Paris (AFP)

The Paris Bourse finished slightly higher Wednesday (+ 0.45%), the accommodative tone adopted by central banks offsetting the nervousness generated by trade tensions.

The CAC 40 index gained 23.74 points to 5,292 points, in an average trade volume of 3.3 billion euros. The day before, it ended up 0.51%.

The Parisian coast started the session in equilibrium and after many hesitations ended in small rise.

"The fact that central banks are very present counterbalances macroeconomic risks in a market that is still focused on trade tensions," AFP analyst Alexandre Baradez told AFP.

"The president of the US Federal Reserve was thus very accommodating Tuesday when the market is wondering if the economy is slowing down," he added.

"We are watching closely the impact that developments (of the trade war, ed.) Can have on the growth prospects of the US economy and, as always, we will act to support the expansion," Jerome said. Powell, in a speech in Chicago.

Investors are also waiting to be reassured by the European Central Bank that meets Thursday and is expected to detail its new giant loans to banks.

According to Baradez, "the market is trying to buy, but remains cautious anyway", especially as "some indicators published during the session have fueled the questions."

Private job creation in the United States melted in May while crude oil inventories jumped last week. Growth in US services activity accelerated in May.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its part slightly revised downward on Wednesday its growth forecasts for China.

On a visit to London, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sparked an "extraordinary" trade deal with London after the Brexit and faces on the Mexican front a deep opposition in the Republican ranks to the threat of tariffs against his neighbour.

- Renault down -

Dassault Aviation benefited from its side (+ 5.01% to 1.195 euros) of an increase of its recommendation to "buy" against "neutral" previously by Goldman Sachs.

Renault has lost 0.65% to 56.20 euros, while its board must meet Wednesday to continue to study "with interest" the merger proposal "between equals" formulated by the Italian-American group Fiat Chrysler (CFA).

Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire warned on Wednesday against any "haste" concerning the proposed merger.

Euronext gained 1.03% to 63.50 euros, after Tuesday said control 61.4% of the capital of the Oslo Stock Exchange, and successfully raised 500 million euros to finance this particular acquisition.

? 2019 AFP