CAC 40 Set to Open Lower Amidst Quiet Trading and Economic Data Releases

Paris – The CAC 40 is expected to open with a slight decline on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as trading remains subdued following the Presidents’ Day holiday in the United States and the ongoing Chinese New Year celebrations. Many markets in Asia remain closed as the Spring Festival continues until March 3rd.

Economic Calendar and Key Data Points

Investors will be closely watching a series of economic releases this week. The Federal Reserve will release the minutes from its latest meeting on Wednesday. Later in the week, on Friday, the fourth-quarter GDP figures and another inflation indicator will be published.

Today, the New York Fed’s Empire State manufacturing index will be released at 2:30 p.m. Other European data points include the final German consumer price index (8:00 a.m.), British employment figures (8:00 a.m.), and the German ZEW economic sentiment index (11:05 a.m.).

Corporate News

• Vicat: The company reported consolidated group turnover of €3.854 billion, up 3.3% at constant scope and exchange rates. Growth accelerated to 8.1% like-for-like in the fourth quarter of 2025. EBITDA reached €771 million, a 3.7% increase at constant scope and exchange rates.
• Eiffage: Through its subsidiary Salvia, Eiffage Énergie Systèmes has acquired the assets of Claus Heinemann Elektroanlagen, a German company specializing in electrical engineering. The transaction will save all 301 jobs.
• Sensorion: Nawal Ouzren has stepped down as General Director for personal reasons. Amit Munshi, currently Chairman of the Board, will serve as interim CEO.
• ADP Group: Passenger traffic at Paris airports increased by 3.5% in January 2026, reaching 7.8 million passengers, representing 101.2% of the traffic recorded on the same date in 2019.
• Figeac Aero: The company has secured a new agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines for metal structures used in the M88 engine, which powers the Rafale combat aircraft.

Analyst Recommendations

• Deutsche Bank raised its target price for BNP Paribas from €92 to €96 (‘keep’).
• Deutsche Bank increased its target for Ipsen from €155 to €170 (‘buy’).
• Deutsche Bank raised its target on Société Générale from €75 to €78 (‘buy’).
• RBC Capital initiated coverage of AXA with an ‘outperform’ rating and a target of €48.
• Citigroup raised its target on Safran from €275 to €342 (‘neutral’).
• JP Morgan increased its valuation of Safran from €375 to €400 (‘overweight’).
• TD Cowen raised its target on TotalEnergies from €60 to €66 (‘keep’).
• HSBC lowered its target for TotalEnergies from €60 to €63 (‘keep’).

Market Movers

NetMedia Group is launching a capital increase of €513.7 thousand. Other companies with recent news include Vallourec, Buy-Louer.fr, GTT, Voltalia, and Spie.

Currency and Commodity Markets

As of this morning, the euro/dollar parity is $1.1838. A barrel of Brent crude oil is trading at $68.17, and an ounce of gold is selling for $4,907.