French stocks up

FRENCH stocks climbed, paced by Axa and Technip after the companies reported profits that beat analysts’ estimates.

Axa advanced 56 cents, or 1.7%, to 33.69. Net income rose 18% to €5 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates.

The CAC 40 Index rose 13.3, or 0.2%, to 5,707.86. The SBF 120 Index also increased 0.2%.