Despite retreating from early highs, the French stock market’s benchmark index CAC 40 maintained a relatively strong position in positive territory around noon on Friday. Renewed optimism regarding a U.S.-Iran peace agreement bolstered sentiment. Despite indications of advancement, both parties remain in disagreement regarding Tehran’s uranium reserves and the prospective governance of the Strait of Hormuz.

The CAC 40 increased by 37.40 points, reflecting a rise of 0.47%, reaching a level of 8,123.40 just prior to noon.

• STMicroelectronics experienced an increase of 3.5%.
• Stellantis experienced an increase of 2.1%.
• Schneider Electric, Dassault Systemes, Accor, Pernod Ricard, Saint-Gobain, Eurofins Scientific, Airbus, Safran, and Michelin experienced an increase of 1% to 1.5%.
• TotalEnergies declined by approximately 1.4%.
• Kering and Danone experienced declines of 1% and 0.9%, respectively.
• Unibail Rodamco and Bouygues experienced a slight decline.

Data indicated that France’s manufacturing business climate index increased to 102 in May 2026, surpassing expectations and April’s figure of 100. It also represented the peak measurement in four months. A separate data from INSEE indicated that France’s overall business climate held steady at 94 in May, consistent with April’s figures as anticipated, and still significantly below its long-term average of 100.