France’s CAC 40 fell 1.11% Monday as investors weighed weekend violence alongside public-finance concerns, while the government outlined plans to help affected shops and workers.
Euronext’s Paris market data put the index at 7,868.05 at the Oct. 19 close. The CAC 40 tracks 40 of France’s largest listed companies by market capitalization, according to Euronext. The Guardian reported an intraday decline of 1.45% at 09:13 EDT (15:13 CEST).
The Guardian reported that France’s 10-year government bond yield rose 10 basis points to 4.89% during trading, while the euro fell 0.2% against the dollar. The outlet also cited an economy showing little momentum, growing public debt and the government’s unapproved 2027 budget as concerns for investors. Reports placed the market moves alongside the protests but did not quantify how much the unrest contributed to the CAC 40 decline.
Anadolu and Hindustan Times attributed the demonstrations to frustration over living costs and strained public services. The Guardian, citing the Interior Ministry, reported nearly 2,400 arrests over the weekend; Anadolu gave a similar rounded figure for people taken into custody. Anadolu also reported about 1,000 injured police officers, gendarmes and firefighters.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he had asked prefects to establish partial curfews in selected areas. He said the government planned targeted aid for damaged shops, with ministers still considering a fund or tax or social-charge relief. Short-time work measures are due to start Oct. 20 to help protect jobs. The government said public money would support the response, which is intended to help affected shops and workers.
The Guardian reported that France’s 2023 riots caused about €730 million in insured losses. Agence France Trésor lists Moody’s next scheduled rating decision for France on Oct. 23 and gives the country an Aa3 rating with a negative outlook.
