Cost-of-living protests in France turned into nationwide looting and arson over the weekend, raising alarm across Europe, where at least half a dozen countries hold elections next year. President Emmanuel Macron promised a 'hard line,' yet clashes between rioters and police continued in Paris, and pollster Bernard Sananes called the violence 'no precedent' before a presidential vote. French assets fell on Monday: government bonds underperformed, the spread over Germany widened seven basis points to 145 basis points, the euro dipped as much as 0.5%, and the CAC 40 fell 1.2%. Carrefour's CEO estimated repair costs at 'hundreds of millions of euros,' with about 20 of its supermarkets looted, and unions have called a strike for Nov. 5. Similar unrest hit Milan and protests took place in Belgium and Portugal, while Spain's strikes over housing and wages are planned for next month.
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| Market | Currencies |
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| Close on 10/16/2026 | 1.12393 |
| Change that session | +0.16% |
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- France in Turmoil : Nationwide Protests Escalate into Violence , Fires , and Looting
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French government bonds and stocks sold off amid increasingly violent protests, adding pressure on the euro. The 10-year French yield rose as much as 8 basis points to 4.86%, while Germany's was flat at 3.41%, widening the spread to 145 basis points, its highest in two years. The CAC 40 fell nearly 1.3%, with Société Générale and BNP Paribas down 2.5% and 2.2%. Natixis CIB economists expect the French deficit to widen to 5.4% of GDP in 2026 and question the credibility of a €54bn savings plan for 2027, while Italy also saw cost-of-living protests, with clashes in Milan and lorry drivers blocking roads in the south.
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