Paris (AFP)

The Paris Bourse fell 0.04% in mid-session Wednesday but less than at the opening, worried like its European neighbors about a rise in inflation and weighed down by the results of Gucci, flagship brand of Kering.

The flagship CAC 40 index fell 2.08 points to 5,784.45 points around 11:45 am (10:45 am GMT), the day after a stable close.

The results of companies clearly animated the beginning of session Wednesday, and Kering weighed down the mood with a plunge of 6.85% to 526.60 euros because of performance at half mast concerning its flagship brand Gucci.

Many companies have published their accounts before the start of trading or are preparing to do so after the close.

Among them, Bic, ADP, CNP Assurances, Capgemini or Klepierre.

The nervousness of the market Wednesday is also explained by a fear on a world scale, that of the great return of generalized price increases in developed economies, especially in the United States.

"Investors are anticipating a sharp rebound in inflation in the coming months," comments Christian Parisot, analyst for Aurel BGC, thus calling on Wednesday to watch the publication of the minutes of the last monetary policy meeting of the US Central Bank (Fed).

Inflation fears are reflected in strong growth in the bond markets: the US 10-year interest rate is currently moving to its highest levels for a year.

Negative for months, the French ten-year rate is approaching 0% (-0.11%) for the first time since August.

However, "too strong a rise in rates would weaken equities, whose valuation is high," said Franklin Pichard, director of Kiplink.

Nexans in the green over the year

The cable manufacturer (+ 6.63% to 71.60 euros) recorded in 2020 a net profit group share of 78 million euros, supported by cost-saving measures and a transformation plan, which has allowed to be one of the rare groups to go back to the green last year.

Collapse in auto sales

Auto sales collapsed in Europe in January, falling 24% year-on-year, according to figures released Wednesday by manufacturers.

Renault lost 0.71% to 39.63 euros, and Stellantis 1.96% to 13.24 euros.

M6 flies away after his results

The group (+ 12.69% to 17.94 euros) posted a net profit up 61% to 277 million euros, including 123 million euros of capital gains related to asset disposals (opening of the capital of its technological subsidiary Bedrock, operational teleshopping, e-commerce activity).

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