The CAC 40 rose 0.3% to 8,722 on Friday, hitting a fresh record high as investors assessed key European economic data and monitored developments in the Middle East. In France, the unemployment rate edged up to 8.3% in Q2 2026 from 8.1% in the previous quarter, its highest level since Q3 2020. Meanwhile, the trade deficit narrowed more than expected to €5.8 billion in June from €7.9 billion in May, as exports increased 2.6% month-on-month to €54.5 billion while imports fell 0.9% to €60.4 billion. Geopolitical risks remained in focus after Iranian state media reported a naval operation against "hostile targets" near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran is also reportedly seeking to restrict access to the waterway for US and Israeli vessels and require compensation from hostile nations before granting transit. Schneider Electric (0.3%), Airbus (0.9%), and Safran (0.7%) were among the top performers. For the week, the benchmark index was on track to post a third consecutive weekly gain.