The CAC 40 traded flat around 8,242 on Friday, as investor caution prevailed amid lingering uncertainties surrounding Middle East tensions while also digesting a wave of European economic data. Israeli forces and Hezbollah exchanged strikes after Israel and Lebanon agreed to reach a ceasefire contingent on a halt to Hezbollah attacks. Adding to the uncertainty, President Trump said that “progress has been made” toward a US-Iran ceasefire agreement. However, Tehran rejected those assertions. Domestically, trade deficit narrowed to €5.6 billion in April from €6.4 billion in the previous month, as exports rose 3.1% month-on-month to €54.6 billion, outpacing a 1.5% increase in imports to €60.2 billion. Gains were recorded in LVMH (0.6%), EssilorLuxottica (1.1%), and Thales (1.0%). In contrast, Schneider Electric (-1.4%), STMicroelectronics (-3.5%), and Legrand (-1.8%) declined. For the week, the CAC 40 was on track to post its third consecutive weekly gain.