Performance was slightly better for the first quarter as a whole, with a decline of 4.08%, bolstered by a strong February (+5.59%).

Other European markets also managed to finish in positive territory today, with Frankfurt's DAX 40 gaining 0.31% and London's FTSE 100 rising 0.52%. Conversely, over the full month, these two indices posted respective declines of 10.49% and 6.69%.

Whether over the last four weeks or during today's session, markets have been weighed down by the war in the Middle East and its impact on energy prices. This has fueled fears of an inflationary surge and a subsequent tightening of monetary policies by central banks worldwide.

Furthermore, the latest inflation figures published today support this trend. In France, according to preliminary data from Insee, the consumer price index rose by 0.9%, in line with expectations, following a 0.6% increase. On an annual basis, inflation stands at 1.7%, compared to expectations of +1.6% and following +0.9% a month earlier. This rebound is explained by the sharp recovery in energy prices (+7.3% year-on-year, after -2.9% in February), particularly petroleum products.

In the eurozone, the same indicator logically followed a similar trajectory, with an annual growth rate of 2.5%, up from 1.9% the previous month. Like Insee, Eurostat, which publishes this data, estimated that energy is expected to see the highest annual growth rate in March at +4.9%, compared to -3.1% in February.

Returning to the Middle East conflict, on a more encouraging note, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated during a press conference that discussions with Iran were intensifying. However, Donald Trump directly targeted France on his social network. The U.S. President announced that France had refused overflight rights to aircraft carrying military supplies to Israel. He added: "France has been very uncooperative regarding the 'Butcher of Iran,' who was successfully eliminated! The United States will remember this."

On the currency market, the euro rose against the greenback (+0.60%), trading at 1.1525 dollars.

In commodities, crude oil prices retreated. WTI shed 1.46% to 104.63 dollars, while North Sea Brent lost 1.21% to 107.38 dollars.

Other statistics and corporate news

In the United States, the Chicago PMI, which measures manufacturing activity in that region, fell significantly more than expected in March. It settled at 52.8 points, against expectations of 54.8 and a previous reading of 57.7 points. At 52.8 points, it is at its lowest level since December 2025.

In contrast, consumer confidence as calculated by the Conference Board improved, despite fears of a deterioration. It rose from 91 points in February to 91.8 in March, while analysts had anticipated a decline to 87.8 points.

On the corporate front, Alstom was particularly well-supported, with the stock jumping 5.39%. The group secured a new systems contract within the AMECA region as part of a consortium, for a total project value of 2.75 billion dollars. The French group's share is approximately 30%, or 700 million euros.

Also trending upward, Getlink rose 3.51%. The Channel Tunnel operator saw one of its main shareholders increase its stake. Mundys, an Italian infrastructure specialist controlled by Edizione (the Benetton family holding company), will increase its stake by 3.5% to 19% and could take an additional 6% if it obtains the necessary authorizations.

Conversely, in the red, Eutelsat stumbled 3.31%. According to Reuters, the group is in discussions with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its future satellite launches.

Solutions30 collapsed by 14.51% after presenting 2025 results showing a sharp deterioration, notably marked by a widening net loss (group share) from 15.8 to 60.7 million euros.

Also declining, Casino shed 4.12%. Although the group's results showed a clear improvement in profitability, investors are primarily concerned about the company's financial situation. According to AlphaValue, the company is expected to unveil a financial restructuring plan, which carries the risk of significant dilution.

In the United Kingdom, Unilever lost 7.28% after confirming it is in advanced discussions with McCormick (which was down 5.37% on Wall Street at the time of the European close) regarding a merger of most of its food businesses, in order to focus on hygiene and beauty.