Economy and TradingGovernment

France Faces Credit Downgrade Amid Political Uncertainty and Rising Debt Concerns

Standard & Poor’s has lowered France’s credit rating from AA- to A+ amid concerns about the country’s growing debt burden and political challenges. The downgrade comes as France grapples with parliamentary gridlock and suspended pension reforms that could impact its fiscal trajectory.

Credit Rating Adjustment

France’s sovereign credit rating has reportedly been downgraded by S&P Global Ratings from AA- to A+ with a stable outlook, according to reports released Friday. Analysts suggest the decision reflects growing concerns about the country’s ability to manage its government debt amid political instability and economic challenges.

BusinessTelecom

Altice France Rejects $19.8 Billion Joint Bid from Rivals, Sparking European Telecom Consolidation Debate

Altice France has reportedly rejected a 17-billion-euro joint offer from French telecom rivals Bouygues Telecom, Iliad’s Free, and Orange for most of its SFR assets. The rejected bid had sparked hopes for increased consolidation in the European telecommunications market, with French regulators indicating they would closely scrutinize any potential deal.

Major French Telecom Bid Rejected

Altice France, the owner of telecommunications firm SFR, has reportedly rejected a substantial joint bid from three French rivals, according to internal communications obtained by Reuters. CEO Arthur Dreyfuss informed staff through a memo that the company immediately turned down the non-binding offer valued at 17 billion euros ($19.8 billion) for most of Altice France’s assets, which would have valued the entire company at approximately 21 billion euros.

BusinessSoftware Guides

Spotify Managed Accounts Expand to US and Key Markets for Family Plan Users

Spotify has expanded its Managed Accounts feature to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and multiple European countries. The family-focused streaming control allows parents to manage music content for children under 13 while maintaining separate listening experiences.

Spotify has significantly expanded the availability of its parent-managed accounts to key international markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. This strategic rollout follows successful pilot testing and represents Spotify’s continued commitment to family-friendly streaming options that give parents granular control over their children’s music consumption.

What Are Spotify Managed Accounts?