France stocks higher at close of trade; CAC 40 up 0.40%

French equities finished modestly higher, with the CAC 40 up 0.40% and the broader SBF 120 up 0.38%, as gains in Consumer Services, Healthcare, and Financials outweighed losses in energy and semiconductors. Capgemini, Pernod Ricard, and Thales led the CAC 40, while Engie, TotalEnergies, and STMicroelectronics lagged. The market backdrop was mixed: CAC 40 volatility hit a new 52-week high, gold rose slightly, and crude oil and Brent sold off sharply. The article suggests a generally constructive but uneven session for French stocks, with strength concentrated in select names rather than broad-based conviction.