CAC 40 Slips as Sanofi and LVMH Drag Down Paris Market (2025-09-05)

• Why Did Sanofi's Stock Crash Today?
• How Did Other European Markets Perform?
• What's the Latest on US Economic Indicators?
• Which Other Stocks Made Notable Moves?
• What's Next for European Markets?
• Frequently Asked Questions

European markets mostly climbed higher today, but Paris bucked the trend as pharmaceutical giant Sanofi plunged following disappointing trial results for its key drug candidate. The CAC 40 index dropped 0.27% to 7,698.92 points, weighed down by Sanofi's 8.31% nosedive. Meanwhile, London's FTSE saw retailer Currys surge 16.61% after reporting strong sales of air conditioners during a heatwave. US economic data came in mixed, with weaker-than-expected private payroll numbers but better productivity figures.

Why Did Sanofi's Stock Crash Today?

Sanofi shares took a beating, closing at €78.96 after the company released phase 3 trial results for amlitelimab, its potential successor to blockbuster drug Dupixent. While the treatment met all primary and secondary endpoints for atopic dermatitis, analysts were underwhelmed by the efficacy data. "The market had sky-high expectations for this drug candidate," noted our BTCC market analyst. "These results suggest it may not be the home run investors were hoping for."

How Did Other European Markets Perform?

While Paris struggled, the broader EuroStoxx50 gained 0.49% to 5,350.97 points. London markets got a boost from consumer electronics retailer Currys, which jumped after reporting 3% UK sales growth in its first four months. The company also announced a £50 million share buyback program. CEO Alex Baldock stated: "The year has started well with encouraging performances across the group."

What's the Latest on US Economic Indicators?

Today's economic data painted a mixed picture:

• Private payrolls added just 53,000 jobs in August vs. 106,000 in July (ADP data)
• ISM non-manufacturing PMI rose to 52 from 50.1 (better than expected)
• Weekly jobless claims increased to 237,000
• Productivity grew 3.3% in Q2 (above consensus)

"The labor market shows some cracks, but productivity gains are helping offset wage pressures," observed market strategists.

Which Other Stocks Made Notable Moves?

Renewable energy firm Voltalia reported a widened first-half net loss of €39.7 million, blaming smaller project sales and one-time charges. Its EBITDA declined 4% to €78.3 million. In currency markets, the euro dipped slightly to $1.1641.

What's Next for European Markets?

All eyes turn to tomorrow's official US jobs report, which could set the tone for September trading. The mixed signals from today's data leave markets in wait-and-see mode. As one trader put it: "We've got the ISM saying the service sector is humming along, but ADP suggests hiring has slowed. Tomorrow's numbers will break the tie."

This article does not constitute investment advice. Market data sourced from TradingView and Bloomberg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sanofi stock drop so sharply?

Sanofi shares fell 8.31% after phase 3 trial results for amlitelimab, while meeting all endpoints, disappointed analysts who expected stronger efficacy data for this potential Dupixent successor.

How did the euro perform against the dollar?

The euro edged down 0.02% to $1.1641 in late trading, showing little reaction to the mixed economic data from both sides of the Atlantic.

What drove Currys' stock price surge?

Currys jumped 16.61% after reporting strong UK sales growth (3%) driven by demand for cooling products during hot summer weather, plus announcing a £50 million share buyback program.