Paris: fragile gains before U.S. data

Not far from its equilibrium that revolves the Paris Stock Exchange in early afternoon, in a context which remains largely uncertain, given the wave of political protests taking place in the Middle East.

To 14h, the CAC 40 and gleans 0.2% 4116.5 points on a line not far from Frankfurt (+0.3%) and London (-0.1%), while U.S. markets are expected in the green for their opening.

Tensions are palpable in the Middle East, where the movements of political protest will continue, particularly in Libya, where the dictator Qaddafi appears increasingly isolated, which bodes well for a favorable outcome for the insurgents.

Meanwhile, prices of black gold are still in the process of stabilization, enjoying the reassuring statements from Saudi Arabia on the eve of the supply market. Thus, a barrel WTI U.S. remains almost stable at around $ 97 currently.

At the same time, "oil prices remain high, confirming the fears of contagion of rebellion remain important to investors," Aurel BGC moderates on his side.

A new outbreak of the black gold is not to exclude ...

In this context, the U.S. statistics for the afternoon may be hidden again.

And will be unveiled at 16h, the ISM manufacturing index for January and construction spending for the month.

Side values, in Paris, the 'bank' are particularly depressed in the ACC, like Societe Generale (-1.6%), BNP Paribas (-1.5%) and Credit Agricole (-0.6% )

Technicolor loose 4.7% to 5.2 euros after unveiling the 2010 annual results slightly worse than expected.

Ingenico is also not at the party (-0.8% to 27.2 euros), despite the publication of a group net profit of 39.6 million for fiscal 2010, against 26 8 million euros a year earlier.

And Vivendi sells 0.1% to 20.6 euros after the publication of a group net profit of 2.198 million euros in 2010 against 830 million euros in 2009.