Top 3 CAC 40 Stocks in 2026: Should You Invest?

In 2026, the ranking of the best CAC 40 stocks echoes the major trends driving markets since the start of the year. And unsurprisingly, the stock of STMicroelectronics ranks first by a wide margin with gains of over 100%. The semiconductor manufacturer benefits notably from the still-strong enthusiasm around artificial intelligence.

But tech is not the only sector pulling ahead, as the ArcelorMittal share, up more than 70%, takes second place in the CAC 40 Top 3 for 2026, in a context favorable to industrial stocks. The TotalEnergies share completes the podium with nearly 40% growth, helped this time by a rally in oil prices.

Technology, industry and energy: three different sectors that ultimately summarize quite well what moves the stock market in 2026. Discover our detailed analysis and view on STMicroelectronics, ArcelorMittal, and TotalEnergies. Should you still invest in these CAC 40 top stocks in 2026?

The 3 CAC 40 stocks with the strongest gains in 2026

To establish this ranking, we considered the stock performance since January 1, 2026, excluding dividends. And this year, the podium is particularly revealing of the market context.

Artificial intelligence remains one of the major themes of 2026, which directly benefits the semiconductor sector. But geopolitics has also taken a significant place in investors’ decisions. International tensions have notably supported higher energy prices, while the renewed focus on industrial and strategic issues supports certain commodity-related stocks.

It is in this context that the actions STMicroelectronics, ArcelorMittal and TotalEnergies have stood out since the start of 2026. And comparing with 2025 reveals that their trajectories were very different then, STMicroelectronics especially.

Evolution of the performance of STMicroelectronics, ArcelorMittal and TotalEnergies in 2025 and 2026

We now take time to analyze in detail these three CAC 40 companies that performed the best since January 1, 2026.

The elements presented in this ranking are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell financial securities. Finally, please note that past performance is not indicative of future results, and any investment in the stock market carries a risk of capital loss.

STMicroelectronics stock: +104% in 2026

The spectacular rise of STMicroelectronics stock in 2026 (+104%) is first explained by the strong rebound in the semiconductor sector, but also by company-specific factors. After a difficult 2025 in the market, STMicroelectronics benefits from a clear recovery in activity and, above all, an increasingly important position in AI infrastructure.

The reasons behind the STMicroelectronics stock rise in 2026

• AI data centers: aim for more than $1 billion in revenue in 2026
• Strategic partnership with Amazon on cloud and AI infrastructure
• Collaboration with Nvidia around AI computing infrastructure
• Improving results: revenue up by 26% year-on-year in Q2 2026

How far can STMicroelectronics stock rise by the end of 2026? Our view and technical analysis

From a chartist perspective, the STMicroelectronics stock is currently attempting to build a rebound at the major support of €44, after the steep correction that followed the June peak. As long as this level holds, it could form an attractive zone for entry points. On the upside, €49 represents the first resistance to overcome: a clean breakout could accelerate the move and pave the way toward €58, then €69, a major resistance and primary technical objective for 2026.

However, the stock remains in a consolidation phase and would need to confirm the formation of new higher highs and higher lows to regain genuine upside momentum. A break of €49, ideally accompanied by higher volumes, would strengthen this scenario. Conversely, a break of €44 would invalidate the current rebound and bring back into focus the historical support around €28.

Graphical analysis of STMicroelectronics stock

Marc’s view:

After a rise of more than 100% in 2026, we would avoid chasing STMicroelectronics. Beyond the technical levels, the Q3 results, due October 29, will be decisive to verify that the acceleration linked to AI translates into the numbers.

Should you invest in STMicroelectronics stock in 2026? Café de la Bourse view

In our view, STMicroelectronics remains an interesting long-term stock, but we do not favor an aggressive purchase at current levels, after a gain of over 100% since January 2026. The AI outlook is solid and the operational rebound is confirmed, with revenue up 26% in Q2 and a further improvement expected in Q3.

We would prefer to take advantage of a return to technical supports or wait for new confirmation of results. In the long term, a DCA strategy remains relevant for STMicroelectronics to smooth the entry risk on this volatile tech stock.

ArcelorMittal stock: +73% in 2026

The rise of ArcelorMittal stock in 2026 (+73%) extends a very strong momentum that was already evident in 2025. The steel giant benefits from a more favorable environment for European producers, with greater protection against imports, but also from margin improvement and investments in new production capacity.

The reasons behind the ArcelorMittal stock rise in 2026

• European market protection: lower steel imports and new European trade measures
• Rising margins: EBITDA of $2.1 billion in Q2 2026
• Strategic investments: up to $2 billion planned in 2026 for growth projects
• Global demand: ArcelorMittal anticipates a 2% rise in non-China steel demand in 2026

How far can ArcelorMittal stock rise in 2026? Our view and technical analysis

From a chartist’s perspective, ArcelorMittal stock remains in an underlying uptrend, with a sequence of rising lows and highs. The price mostly moves inside an upward-sloping channel, whose bounds now represent important technical levels. After breaking the resistance at €64-65, that zone can now act as support. Lower down, €62 constitutes a second level to monitor for a potential entry point.

On the upside, as long as the stock stays within its channel, the €75-€78 zone represents the next technical objective, near the upper bound. An acceleration beyond this could open a new upside leg. Conversely, a break of the channel’s oblique support would be an early signal of a weakening trend. In that scenario, the major horizontal support around €51 would become a key level to watch.

Graphical analysis of ArcelorMittal stock

Marc’s view:

The trend remains favorable, but after almost an 80% rise in 2025 and another 73% in 2026, prudence is warranted. We would favor a retraction toward supports rather than a purchase during acceleration, watching for Q3 results due on November 5.

Should you invest in ArcelorMittal stock in 2026? Café de la Bourse view

We remain positive on ArcelorMittal, whose fundamentals and chart trend remain well oriented. Margin improvement, new protections for the European market and the prospect of higher volumes in the second half provide solid support. Nevertheless, after +80% in 2025 and +73% in 2026, we would avoid chasing ArcelorMittal’s stock during acceleration phases and would prefer a return toward the identified supports.

For a long-term investor, gradually building a position through DCA remains feasible for ArcelorMittal stock, especially to limit risk given the cyclical nature of the steel sector.

TotalEnergies stock: +39% in 2026

The rise of TotalEnergies stock in 2026 (+39%) is primarily explained by the sharp rebound in oil prices. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have brought the risk of energy supply back to the forefront of market concerns, a highly favorable environment for major oil companies like TotalEnergies.

The reasons behind the TotalEnergies stock rise in 2026

• Sharp oil price rise against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
• Brent at an average of $103.8 per barrel in Q2 2026, versus $81.1 in Q1
• Cash flow up strongly: +35% in the first half of 2026
• Dividend rising 5.9%, to €0.90 per share

How far can TotalEnergies stock rise in 2026? Our view and technical analysis

From a chartist standpoint, TotalEnergies stock maintains a fundamental upward trend, notably evidenced by an upward-sloping line that has accompanied TotalEnergies for several months. After the July rebound on this trend line, prices have returned to the €74-€75 zone, which has become an important short-term support. As long as this threshold holds, the bias remains favorable and pullbacks toward this area can offer attractive entry points.

On the upside, €80 now constitutes the major resistance and the primary technical objective. A clean breakout above this ceiling, which has already repeatedly resisted prices, would be particularly positive and could trigger a new upside acceleration toward new highs. Conversely, a break of €74 and the upward-sloping line would deteriorate the setup, with €66, then €61 as the main supports to watch.

Graphical analysis of TotalEnergies stock

Should you invest in TotalEnergies stock in 2026? Café de la Bourse view

In our view, TotalEnergies remains probably the most balanced of the three stocks in our 2026 CAC 40 Top 3 for a long-term investment. The rise in oil currently supports results, but the group also benefits from a integrated model, growing production and high cash flow generation. In Q2, CFFO reaches $9.8 billion and the dividend rises by 5.9%. After +39% since January, we would nevertheless avoid buying indiscriminately below the 80€ resistance.

A DCA strategy appears particularly suited for TotalEnergies stock, with emphasis on dips toward the main technical supports.

How to invest in the TOP 3 CAC 40 stocks of 2026 in practice?

To invest in the best-performing CAC 40 stocks in 2026, you can either position directly in STMicroelectronics, ArcelorMittal, or TotalEnergies, or spread your investment across the three. With the online broker eToro, for example you can purchase whole shares, but also fractional shares, allowing gradual investing in the stock market, even with small amounts.

Regarding fees, eToro charges a $1 commission on stock trades.

Another approach is not to pick a few individual stocks but to invest in the index via a CAC 40 ETF. This solution provides exposure in a single operation to the main major French companies and helps diversify portfolio risk. On eToro, ETF trades are offered with 0% commission.

The information from Cafedelabourse.com and its publications is provided for educational purposes. They do not constitute investment recommendations. The reader should assess the risks before executing any transaction. The reader is solely responsible for their investment decisions.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing in stocks involves a risk of capital loss.

All our information is, by nature, generic. It does not take into account your personal situation and does not constitute personalized investment advice or any recommendation to buy or sell financial instruments. The reader is solely responsible for using the information provided, and no remedy can be sought against Cafedelabourse.com’s publisher. The publisher’s liability cannot be engaged for errors, omissions, or ill-timed investments.