The CAC 40 inched 0.1% higher to close at 8,286 on Thursday, supported by gains in industrials and financials. Euro Area activity data pointed to solid Q3 growth, supported by improving industrial activity and a recovery in services following the initial impact of higher energy prices at the start of the Middle East conflict. France’s manufacturing output rose marginally in August. Safran added 0.8%, and Vinci rose 1.4%. Legrand climbed 1.4% after Deutsche Bank upgraded it to “Buy” from “Hold.” Stellantis jumped 4.3% after Arnaud Belloni was named CEO of Fiat, Abarth and Lancia in Europe. Financials advanced as the ECB is not expected to signal further tightening after September, with long-term inflation expectations well anchored. Markets expect a final rate hike on September 10th. Luxury stocks tumbled, with Hermes down 3.3%, as weak sales and earnings, cautious forecasts and limited signs of a rebound in wealthy shoppers’ spending continued to weigh on the sector.