The CAC 40 index lost 19.83 points to 5.493.99 points in an average trading volume of 3.3 billion euros. The day before, he had finished stable (+ 0.07%). The Parisian odds opened lower, before briefly succeeding to rise again above 5,500 points and finally decline again at the end of the session.

At the close of European markets, the single currency fell slightly against the dollar after rising in the Asian trade at $ 1.2323, the highest level since mid-December 2014.

European markets were also weakened by the fall of Wall Street Tuesday night and "even if the New York Stock Exchange is catching up today, the momentum is less frank" and is not enough to revive, he added .

"The Parisian rating evolving to high levels," after a very positive start to the year, "the slightest hesitation leads to profit taking, which is particularly evident in the banking sector today," said the specialist.

The indicators of the day, marked in particular by a slowdown in inflation in the euro area in December and higher than expected increase in the United States of industrial production for the same month, have not changed the situation.

Investors still need to read the Fed's Beige Book, which will be released after the close of European stock markets.

- Europcar wanted -

In terms of values, Europcar gained 4.05% to 10.40 euros after reiterating its ambition to achieve at least 3 billion euros in revenues and 14% EBITDA margin adjusted by the end of 2020.

Publicis for its part closed the march on the CAC 40, falling 2.29% to 57.14 euros after AlphaValue lowered its recommendation on the title to "add" against "buy" before, while raising to 68, 40 euros his course goal.

Fnac Darty fell by 5.52% to 94.95 euros following the announcement of a financial transaction on its securities, known as "coverage", by Vivendi (-0.92% to 23.58 euros) .

Casino plunged 5.20% to 48.10 euros, weighted by 2017 sales growth of 5%, but came out below expectations.

Alstom took 2.54% to 36.72 euros, supported by a turnover up 6% for its third quarter lagged 2017/18, to 1.761 billion euros, and confirmed its targets for 2020.

Pierre and Vacances / Parcs Centers gained 2.66% to 44.35 euros, benefiting from an increase in sales of the group of 5.4% in the first quarter (October-December), to 306.7 million euros, the company already planning an activity growth in the next quarter.

Ipsen increased by 2.02% to 110.90 euros while the biopharmaceutical group and its partner Exelixis announced the results of a study demonstrating a "significant benefit in terms of overall survival" in patients with liver cancer .