Up more than 1% in the morning, the Paris Stock Exchange suddenly erased its gains at the end of the day, the Cac 40 returning to 6,780.67 points at the close, down 0.10%. Trading volumes were once again provided, at nearly 4.2 billion euros, and accelerated at the end of the day, which testifies to the current nervousness of operators, ready to close their lines at the slightest alert. in the Ukrainian file.
And the alert, this Wednesday, came at the end of the afternoon, with first of all, the announcement of the state of emergency decreed for a period of 30 days by Ukraine, from this evening, midnight. The Stock Exchange mainly reacted to information from the Bloomberg agency, citing ministerial sources and indicating that a cyberattack is underway in the country. It would affect government sites, banks and public services.
Invasion within 48 hours, says Biden
Which would lend credence to reports that the White House gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intelligence that Russia is preparing to carry out a full-scale invasion within the next 48 hours, reports Newsweek, citing US officials. It would include air strikes, the use of cruise missiles and ground intervention. Not only would Donbass be targeted, but the attack would also include a major push towards Kiev.
According to Newsweek Still, Russia allegedly violated Ukrainian airspace earlier today, via possible reconnaissance aircraft, for a short period. Russia would begin to evacuate its embassy in Kiev while Ukraine would encourage its citizens to leave its neighboring country. An extraordinary summit of European leaders is organized this Thursday.
On the markets, the mechanics immediately started: falling shares, while oil regained height, the barrel of Brent immediately leaving towards 100 dollars, at nearly 98 dollars. The ounce of gold, it is installed above the bar of 1,900 dollars.
Renault big victim of the day
The threat of global sanctions against Russia from the West has notably caused a fall Renault at the end of the session. The automaker, which controls Avtovaz in the country, fell more than 4%. Alstom give up almost 3%. Banks are also among the main victims of the day. BNP Paribas loses 1.8%, Society General 1.1% and Agricultural credit 0.9%.
In contrast, Stellantis (+4.5%) and Danone (+3.8%) managed to preserve their gains. The first announced a very strong increase in its operating margin in 2021, more than 11%, and warned that it would remain above the 10% threshold this year. The number three European food company has garnered sales above expectations in the fourth quarter and reassured by indicating that its exposure to Russia had been reduced to 5% of turnover.