French Economy

Business

From Hurricanes to Sentiment: Wintermute Predicts Crypto Prediction Markets Will Upend Insurance by 2026

A new report from crypto market maker Wintermute Ventures forecasts a seismic shift, arguing that blockchain-based prediction markets will begin displacing traditional insurance by making hyper-specific risks tradable. The firm outlines a future where decentralized infrastructure becomes the new clearing layer for a programmable global economy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France Tightens Toxin Rules, Sparking Fresh Infant Formula Recalls

Two French infant formula makers have recalled multiple product batches following the government's decision to slash permissible levels of cereulide, a toxin linked to gastrointestinal illness. The move amplifies a global safety crisis that has seen major brands issue recalls across dozens of countries since late last year.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran's Digital Blackout: A Three-Week Internet Shutdown Exacts a Heavy Economic and Social Toll

A prolonged, nationwide internet blackout in Iran, imposed during recent unrest, has crippled businesses and severed global connections for millions, revealing the deep fragility of an economy already under strain.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SCOR Bolsters European Cyber Insurance Reach Through Lloyd's Partnership with Baobab

French reinsurer SCOR has expanded its underwriting capacity for Baobab Insurance's cyber policies in Germany and Austria, now covering companies with annual revenues up to €1 billion, marking a strategic push into Europe's industrial cyber risk market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Industrial Sector Outperforms: Two Stocks Poised for Growth, One Faces Headwinds

While often operating behind the scenes, industrial companies are the engine of the U.S. economy. Bolstered by a favorable interest rate environment, the sector has surged 18.8% in the last six months, significantly outpacing the S&P 500. We analyze two firms with durable competitive edges and one that may be losing momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Singapore Charts New Frontier: National Space Agency to Launch Amid Global Investment Boom

Singapore will establish its National Space Agency on April 1st, aiming to leverage its technological prowess to secure a strategic position in the rapidly expanding global space economy, as global investments continue to soar.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Saint-Gobain Shares Dip: A Buying Opportunity or Fairly Valued?

Recent share price weakness at French construction giant Compagnie de Saint-Gobain has investors questioning its valuation. While a key model suggests the stock is fairly priced, its low P/E ratio compared to peers hints at potential undervaluation, setting the stage for a nuanced debate on the stock's true worth.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Europe's $955 Billion Recovery Fund Faces Uphill Battle to Deliver Lasting Economic Transformation

As the EU's landmark 'Next Generation' fund nears its final payout deadlines, its ambitious goal of modernizing the bloc's economy is being hampered by bureaucracy, skills gaps, and questions over long-term sustainability, despite pockets of innovation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Capgemini Divests U.S. Unit Amid Scrutiny Over ICE Software Contract

French IT giant Capgemini moves to sell its U.S. government solutions subsidiary following political and internal pressure over its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as public debate intensifies around tech's role in immigration enforcement.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Atos Shares Surge 164% in a Year: Is the Turnaround Real or a Mirage?

The French IT giant's stock has skyrocketed over the past 12 months, dramatically outperforming the market. But with a volatile recent history and mixed long-term returns, investors are questioning whether the rally reflects a sustainable recovery or a speculative bounce. A deep dive into valuation metrics reveals a complex picture.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hong Kong Tightens Regulatory Grip on Major Payment Networks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has detailed its enhanced oversight framework for key retail payment systems, designating networks like Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay for direct supervision to ensure security and stability in the city's rapidly digitizing economy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

First Hawaiian Bank Navigates Shifting Tides: Q4 2025 Shows Strength, 2026 Outlook Cautious Amid Rate Uncertainty

First Hawaiian Bank reported a solid fourth quarter, driven by net interest margin expansion and loan growth, while outlining a cautious 2026 outlook. Executives highlighted Hawaii's resilient economy and strong credit quality, alongside a new, flexible $250 million share buyback program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Financial Sector: Two Stocks to Watch, One to Avoid Amid Policy Uncertainty

While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Inventiva's Roller Coaster Ride: Biotech Stock Soars 126% in a Year Amid Volatility and Valuation Debate

French biopharma firm Inventiva (ENXTPA:IVA) has delivered a stunning 126% total return to shareholders over the past year, sharply contrasting with losses over a three-year horizon. As the stock experiences short-term pullbacks, analysts debate whether its current €5.23 price reflects future promise or present hype, with a key drug candidate hanging in the balance.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Overhauls Oil Laws, Throws Open Doors to Foreign Investment

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Trade Breakthrough: Scotch Whisky Tariffs Halved as New Deal Takes Effect

A landmark trade agreement secured during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing will see Chinese import duties on Scotch whisky cut from 10% to 5%, effective immediately. The move, hailed by industry leaders, is projected to inject £250 million into the UK economy and boost competitiveness in a key growth market.

Jan 30, 2026

World

France and Chad Chart New Course, Pivoting from Military Ties to Economic Partnership

Following a rupture in their longstanding security alliance, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno have agreed to reset bilateral relations, placing future cooperation squarely in the economic and developmental sphere.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

France Blocks Eutelsat's Antenna Sale, Citing Sovereignty and Security Against Starlink Rivalry

The French government has intervened to halt the sale of Eutelsat's ground antenna network, labeling the satellite operator a strategic national asset crucial for both civilian and military communications in the face of growing competition from SpaceX's Starlink.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corebridge Financial Taps Into Tech and Bitcoin Trends with New Annuity Product, But Is the Stock a Buy?

Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.

Jan 30, 2026