Paris Stock Market Marks Third Consecutive Drop Amid Fed Uncertainty and Nvidia Earnings Wait
- Why Is the Paris Market Struggling?
- WPP’s 10.86% Leap: What’s the Deal?
- TotalEnergies’ €5.1B Power Play
- Ukraine’s Rafale Jet Order: A Game-Changer?
- Macro Check: Eurozone Growth Crawls, U.S. Data Surprises
- Currency Watch: Euro Dips
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
The Paris Bourse, mirroring its European counterparts, kicked off the week in the red, with the CAC 40 logging its third straight decline—losing 1.48% over the period. Market sentiment remains fragile due to Fed policy jitters and anticipation around Nvidia’s earnings. Meanwhile, WPP surged 10.86% on takeover buzz, and TotalEnergies struck a €5.1B deal with EPH. Ukraine’s potential Rafale jet purchase also made waves. Here’s a DEEP dive into the day’s financial rollercoaster.
Why Is the Paris Market Struggling?
The CAC 40 slipped 0.63% to 8,119.02 points, while the EuroStoxx 50 fell 0.89% to 5,642.93. The downtrend reflects broader anxieties: Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish hints, delayed U.S. macro data (thanks to the shutdown), and Nvidia’s looming earnings report on Wednesday. "Investors are playing defense," notes a BTCC analyst. "The Fed’s 'higher for longer' stance and tech-sector volatility are squeezing confidence."
WPP’s 10.86% Leap: What’s the Deal?
British ad giant WPP rocketed 10.86% to 319.60 pence afterreported takeover interest from Havas, Apollo, and KKR. Oddo BHF reiterated its "Neutral" rating but acknowledged Havas’s "inevitable big move"—possibly targeting WPP or Aegis International. "This isn’t just gossip; consolidation in adland is heating up," says a sector insider.
TotalEnergies’ €5.1B Power Play
TotalEnergies (+0.53%) inked a deal with Daniel Kretinsky’s EPH to buy 50% of a flexible power platform (gas, biomass, batteries) in Western Europe. EPH gets 95.4M TotalEnergies shares (4.1% of capital), making it a top shareholder. "This accelerates our renewables pivot," Total stated. The MOVE aligns with Europe’s energy transition—but critics ask: "Is gas really 'green' enough?"
Ukraine’s Rafale Jet Order: A Game-Changer?
Ukraine plans to buy up to 100 French Rafale jets, anti-air systems, and drones, per a letter of intent signed by Presidents Macron and Zelensky. Dassault Aviation’s stock soared 4.60% on the news. "This isn’t just about defense; it’s geopolitical signaling," says a BTCC strategist. The deal could reshape Eastern Europe’s military balance—if funding holds.
Macro Check: Eurozone Growth Crawls, U.S. Data Surprises
The EU Commission forecasts Eurozone GDP growth at 1.3% (2025), 1.2% (2026), and 1.4% (2027)—a downgrade from prior estimates. Meanwhile, U.S. construction spending edged up 0.2% in August (vs. -0.2% expected), and the NY Fed’s manufacturing index hit 18.70 (November), smashing the 6.10 consensus. "The Atlantic divide widens," quips an economist.
Currency Watch: Euro Dips
The euro slid 0.20% to $1.1599 as the dollar flexed. With Fed-BoE-ECB policy splits, forex traders are "stuck in a triangle," per TradingView charts. Bitcoin? Flat at $36K—no safe-haven love today.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
How long will the CAC 40’s slump last?
Historically, 3-day drops reverse 60% of the time within a week—but Nvidia’s earnings and Fed speeches this week could tip the scales.
Is WPP a buy after its surge?
M&A rumors are fickle. Oddo BHF’s "Neutral" stance suggests waiting for concrete bids.
Why did TotalEnergies choose EPH?
EPH’s Eastern European grid expertise complements Total’s renewables push—a pragmatic, if controversial, partnership.
