Paris (AFP)

The Paris Bourse was boosted Friday at mid-session (+ 1.02%) by well-received corporate results pending the monthly US employment report.

Around 12:15 p.m. (11:15 a.m. GMT), the Paris index rose 57.24 points to 5,665.78 points, bringing its gains over the whole week to nearly 5%.

"The CAC 40 is boosted by its heavyweights Sanofi, BNP Paribas and Vinci", comments Franklin Pichard, director of Kiplink Finance, and "the US employment figures will be decisive for the future".

"Good news could come from Israeli hospitals who say they have found a cure" for Covid-19, adds the expert as contamination levels remain high around the world.

Investors are counting on an economic rebound in 2021, thanks in particular to the return of household consumption and investment once the health crisis is under control.

Reassured by company results rather above expectations, investors will particularly watch the unemployment rate in the United States which will be published in the afternoon to have an indication of the economic recovery of the world's leading power.

Midway, the fourth quarter 2020 corporate earnings season "beats expectations, confirming that the earnings recovery is underway," Barclays strategists said in a note.

Acclaimed vinci

The title climbed 6.05% to 86.24 euros.

The operating profit of the BTP group came out above expectations and the group aims for 2021, "excluding exceptional events, an increase in turnover, very close to that of 2019".

Renault takes advantage of Apple Car speculation

The title of the manufacturer gained 4.65% to 40.15 euros, rumors in the Japanese press reporting discussions between Apple and its Japanese allies for the electric car project of the American technological giant.

BNP Paribas steps up its earnings

BNP Paribas increased its gains (+ 3.81% to 44.11 euros) after posting a net profit of 7.07 billion euros in 2020 despite the crisis, down 13.5% compared to the year previous, but a little less than expected.

Iron health for Sanofi

The Sanofi title gained 1.66% to 80.14 euros.

The French pharmaceutical giant will offer a higher dividend after publishing a very strong net profit in 2020, boosted by the sale of its Regeneron shares.

Vallourec turns green

After a resumption of tense quotation in the morning, the action of the tube manufacturer resumed 3.70% to 26.19 euros.

The group has reached an agreement with its main creditors to reduce its debt, which will result in its takeover by two investment funds.

© 2021 AFP