Paris (AFP)

The Paris Bourse ended up 0.20% on Wednesday, cautiously increasing its gains before being fixed on the decision of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in the evening, which should not however be a surprise.

The CAC 40 index gained 13.13 points to 6,652.65 points, a new high at the close since September 12, 2000. It thus experienced its 10th session of increase in June, against two sessions of decline.

Investors are awaiting the outcome of the two-day Fed meeting at 6:00 p.m. GMT to learn more about the US Central Bank's economic and inflation forecasts.

They are also hoping for indications of a possible medium-term reduction in its bond purchases, which have helped support markets during the health crisis.

"The Fed is not expected to give dates and amounts" regarding the reduction in its asset purchases, but "it would not be illogical for (its chairman) Jerome Powell to start preparing the market" being given the acceleration of inflation and the good health of the economy in the United States, underlines to AFP Vincent Manuel, director of investments at Indosuez Wealth Management.

A majority of speakers consider that announcements on a slowdown in its asset purchases will not come before its Jackson Hole symposium at the end of August.

In terms of health, important restrictions are about to be lifted in France with the end of the obligation to wear a mask outside on Thursday and the lifting of the curfew from Sunday, thanks to a faster-than-expected improvement in the situation.

Banking and commodities suffer

Societe Generale finished bottom of the CAC 40 (-2.40% to 25.64 euros) while Crédit Agricole and BNP Paribas lost respectively 1.64% to 12.25 euros and 1.29% to 55.74 euros .

Securities linked to commodities also lost ground, like Vallourec (-2.50% to 10.14 euros), Eramet (-1.83% to 53.50 euros) or ArcelorMittal (-1 , 64% to 25.23 euros).

Suez orphan

The CEO of the Suez group Bertrand Camus announced to Le Figaro that he refused to lead the "new Suez" after the acquisition by Veolia of most of the company's international activities.

The Suez share sold 0.25% to 20.00 euros while Veolia fell 0.58% to 25.90 euros.

© 2021 AFP