CAC 40 closes 1.1 percent higher as EssilorLuxottica surges
Published on 10/21/2026 at 22:45 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSFrench yields and earnings shape gains
- CAC 40 closed at 7,922 points on October 21, up 83 points or 1.1 percent.
- France's 10-year yield reached 5.01 percent, its highest level since 2002.
- EssilorLuxottica led CAC 40 stocks up 15.5 percent after strong third-quarter sales.
- L'Oreal and Hermes are scheduled to publish updates on October 22, 2026.
The CAC 40 closed at 7,922 points on October 21, gaining 83 points or 1.1 percent. The advance came as corporate earnings supported stocks despite France's 10-year yield rising to 5.01 percent.
EssilorLuxottica was the strongest CAC 40 stock, rising 15.5 percent after reporting a 20 percent increase in third-quarter connected-eyewear sales to 486 million euros. Carrefour was the weakest, falling 13.8 percent after lowering its 2026 profit outlook.
Why is the CAC 40 higher today?
The CAC 40 recovered from two sessions of losses as company results dominated trading. Boursorama said EssilorLuxottica reported a 20 percent rise in connected-eyewear sales during the third quarter.
The move came despite the French 10-year yield ending at 5.01 percent, compared with 4.93 percent on October 20. The yield crossed 5 percent for the first time since 2002, while the spread over Germany reached 1.59 percentage points, according to Boursorama.
CAC 40 winners and losers
- EssilorLuxottica up 15.5 percent after its connected-eyewear sales update, Investing.com reports.
- Bureau Veritas up 3.6 percent after confirming its objectives, Boursorama reports.
- Carrefour down 13.8 percent after cutting its outlook over the impact of unrest, Investing.com reports.
- Michelin down 7.2 percent after stable nine-month sales and cautious 2027 comments, Investing.com reports.
- Renault down 2.9 percent, Investing.com reports.
French yields cross 5 percent
Healthcare, technology and oil and gas stocks led gains, while the broader SBF 120 rose 1.0 percent. The CAC 40's rise therefore came alongside continued pressure in French sovereign debt rather than a broad easing of fiscal concerns.
What comes next for the CAC 40
- October 22, 2026: L'Oreal and Hermes are scheduled to publish trading updates, according to MarketScreener.
- October 23, 2026: Moody's is scheduled to review France's credit rating, Boursorama reports.
CAC 40 price data for October 21, 2026
The CAC 40 closed at 7,922 points on October 21, 2026, according to Boursorama. It gained 83 points, or 1.1 percent, from the previous close of 7,838 points.
CAC 40 by the numbers on October 21, 2026
- Index: CAC 40
- Home exchange: Euronext Paris, France
- Close on October 21, 2026: 7,922 points
- Change versus previous close of October 20, 2026: up 83 points (up 1.1 percent)
- Previous close: 7,838 points
- Top gainer: EssilorLuxottica up 15.5 percent
- Top loser: Carrefour down 13.8 percent
- Next scheduled event: October 22, 2026: L'Oreal and Hermes trading updates
