The CAC 40 is used as a benchmark index for those investing in the French stock market and provides a general idea of the direction of the Paris Bourse. Like the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the US, the CAC 40 represents the overall level and direction of the market in France. The CAC 40 listings currently include such companies as LVMH, L'Oreal, Hermes, TotalEnergies and Sanofi.