The CAC 40 edged higher to around 8,092 on Friday and was poised for weekly gains as lower oil prices and calmer bond markets supported equities. Reports emerged that the US and Iran were exploring a phased agreement that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over energy supply disruptions. On the domestic front, private-sector payroll employment fell 0.1% quarter-on-quarter, or 24,300 jobs, to 21 million in the second quarter of 2026, confirming preliminary estimates and following a revised flat reading in the previous quarter. Banking stocks led the gains, with BNP Paribas (0.8%), Credit Agricole (1.1%), and Societe Generale (2.9%) among the strongest performers. Other notable advancers included STMicroelectronics (2.9%), Legrand (1.9%), and Schneider Electric (2.0%).