1.   A weak franc lifts revenue from sales generated abroad.

2.   A weak franc, however, makes a rate cut less likely, since lower interest rates would weaken the currency further.

3.   Financial issues took the worst beating in France as investors were concerned that the weak franc would prevent the Bank of France from easing interest rates.

4.   SWISS bonds rose this week as gains by U.S. Treasuries outweighed the weak franc and concern that a supply of new franc-denominated bonds is dampening demand.

5.   The Swiss Association of Machinery Manufacturers said today the weak franc helped orders in the second quarter rise for the first time in two years.

6.   The weak franc, however, was a deterrent to a Bank of France cut.

7.   In Paris, some dealers said that the market was in the throws of a mini currency crisis as the dollar plummeted against a weak French franc.