France’s five red flags

FRENCH markets are heading into October with investors keeping a close eye on five pressure points, as concerns over high government debt, political gridlock and a looming presidential election threaten to keep the country’s financial assets under strain.

French bond spreads, futures positioning, equities, credit-default swaps and the euro are all flashing signs of growing investor unease, according to a Reuters report, and these developments could make it harder for the government to rein in its already stretched finances as markets look ahead to the 2027 presidential election.