2025.10.2908:47:24UTC+00Paris Stocks Edge Lower on Corporate Updates and Fed Caution

The CAC 40 index experienced a slight dip of 0.1%, settling at 8,210 on Wednesday, as investors evaluated a new round of corporate earnings reports. Notably, shares of French manufacturer Bic saw a significant decline of over 9%, following the company's downward adjustment of its 2025 forecasts for sales, operating margin, and cash flow growth. This adjustment was attributed to a third-quarter performance that fell short of expectations. Additionally, Sopra Steria reported an almost 3% drop in organic revenue for the same period, resulting in a 1% decrease in its stock. Other prominent decliners on the index included STMicroelectronics, Orange, Thales, and AXA, each experiencing approximately a 1% loss. Conversely, Stellantis shares climbed more than 2%, supported by better-than-anticipated margins reported by Mercedes-Benz in its automotive division. Looking forward, the market's focus shifts to the Federal Reserve's policy decision expected later today, where policymakers are anticipated to implement a second rate cut of the year, in light of signs indicating a cooling labor market and an inflation increase that came in below expectations.