French stocks declined on Friday following the release of data indicating an increase in the country's trade deficit for April, driven by higher imports and a decrease in exports.
According to information from the customs office, France's trade deficit expanded to EUR 7.6 billion in April from EUR 5.4 billion in March, surpassing the anticipated deficit of EUR 5.4 billion.
Year-over-year figures show that exports grew by 0.7 percent in April, while imports fell by 4.3 percent.
Investment focus now turns to the significant U.S. employment data expected later in the day, which could impact the timing and extent of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
The CAC 40 index dropped 42 points, or 0.5 percent, settling at 7,998 after a 0.4 percent gain the previous day.
In corporate developments, shares of Rexel Group, a leading distributor of electrical products, fell half a percent. The company has announced new and enhanced medium-term financial goals ahead of its Capital Markets Day in Paris.
