Singapore Dollar to Rise 10 Percent to Record $1.38, BNP Paribas Predicts

(Bloomberg) -- The Singapore dollar may rise 10
percent to a record in a year as an influx of tourists and
bankers supports economic growth, BNP Paribas SA said.

The currency may reach S$1.38 per dollar by June 30, passing
the record of S$1.3835 reached in 1995, as the Monetary Authority
of Singapore seeks gains to curb inflation, said Thio Chin Loo,
senior foreign-exchange strategist in Singapore at France's
largest bank by market value.


Read more at Bloomberg Currencies News

French Utility Stocks Drop, Led by Suez; Michelin and France Telecom Gain

(Bloomberg) -- French utility stocks dropped, paced
by Suez SA and Veolia Environnement SA. Michelin & Cie. and
France Telecom SA gained.

The CAC 40 Index slid 9.20, or 0.2 percent, to 5634.76 at
9:11 a.m. in Paris. The SBF 120 Index fell 0.1 percent.


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News

Algeria says seen no suitable Gaz de France deal

(Reuters) - Algerian said its energy giant Sonatrach has not received any suitable proposal for an alliance with Gaz de France, floated as an alternative to the French utility's merger with rival Suez.

Sonatrach wanted a strategic partnership that could give it access to international reserves, energy and mines minister Chakib Khelil said in an interview to be published on August 1 in Paris-based industry magazine Petrole et Gaz Arabes.


Read more at Reuters Africa

EDF, Faurecia, Klepierre, PPR, Nexity, Sopra, Vinci: French Equity Preview

(Bloomberg) -- The following stocks may rise or
fall on the Paris stock exchange. Symbols are in parentheses
after company names and prices are from the close on July 20.

August futures on France's benchmark CAC 40 Index added 1.5
to 5977.5 at 8:15 a.m. in Paris.


Read more at Bloomberg Stocks News