On Wednesday, French stocks are exhibiting a mixed performance as investors process the latest economic data from the region while also anticipating significant reports from the U.S. Furthermore, attention is being paid to ongoing geopolitical developments. The CAC 40 fluctuated between 8,211.62 and 8,257.33, recording an increase of 2.22 points or 0.03% to reach 8,239.65 approximately thirty minutes after noon.
Thales experienced a notable increase of 5%, while Eifage advanced by 4.2%. Additionally, Vinci, Saint Gobain, and ArcelorMittal recorded gains ranging from 3% to 3.3%. Bouygues experienced an increase of 2.3%, whereas Veolia Environment, Schneider Electric, Dassault Systemes, Safran, Engie, Unibail Rodamco, Orange, Bureau Veritas, Danone, Legrand, and Carrefour saw gains ranging from 1% to 1.8%. Meanwhile, Kering experienced a decline of over 4%. TotalEnergies and LVMH experienced declines of 2.7% and 2.5%, respectively.
Hermes International and L’Oreal experienced declines of 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively. Pernod Ricard, EssilorLuxottica, Publicis Groupe, and STMicroElectronics exhibited significant vulnerability. Data indicated that consumer confidence in France increased to 90 in December 2025, up from 89 in November, yet it continued to fall short of the long-term average of 100. The HCOB Construction PMI in France declined to 43.4 in December 2025, down from 43.6 in November, representing the 43rd consecutive month of contraction. Looking ahead, sentiment among French construction firms has further deteriorated, with expectations for activity over the next 12 months declining to the lowest level since October 2014.
According to preliminary estimates, consumer price inflation in the euro area decreased to 2.0% in December 2025, a decline from the 2.1% recorded in November. This represents the lowest rate observed since August. The HCOB Eurozone Construction PMI increased to 47.4 in December 2025, up from 45.4 in November, indicating the mildest contraction since February 2023, according to reports.