CAC 40 Erases Early Gains, Turns Slightly Negative at Midday

French stocks reversed early gains and slipped below the flat line by midday on September 23, 2026, as investor sentiment turned cautious despite upbeat economic data. The CAC 40 gave up its morning advance even after S&P Global's flash survey showed strong private sector activity in France for September, with both manufacturing and services sectors contributing to the expansion. Trading sentiment shifted as market participants weighed the positive economic indicators against broader concerns, leading to a modest pullback in Paris-listed equities by noon.