Paris, Jan 10, 2026, 17:20 CET — Market closed
- LVMH shares climbed 2.8% on Friday, finishing the day at 652.10 euros.
- The CGT union at Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot has called for new walkouts and scheduled talks for Jan. 14.
- European stocks hit a new high, with investors weighing U.S. jobs figures and eyeing inflation data due next week.
LVMH shares closed the week up in Paris, but traders face a fresh labour dispute at the group’s Champagne houses on Monday. The CGT union representing workers at Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot has announced new strike action next week, demanding higher bonuses.
Timing is key. Luxury stocks kicked off 2026 on a high note, and all eyes are turning to earnings season to gauge consumer demand and pricing strength. Now, a labor dispute at a major LVMH unit introduces a short-term risk—difficult to quantify but straightforward to trade around.
The union claims management is slashing annual bonuses and benefits amid falling sales, while shareholder dividends hold steady. It’s a tough look for a company usually seen as the sector’s benchmark.
LVMH shares ended Friday 2.77% higher, closing at 652.10 euros after hitting a session peak of 654.30 euros.
The CGT called for a work stoppage of “at least three hours” next Thursday, criticizing management’s one-off 1,000-euro payment as “not at the height of our expectations.” A CGT official in a video urged employees to maintain pressure on management, with more talks scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14.
LVMH has stayed silent on the dispute, and Reuters reported that its Moët Hennessy division didn’t offer any immediate comment when reached out to.
The broader market held steady into the close. European stocks hit record highs on Friday, buoyed by gains in miners and chipmakers. Investors weighed a U.S. payrolls report showing slower job growth alongside a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.4%.
James Knightley, chief international economist at ING, said the data mix still signals the Fed will hold rates in January but warned of a potential “hot” inflation reading next week. That’s crucial for luxury stocks, since rate outlooks and risk appetite quickly influence sector multiples.
Outside the Champagne sector, retail conditions are uneven. A Reuters piece this week highlighted department stores increasingly turning to experiences to lure customers. It also mentioned LVMH invested roughly 750 million euros renovating La Samaritaine in Paris, but the store has faced challenges since reopening in 2021, resulting in a restructuring alongside Le Bon Marché last year.
The stock has been trading within a broad range, hitting a low of 629.30 on Jan. 7 before climbing to a high of 654.30 on Friday. Now, 650 euros stands out as a key level that many traders will be monitoring for signs of momentum. (MarketScreener)
The risk here is that a rolling strike spreads or triggers operational shifts in Champagne right as investors seek clearer signals on margins and demand. Any slip in global risk appetite, particularly ahead of next week’s inflation figures, might also sap momentum from the sector’s recent rebound.
Next on the docket are talks set for Wednesday, Jan. 14, followed by the union’s scheduled strike on Thursday, Jan. 15. Traders are also eyeing LVMH’s upcoming earnings report, slated for Jan. 22 according to TradingView’s earnings calendar. (Tradingview)
