LIVE MARKETS-European shares fall, France underperforms

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EUROPEAN SHARES FALL, FRANCE UNDERPERFORMS

Major European equity markets are in the red on Monday, with French stocks underperforming after widespread violent protests over the weekend that are starting to cause another headache for President Emmanuel Macron.

Thousands were arrested during the protests in France, which is already grappling with a ballooning debt pile and political posturing ahead of next year's presidential election.

"The unrest adds to an already challenging backdrop," writes Danske Bank assistant analyst Ella Schlüntz.

France's CAC 40 .FCHI is down 1.2% in early trade, with banks among some of the hardest hit. The mid- and small-cap index .CACMS is down 1.1%.

Other European bourses are a touch softer too, with the pan-continental STOXX 600 .STOXX down 0.6%. Breadth is negative with about 75% of stocks in the red.

Here's your opening snapshot:

https://www.reuters.com/graphics/GLOBAL-STOCKS/moparbydyva/chart.png

(Samuel Indyk)

EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: ELEVATED OIL PRICES, RIOTING LEAVE FUTURES IN THE RED CLICK HERE

MARKETS LEFT TO FIGURE OUT SANCTIONS CLICK HERE