The flagship CAC 40 index gained 8.09 points to finish at 7,209.00 points. The day before, the Parisian market had dropped 0.96% to finish at 7,200.91 points.

"This morning there were two macro-economic figures slightly below expectations, but the main reason for this lack of direction is that the markets are waiting for central banks," said Edouard de Kerhor, a financial investment expert at Milleis Bank.

In Germany, orders to German industry continued to decline in April (-0.4%), after a record fall in March, fuelling fears of a deeper recession in Europe's largest economy.

In the eurozone, retail sales fell year-on-year, but slightly less than analysts expected.

And then, after a fanfare first half of the year, "it is also a phase of normal breathing of the market," adds Edouard de Kerhor, especially before the next meetings of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB).

Market participants expect a pause in the cycle of US policy rate hikes, but consider this possibility a little less likely than in early May, after mixed economic data and statements from officials of the institution paving the way for another hike.

Regarding the ECB, "the statements of Christine Lagarde (its president) suggest a future rate hike," says the analyst.

The key rates of the European monetary institution "will be reduced to sufficiently restrictive levels to allow a rapid return of inflation to our medium-term objective of 2% and will be maintained at these levels for as long as necessary," Lagarde said on Monday.

Health in shape

Healthcare companies, a sector sought after on the markets in times of fear for growth, are on the front of the stage in the wake of the Danish laboratory Novo Nordisk which announced Monday that it had entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the Auvergne plastics manufacturer Biocorp (+15.70% to 33.90 euros).

In Paris, Sanofi gained 2.47% to 62.12 euros, Biomérieux 3.06% to 95.90 euros.

Double dose of Cointreau

Rémy Cointreau gained 2.92% to 142.70 euros after UBS analysts reiterated their buy recommendation on the stock, according to a note cited by Bloomberg.

New showcase for Publicis

Publicis gained 3.46% to 72.34 euros after announcing the acquisition of Corra, a specialist in e-commerce sites.

Safran targets certain assets of Raytheon Technologies

French aerospace equipment manufacturer Safran closed down 0.22% to 136.94 euros after confirming Monday after trading "to be in discussion" for "the potential acquisition of certain flight control and actuation activities" of the American group Raytheon Technologies.

© 2023 AFP