Business · Markets · 18 mins ago
French unrest sends European shares lower
Violent protests in France pushed European shares lower on Monday, while US technology stocks rebounded.
The unrest followed demonstrations over rising living costs and poor school conditions, after weeks of student protests.
France’s CAC 40 fell by more than 1%, and London and Frankfurt markets also ended lower.
Investors were concerned that the unrest could make them less willing to buy French government bonds, as the country’s public debt approaches 3.6 trillion euros.
The yield on French 10-year bonds rose to 4.94%, up from 4.79% on Friday.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said a state of emergency remained possible, though he said curfews were a better option.
The government said it would continue pursuing looters, while investors also watched for further developments in France and company earnings in the United States.
European shares fell on Monday after weekend protests and riots in France raised investor concerns.
The CAC 40 in Paris was down 1.1% at the close, while Germany’s DAX 40 fell 1.2%.
The unrest followed weeks of student demonstrations and protests over the cost of living and school conditions.
France’s 10-year government bond yield rose to 4.94% from 4.79% on Friday.
Reports gave differing estimates of protest turnout and arrests.
- Who
- European investors and stock markets, particularly in France.
- What
- European shares fell as unrest in France unsettled investors.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026, after protests over the weekend.
- Where
- France, with declines across European markets including Paris, Frankfurt and London.
- Why
- The protests and riots raised concerns about political stability and France’s public debt.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mass protests against rising fuel prices and declining purchasing power took place in Paris and across France.
Protests escalated into riots and clashes with police in some cities.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence in a televised address.
European markets fell as investors reacted to the unrest.
- CAC 40
- Closed down 1.1% in Paris
- DAX 40
- Closed down 1.2% in Frankfurt
- French 10-year bond yield
- Rose to 4.94% from 4.79% on Friday
- Protest turnout
- Organizers estimated 800,000; the interior ministry estimated 550,000
- Arrests
- Almost 2,400 protesters detained, according to TASS
14 sources
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What people are saying
unbridled violence
if needed
I am absolutely determined to restore order
Investors are becoming increasingly concerned about the unrest