The CAC 40 rose 1% to close at 8,401 on Friday following the release of domestic and euro area economic data. Euro area consumer confidence edged up to -15.5, its highest level since February, while industrial confidence rose to -5.3, its highest since April 2023. Service sector confidence also improved to 5.8, a seven-month high. Meanwhile, France’s GDP grew 0.7% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, in line with forecasts. Luxury stocks posted strong gains, with LVMH rising 2.7%, Hermes adding 2.7%, and Kering up 1.4%. Industrial stocks were also mostly higher, with Schneider Electric gaining 1.8% and Air Liquide up 2.1%. EssilorLuxottica rose 3.1% after announcing a share buyback program. Financials advanced despite preliminary data showing French annual inflation accelerating to a three-month high of 2.4% in August, with BNP Paribas up 1.8%, AXA adding 1.8%, and Societe Generale rising 2.1%. Fitch is due to release its assessment of France’s sovereign rating later in the day.