French bonds and banking stocks lose value after unrest

French bonds and bank shares fall after weekend unrest

French bonds and bank shares fell on 19 October after unrest damaged shops and public buildings. Commerce Minister Serge Papin puts the toll at more than 3,000 businesses, while Morningstar DBRS estimates insured losses could reach €1.2 billion if violence does not recur; resale platforms also committed to report suspicious listings and publish removal counts.

Brent oil hits nearly six-month high at $116.72 a barrel

Brent settled on 23 October at its highest since 29 April. WTI also rose, leaving the two oil benchmarks with weekly gains of 6% and 2.3%, respectively, and higher reference prices for oil buyers.

Truck blockades largely end in southern Italy

Truck blockades have largely ended in southern Italy, France 24 with AFP reported on 24 October. The reopening gives suppliers access to businesses hit by empty supermarket shelves, airport fuel shortages and halted mozzarella production.

Updated

France allows stun grenades for ‘urban violence’, minister says

France’s interior minister says police may use stun grenades during “urban violence”, qualifying a pause after a pupil lost his hand. DW reported on 22 October that the internal police inspectorate said it had opened at least 40 cases, with alleged misconduct subject to investigation rather than established by those counts.

Updated

SNAP enrollment drops by 5 million; state costs rise

US SNAP enrollment fell by about five million as states took on more administrative costs. Michigan’s food-bank council has temporarily suspended its helpline, and Feed Louisville says its daily supplies run out. A proposed delay to the next state funding increase still awaits congressional approval.

Sudan’s transport union raises bus fares by up to 40%

Sudan’s transport union has raised intercity bus fares by 40% and minibus fares by 30% amid fuel shortages. War damage has increased dependence on imports; economic analyst Sidi Ohaj calls for easier import procedures to increase supplies.

Iran’s electronics buyers face higher costs as trade routes shrink

Iran’s electronics buyers face rising costs as disrupted trade and domestic charges squeeze purchases, Al Jazeera reports. A Tehran teacher said replacing her phone would require selling her current device, using savings and borrowing from her parents; many acquaintances were repairing older devices instead.

UK regulator Ofgem approves deal to preserve winter gas imports

UK regulator Ofgem has approved National Gas’s agreement to preserve a Belgian pipeline’s capacity for winter gas imports. Energy system operators expect enough gas and electricity to meet demand, partly by paying higher market prices than neighbouring markets to attract supplies.

Updated

Drone attacks hit tankers near Romania, leaving seven missing

Drone attacks hit two chemical tankers near Romania on 14–15 October, with seven Wine Trader sailors reported missing and all Yara J crew rescued. NATO announced on 20 October that it would send additional surveillance, reconnaissance and forensics assets to the Black Sea region.

Kashagan arbitration excludes $12 billion in Kazakh claims, report says

The reported Kashagan ruling excludes $12 billion in Kazakhstan’s cost claims without awarding compensation on the $8 billion left standing. ExxonMobil says further development of the oil field cannot proceed until the arbitration cases are settled.