All the day’s economic and financial news, as relief over the French elections pushes shares higher
- Latest: World markets hit record highs
- Markets expect Macron to become next French president
- European markets add to Monday’s gains
- The agenda: UK public finances at 9.30am
- Joris Luyendijk: The doom-mongers got it wrong
The French presidential rate took another twist last night, when Marine Le Pen announced she was stepping aside as leader of the National Front.
That may help her win support from voters who aren’t impressed by Macron, but can’t stomach placing a cross next to a party with such a toxic past.
Le Pen step-aside from NF leadership is clever politics. Going after Fillon’s supporters. But good 1st round turnout suggests she’ll lose
Optimism over the French election is pushing the euro up this morning. It’s gained 0.2% to $1.089, close to the five-month high struck on Sunday night.