French stocks are exhibiting a mixed performance amid lackluster trading on Thursday, as investors remain attentive to developments on the geopolitical front while anticipating significant economic data from the U.S. The benchmark CAC 40 experienced a decline of 23.59 points, reflecting a decrease of 0.29%, standing at 8,210.33 at noon.

France’s trade deficit expanded to €4.2 billion in December 2025, up from a revised €3.5 billion in November, consistent with forecasts. Imports increased by 2% month-on-month, reaching €56.4 billion, whereas exports experienced a more modest growth of 0.8%, totaling €52.2 billion.

• Renault, experiencing a decline of 4.1%, emerged as the most significant underperformer within the CAC 40 index.
• Saint Gobain experienced a decline of approximately 3.6%, while ArcelorMittal and Stellantis recorded losses of 2.7% and 2.6%, respectively. Schneider Electric saw a decrease of nearly 2%.
• Capgemini, Legrand, Euronext, STMicroElectronics, and Bureau Veritas experienced declines ranging from 1.2% to 1.7%.
• BNP Paribas increased by 2.15%, Pernod Ricard rose by 1.5%, and Danone saw an uptick of 1.4%.
• Societe Generale and Credit Agricole recorded gains of 1.1% and 1%, respectively.
• L’Oreal, Veolia Environment, Orange, Airbus, Sanofi, and Engie recorded slight increases.

On the economic front, data from Eurostat indicated a slight decrease in the euro area unemployment rate in November, declining to 6.3% from 6.4% in October. The rate was anticipated to hold steady at 6.4%. The youth unemployment rate experienced a decline, falling to 14.6% from the previous figure of 14.8% in October. The unemployment rate in the EU27 stood at 6% in November, remaining stable compared to October.