Table of Contents

• French Stock Market

• Apple & Meta EU Regulations

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Economy & Finance

French Stock Market

France’s stock market is experiencing its steepest weekly decline in over two years, driven by concerns that the far-right party might win the forthcoming parliamentary elections. The CAC 40 index, comprising the 40 largest stocks in Paris, dropped by 2.7% on Friday, culminating in a weekly loss exceeding 6%. This downturn follows President Emmanuel Macron’s unexpected decision to call snap elections, triggering fears of a market panic similar to that seen in the UK during Liz Truss's tenure. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned of a potential financial crisis if either the far-right or far-left wins due to their significant spending plans. The widening gap between French and German borrowing costs, reaching a seven-year high, further reflects investor anxiety.

Technology

Apple & Meta EU Regulations

Apple and Meta are making headlines as they are set to be charged by the European Commission for allegedly violating the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This regulation aims to reduce the dominance of large tech companies by encouraging competition and making it easier for users to switch between different online services. The Commission began investigating Apple, Meta, and Google in March, focusing initially on Apple and Meta. Preliminary findings, which may result in charges similar to antitrust violations, are expected soon, with Apple being addressed first. These companies can propose solutions to address the issues before a final ruling, which could include fines of up to 10% of their global revenue. The charges against Apple involve restrictions related to its App Store and new developer fees, while Meta is scrutinized for its subscription-based, ad-free model for Facebook and Instagram.

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