(News Bulletin 247) – The Paris Stock Exchange has limited risk-taking, pending new developments on the geopolitical front. The CAC 40 closed with a symbolic increase of 0.05% at 7,577.59 points.

Geopolitical tensions got the better of the rebound attempt initiated at the start of the session. The CAC 40 ended the day with a famished increase of 0.05% this Wednesday, at 7,577.59 points.

Investors remain cautious, on the lookout for the slightest development on tensions between Iran and Israel. The two countries exchanged threats following Tehran’s attack on the Jewish state. This has fueled speculation of a conflagration in the situation in the Middle East, and in turn fears of disruptions to the oil supply.

After having progressed significantly the day before (+3.9% for Brent, +2.4% for WTI), the prices of black gold continued to rise this Wednesday, but the progression lost force after the announcement of a surprise increase in weekly stocks in the United States. The December contract on North Sea Brent appreciated by 0.4% to 73.87 dollars per barrel while that of November on WTI listed in New York gained 0.5% to 70.19 dollars per barrel. .

Air France-KLM loses altitude

Following the rise in oil prices, Totalenergies, which held a day dedicated to investors in New York in the afternoon, gained 2.2%, the specialist in seamless tubes for the oil and gas industry. gas company Vallourec advanced 2.3%, while Maurel & Prom jumped 5%.

“The current price surge does not indicate that the conflict will expand significantly. It simply indicates that, as in previous events, we may see a large-scale reaction from Iran, but that beyond that, there will be no further developments. Essentially, oil traders are not currently considering the possibility of a generalized war with Iran,” explains Naeem Aslam. from Zaye Capital.

“Tensions in the Middle East have escalated again with Iran’s response against Israel and the entry of Israeli troops into Lebanon. That said, the market reaction remains contained,” adds Xavier Chapard, of LBPAM .

The publication of the ADP firm’s American employment report for the month of September had no impact on the trend in Paris. The American private sector created more jobs than expected last month, with 143,000 creations compared to 125,000 which was expected by consensus, and after 103,000 in August. These data, although imperfect, give an idea of ​​the state of the job market in the United States, before the publication of figures from the American Department of Labor which will be published on Friday.

On the value side, outside the oil sector, Air France-KLM continued its decline that began on Tuesday, falling again by 5.5% this Wednesday evening. The company is penalized by the rise in oil prices, the fuel bill constituting one of the main expense items for airlines.

Mercialys lost 3.3%, penalized by Jefferies which lowered its advice from “buy” to “hold”.

Conversely, Sopra Steria gained 3.1% after announcing a share buyback program of 150 million euros.

On currencies, the euro is down 0.2% against the dollar at 1.1048 dollars.