1.   The franc could gain strength ahead of European monetary union amid investor uncertainty about the strength of the planned common currency.

2.   The franc has gained against every major currency so far this year, profiting from an influx of capital.

3.   The Swiss franc has gained with the mark amid concern that the launch of a single European currency might be delayed.

4.   The franc gained against the German mark in Tokyo trading.

5.   The franc gained against the German mark in Tokyo trading Monday, though it began to slip back later in Paris.

6.   Among European currencies, the French franc gained ground against the mark, the latter generally easing against European currencies from morning levels, except against the Swiss franc.

7.   As the mark weakened, the French franc gained a bit of ground, particularly in late afternoon.

8.   Bridgen also noted that the French franc gained against the mark, despite economic weakness in France.

9.   The French franc gained almost a centime after Juppe denied there was a conflict between the government and governor of the Bank of France.

10.   The French franc gained ground against the mark.