CAC 40 Drops As Oil Prices Surge On Iran Standoff

France’s CAC 40 fell as markets turned cautious on a sharp rise in oil prices linked to renewed uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran-related tensions. Brent crude climbed above $90 a barrel, up nearly 3%, raising inflation concerns and pressuring equities, especially transport and industrial names. The article also notes investors are awaiting U.S. inflation data for clues on the Federal Reserve’s rate path. Within the index, energy stock TotalEnergies rose nearly 2% on higher crude, while several cyclical and travel-related stocks declined, including Stellantis, Airbus, BNP Paribas, Capgemini, Euronext, Accor, Safran, Vinci, Bouygues, Renault, Bureau Veritas, Publicis Groupe, Danone, L’Oreal, Unibail Rodamco, AXA and Saint Gobain. Overall, the move reflects risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical supply concerns and macro uncertainty.