CAC-40
The CAC-40 is France’s benchmark stockmarket index.
Of the stocks in France's benchmark index, 62% are economically sensitive, or cyclical, while the rest are typically classed as defensive. That gives the CAC-40 a similar profile to Britain's FTSE 100.
The largest sector is the consumer goods industry, comprising almost a fifth of the index. It is made up largely of personal or household goods and food and drink firms. After healthcare, the other defensive sectors are utilities and telecoms, respectively accounting for 5.3% and 3.2% of the index. Heavyweight industrials, oil and gas sectors, financials, consumer services and basic materials segments are all economically sensitive.
See Tim Bennett's video tutorial: What is an index?
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
'We face a £6m inheritance tax bill under Reeves's changes – it's sheer terror'
Thousands of families fear they’ll have no option but to look at selling their firms in a fire sale to pay inheritance tax bills, due to Rachel Reeves’s changes to business property relief
-
Millions of over 50s fear pension investment risk – how should you position your portfolio?
To de-risk or not to de-risk, that is the question. Act too late and you could face irreversible losses. Move too early and miss out on significant gains that could transform your retirement.