FRENCH stocks advanced, paced by Essilor International SA after the company reported a gain in first-half sales.

European Union defence ministers adopted a plan today to open up their €30bn arms industry to increased cross-border competition – a landmark move designed to cut costs for tight military budgets.

Dismissed Deputy President Jacob Zuma, cheered on by hundreds of supporters and shielded by a massive security operation, appeared in court today on corruption charges involving his financial adviser and two French arms companies.