Paris closes flat again, unmoved by US job creation

Paris’s main stock index once again ended the day almost exactly where it began, despite stronger-than-expected job creation in the United States. The CAC 40 slipped just 0.09% on Friday to close at 8,278.77 points.

The narrow decline extended the market’s recent pattern of near balance. Twenty-two shares finished higher and 18 lower, following Thursday’s 0.07% gain. Over the week, however, the Paris exchange lost 1.5%.

US employment growth in August exceeded market expectations, signaling continued strength in the world’s largest economy. Investors did not assume that the result would be enough to rule out a rise in the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rates.

Software company Dassault Systèmes suffered the steepest fall, dropping 6.49%. Consulting firm Capgemini declined 3.27%, while public relations and advertising group Publicis fell 2.55%. Electrical components maker Legrand rose 3.26%, steelmaker ArcelorMittal gained 2.83%, and hotel chain Accor advanced 2.47%.