CAC 40 Climbs to 8,123 on Iran Deal Optimism and Manufacturing Gains

On May 22 the CAC 40 advanced 0.47% to 8,123.40 at midday, buoyed by renewed U.S.-Iran peace hopes and firmer French manufacturing data. The index has swung sharply since early May, surging to a record 8,299.42 on May 6 amid earnings and geopolitical optimism before plunging to a one-month low of 7,952.55 on May 15 as Middle East tensions and oil above $109 reemerged. Weak PMI readings on May 21 triggered a brief pullback to 8,086, but today’s rebound signals improving sentiment as volatility remains elevated with the CAC VIX at its 52-week high of 18.96.