CAC 40 Dips Almost 1% Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions

Cac Futures

French stocks experienced a decline on Friday as apprehensions regarding escalating tensions in the Middle East grew. As the Strait of Hormuz continues to be effectively closed, oil prices have surged, heightening concerns regarding inflation and the potential for monetary tightening by central banks. Tensions escalated following Iran’s demonstration of its strengthened control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to the Navy to ‘shoot and kill any boat’ engaged in laying mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated that the United States is not hurrying to address the conflict with Iran, characterizing Iran’s leadership as being in a state of turmoil. Reports indicate that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stepped down from U.S. negotiations, marking a transition towards a more hardline unity. The benchmark CAC 40, having slipped to 8,116.95, recorded a decline of 76.10 points or 0.91% from its previous level of 8,151.22 just moments ago.

  • EssilorLuxottica and ArcelorMittal experienced declines of 3.4% and 3.3%, respectively.
  • Renault experienced a decline of 3.1%, while Stellantis recorded a decrease of approximately 3%.
  • Safran experienced a decline of 2.7%, even in light of robust Q1 revenue and a positive full-year forecast.
  • Capgemini, Thales, Hermes International, Vinci, Airbus, BNP Paribas, Eiffage, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, Kering, Schneider Electric, Orange, and Saint Gobain experienced declines ranging from 1% to 2.7%.
  • Bureau Veritas experienced an increase of 1.8%.
  • TotalEnergies experienced an increase of 1.5%, while STMicroelectronics saw a rise of 1.35%.
  • Air Liquide and Carrefour experienced modest increases.