Moody's verdict on France, storm Austen, NRJ Music Awards, Call of Duty: what to watch for

Moody's will announce its verdict on France's credit rating on Friday, October 23, potentially downgrading it from Aa3 to A1 due to the country's deteriorating fiscal situation. France faces a public deficit above 5% of GDP since 2025, debt projected at 121.7% of GDP next year, and near-zero growth. The ten-year borrowing rate approaches 5%, a level unseen since 2002, with the spread over Germany at its widest since 2011. Economists consider a one-notch downgrade with a stable outlook most likely, aligning Moody's with S&P and Fitch. The debt burden is expected to rise from 80 billion euros this year to over 120 billion by 2030.