The CAC 40 fell 0.2% to around 8,283 on Wednesday, extending losses for a third consecutive session and hitting its lowest level in more than a month as escalating tensions in the Middle East kept investors on edge. The latest development sent oil prices higher, stoking inflation concerns and fueling expectations of tighter monetary policy. As the eurozone inflation rate accelerated to 3.3% and energy costs surged, markets are increasingly pricing in another ECB rate hike lather this month. LVMH fell 1.6% to a more than two-month low, while other notable laggards included Kering (-1.1%), Publicis (-1.5%), and Societe Generale (-1.0%). On the upside, L’Oreal gained 1.1%, STMicroelectronics advanced 1.4%, and BNP Paribas rose 0.6%.