The CAC 40 rose 0.4% to 8,554 on Wednesday, marking a fresh all-time high as global sentiment improved amid easing concerns over AI disruptions. Attention now turns to upcoming earnings from US chip heavyweight Nvidia, seen as a key gauge of the sustainability of AI-driven demand. Meanwhile, investors assessed remarks from US President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address. He emphasized that tariff revenues paid by foreign countries would eventually replace the modern system of income taxation, while stating last week’s Supreme Court ruling on tariffs as “very unfortunate.” Domestically, the consumer confidence indicator came in at 91 in February 2026, slightly above market expectations and December’s reading of 90. Banking stocks were among the standout performers, with BNP Paribas gaining 1.4%, Credit Agricole advancing 1.1%, and Societe Generale rising 1.9%. In contrast, losses were seen in Pernod Ricard (-3.8%), Edenred (-5.1%), and STMicroelectronics (-1.1%).