But in the end, it's all about the money

These riots will have a deleterious impact on France's already anemic prospects for economic growth in Q4 of this year. From the AFP:

Violent unrest in France for the past 11 days has left the country grappling to explain the wanton destruction of property and some economists and business leaders have begun to warn that the turmoil could imperil an economic recovery.

There is alarm for the country's tourism industry, concern about a decline in consumer confidence and a fall in foreign investment -- not to mention fears about the devastation of businesses and the impact of increased security costs if the situation worsens.

"This is exactly what the French economy didn't need," said Nicolas Bouzou, chief economist at Paris-based economics consultancy Xerfi.

Other than having to replace all those torched cars, there is no upside from the riots. At least with a hurricane, survivors rebuild houses and, more importantly, restock them with furniture, appliances etc.

Short France.

dpny