Some market observers are concerned about far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who has been openly critical of Islamic fundamentalism.
“Looking to translate her high early poll numbers into votes, Le Pen evoked a frightening image of France’s future during her much-anticipated speech. The country, enslaved to the European Union and unrecognizable as French, risks losing its identity if the political status quo endures, she said,” according to the Associated Press.
While Le Pen’s lead at this juncture is enough to get her to the May runoff, polls indicate she would not win that runoff. She has also been highly critical of the European Union, calling it a failure.
The iShares MSCI France ETF (NYSEArca: EWQ), the largest France ETF trading in the U.S., is up more than 2% this year.
For more information on the European markets, visit our Europe category.
• Earn up to 4 CE Credit! Registration is closing soon for the 2017 ETF Trends Virtual Conference this Wednesday, Feb. 8. To register or learn more, visit www.etftrendsvirtual.com.