracted to stocks delivering tangible news or benefiting from a favorable sectoral dynamic.
French industrial giants reach record highs
Beyond Edenred's exceptional performance, what truly stands out in this session is the simultaneous rise of several French industrial champions to new record levels. Airbus increased by 1.79% to €207.35, crossing a historic high that confirms investors' appetite for the European aerospace manufacturer. Safran followed a similar path with a rise of 1.65% to €308.10, also setting an all-time high.
EssilorLuxottica was not left behind, with an increase of 0.86% to €316.60, reaching a new peak as well. This momentum among industrial stocks reflects renewed confidence in the economic cycle and technological innovation. Major luxury houses also helped support the index, with Hermès gaining 1.44% to €2,250, LVMH rising 0.77% to €616.80, and L'Oréal adding 0.67% to €398.
Conversely, Eurofins Scientific recorded the session's largest decline, falling 2.19% to €62.50 after reporting a quarterly revenue of €1.803 billion, which was up 4.6% but slightly below the consensus expectation of €1.814 billion. BNP Paribas also faced pressure with a decrease of 1.69% to €67.93, while ArcelorMittal fell 1.53% to €32.84.
A Historic Session Amid Trade Tensions Easing
This remarkable day for the Paris Stock Exchange comes amid a general easing of trade tensions between the United States and China, an element welcomed by financial markets. Paris's outperformance compared to a more cautious Europe is partly due to a concentration of corporate reports deemed encouraging, creating a positive ripple effect across the board.
The quarterly earnings season, gaining momentum, is now the main catalyst for investors. Technology and service stocks have particularly benefited from this favorable environment, with Dassault Systèmes rising 1.65% to 30.27 euros and Publicis Groupe gaining 1.6% to 87.48 euros. Defensive stocks also performed well, with Bureau Veritas up 1.31% to 27.78 euros, and Danone advancing 0.41% to 78.02 euros.
This historic session confirms Paris's resilience and its ability to attract capital in a global economic environment that is uncertain, yet characterized by generally solid corporate fundamentals and prospects considered constructive by analysts.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
