Global stocks fall as Meta weighs on AI optimism; French yields hit 2002 high

Global stocks fell Thursday as Meta's earnings failed to offset AI concerns, while French bond yields surged and oil prices rose on Gulf tensions. MSCI's All-World index dropped 0.4%, its largest fall in two weeks. Meta beat revenue expectations but announced non-voting stock issuance, reviving worries about capital commitments. A $25 billion penalty in a New Mexico privacy case added pressure. European tech stocks fell, with US futures down 1-1.7%. Brent crude rose nearly 3% to $112 a barrel after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia. French 10-year yields hit 5.107%, their highest since 2002, while the yen strengthened on Bank of Japan rate hike signals.