European Markets Open Lower Amid French Unrest, Commodities Show Mixed Movements

European equities opened the week on a subdued note as protests in France over pension reforms continue to unsettle investors. While the market’s overall tone remains cautious, commodity prices delivered a patchwork of gains and declines.

- **Gold** traded at $4,185.84 per ounce, up $20.44 (+0.49%) as safe‑haven demand steadied.

- **Silver** edged higher to $57.835 per ounce, a $0.530 gain (+0.92%).

- **WTI Crude** slipped to $97.05 a barrel, down $1.97 (-1.99%).

- **Brent Crude** fell to $107.26, a drop of $2.60 (-2.37%).

- **Copper** rose modestly to $6.6038 per pound, up $0.0438 (+0.67%).

- **Aluminium** slipped to $2,992.00 per tonne, a decline of $16.50 (-0.55%).

- **Natural Gas** edged lower to $3.101 per MMBtu, down $0.019 (-0.61%).

The French protests, which have seen large crowds block major highways and disrupt transport links, have heightened uncertainty across the eurozone. Market participants remain wary of potential spill‑over into broader economic activity, leading to a cautious start to the trading week. Despite the muted equity performance, the commodities market displayed resilience, with precious metals gaining modestly while energy prices continued to retreat amid global supply concerns.

Investors are advised to monitor the unfolding situation in France closely, as any escalation could further dampen market sentiment and affect the trajectory of European equities for the coming weeks.