French Economy Stagnates as Energy Infrastructure Strikes and Geopolitical Risks Rattle Markets
Stock Market News·2026-02-20 08:38
Key TakeawaysFrance's Composite PMI reached 49.9 in February, signaling a near-stagnation of the private sector as a surprising manufacturing contraction offset gains in services.Russian drone strikes hit Naftogaz oil and gas facilities in Ukraine's Poltava region, causing significant infrastructure damage and fires in the 20th such attack this year.UK 5-year Gilt yields fell to 3.765%, marking their lowest level since September 2024 as cooling inflation fuels expectations for aggressive interest rate cuts. ...