CAC 40 Wavers at Midday as BNP Paribas Soars Nearly 4%
A Lackluster Session Despite Some Company Reports
On Thursday, February 5, the CAC 40 is moving within a narrow range, slipping just 0.09% to 8,255.05 points by mid-afternoon. The market's dispersion reflects an indecisive session: 22 stocks are losing ground while 18 are making gains, with no clear trend emerging. The atmosphere remains cautious on the Parisian stock exchange, as investors process a series of annual results released in recent days. The market lacks a strong catalyst to decisively move in one direction or the other, wavering between profit-taking on certain defensive stocks and a renewed interest in some banking and industrial shares.
BNP Paribas leads gains ahead of a legal deadline
France's leading bank emerged as the biggest gainer on the CAC 40 this Thursday, climbing 3.68% to 94.28 euros. BNP Paribas also reached [a new all-time high this morning](https://www.ideal-investisseur.fr/actions-b/laction-bnp-paribas-bat-un-nouveau-record-historique/13499.html) at 95.59 euros. Following the bank, Euronext rose 2.37% to 116.70 euros, without any particular news.
[**Publicis Groupe gained 1.93%**](https://www.ideal-investisseur.fr/actions-b/publicis-groupe-affiche-une-croissance-organique-de-56-en-2025-et-relve-son-dividende/13324.html) after revealing an organic growth of 5.6% in 2025 and an improved operating margin of 18.2%. The communications group also raised its dividend and anticipates a seventh consecutive year of outperformance. ArcelorMittal advanced 1.60% to 48.30 euros after [**reporting an annual net profit of $3.2 billion in 2025**](https://www.ideal-investisseur.fr/actions-b/arcelormittal-affiche-un-bnfice-net-annuel-de-32-milliards-de-dollars-en-2025/13488.html), bolstered by investments in renewable energy and iron ore mines. Legrand rounds out this picture with a rise of 1.48% to 136.85 euros.
Automobiles and Energy Weigh on the Index
Conversely, Stellantis leads the day's decline with a drop of 3.12% to 8.40 euros, extending its period of weakness. The automaker continues to struggle within the still challenging sector environment.
Defensive stocks are also experiencing sell-offs. Engie falls by 2.54% to 25.34 euros, and Orange drops 2.45% to 16.14 euros, both suggesting profit-taking after several sessions of consolidation. The luxury sector isn't spared either: Kering loses 1.59% to 260.15 euros, while Thales declines by 1.46% to 249.40 euros.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
