CAC 40: STMicroelectronics Soars 15%, Pushing Index Above 8,200 Points at Close

A Mixed Session Driven by Semiconductors

Behind the flattering performance of the leading index lies a session more mixed than it appears. With 23 stocks falling and only 17 rising, the Paris market moved without a clear consensus, with the advance of the CAC 40 relying primarily on a few powerful drivers.

The Paris movement is part of an overall positive trend in Europe: the DAX gained 0.48% at the close, the FTSE 100 rose by 0.33%, and the STOXX 600 appreciated by 0.66%. In Asia, the Hang Seng stood out with a jump of 3.40%. Across the Atlantic, the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 were trading in positive territory during the session, following the lead of technology stocks.

STMicroelectronics boosts the market, Danone and Schneider follow

The highlight of the session is marked by STMicroelectronics, which soared 15.14% to €68.28. The Franco-Italian semiconductor manufacturer has raised its ambition for its data center business, now aiming for approximately $1 billion in revenue by 2026, compared to « just over 500 million » previously, with the potential for doubling in 2027. The group cites strong demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure as the reason for this upward revision, which was met with enthusiasm by the market.

Following its lead, Danone gained 4.37% to €64.04, marking the second-largest increase in the index. Schneider Electric rose 3.96% to €287.15, benefiting fully from the excitement around themes related to artificial intelligence and associated electrical infrastructure. Kering completed this leading quartet with a gain of 3.84% to €254.40, while ArcelorMittal advanced 2.10% to €61.32.

Capgemini and Dassault Systèmes Close the Gap

The French technology sector, however, took a hit: Capgemini dropped 4.64% to 100.80 euros, the largest decline on the CAC 40. The consulting firm saw Deutsche Bank lower its price target from 140 to 125 euros while maintaining its buy recommendation. Dassault Systèmes fell 4.10% to 19.43 euros, increasing the pressure on French tech stocks outside semiconductors.

Euronext decreased by 3.00% to 135.70 euros, followed by Carrefour (-2.75% to 15.71 euros) and Bureau Veritas (-2.58% to 25.32 euros). Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties over indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, investors favored certain well-positioned cyclical and technological stocks. The SBF 120 closed up 0.53% at 6,229.99 points, reflecting this selective movement.