The euro fell to a 17-month low against the United States dollar on Monday as concern over France’s public finances spread across European markets.

The single currency dropped to about $1.116 in Asian trading, its weakest level since May 2025 after four consecutive weeks of declines.

French government bonds have faced heavy selling as investors question whether Paris can reduce its budget deficit and stabilise a debt burden approaching 120 percent of economic output.

The yield gap between French and German ten-year bonds moved above 150 basis points, signalling a sharp increase in the risk premium demanded for holding French debt.

Political uncertainty ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election has added to market anxiety and complicated efforts to agree on durable fiscal reforms.

France’s CAC 40 index also declined, while pressure on the euro raised concern that instability in Europe’s second-largest economy could affect other heavily indebted members.

The dollar remained supported even after weak American employment data reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates again in October.

Markets are now watching the European Central Bank for signs that policymakers may respond if the bond-market turbulence develops into a broader eurozone problem.

Sources: Reuters; Financial Times; Euronews.

Featured photo: Pierre G/Unsplash.