Archive for the ‘business’ Category

U.S. bonds are resistant to the loss of triple A

Saturday, August 27th, 2011

Contrary to expectations, yields on government bonds to ten years U.S., the famous "T-Bonds," have not suffered the loss by the United States of their "triple A", which gave investors the best repayment guarantees available. Since the deterioration of the financial rating of Uncle Sat, August 6, the rating agency Standard & Poor's, the rate of return on government bonds ten years has even relaxed. It went from 2.58% the day before the announcement to 2.19% yesterday in New York.

"Common sense would that loss of the triple A, synonymous with degradation of the repayment capacity of borrowers, resulting in a tension on the rate of pay required by lenders, said Jean-Louis Mourier, economist at Aurel BGC. But the United States are in a particular position.In a world facing many economic uncertainties, bonds issued by the U.S. state are still considered a less risky than most other investments. "

Experts call this the "fly to quality", that is to say the postponement of international investors on asset quality at the expense of investment risk. "On the merits, there is no big difference between a AAA and AA +, said Philippe d'Arvisenet, chief economist of BNP Paribas. Everyone knows that the U.S. is heavily indebted, but nobody doubts their ability to repay their debts. However, there are concerns about the viability of the euro area, especially on signs of a slowdown in the global economy.These weigh on the shares, since one can fear a deterioration of business results. "

The shares were most affected

Since August 6, the Dow Jones, which includes the thirty largest U.S. companies, has in fact lost more than 3%, bringing in its wake all the global indices including the CAC 40 index, down 7.6% on the same period. Jean-Marie Mercadal, director of management at OFI AM, states that "analysts are still waiting for an increase of 14% of the profits of U.S. companies in 2012, but this estimate could be up to a 5% drop in a recession" . That's exactly what operators fear most.

In this context, the loans issued by the United States appears more secure.The U.S. bond market is mainly the most liquid and deepest in the world, ensuring that investors can sell their shares at any time, even in case of crisis. An advantage not available to France, which would it heavily penalized in the event of deterioration in its financial rating.

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The Cac 40 continues to rise

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Sign that the markets are still very feverish, gold crossed for the first time in its history the bar in 1900 dollars an ounce to more than 1914 dollars exactly. However, according to analyst estimates, the Cac 40 continues to rise, after gaining 1.14% to 3051.36 points on Monday. The stock index climbed 1.22% to 3088.75 points.

Of the other major European stock markets, the FTSE-100 from the London Stock Exchange gained 1.02% to 5147.27 points and the Dax-30 from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is 1.01% to 5529.26 points. Wall Street closed Monday evening while a cautious rebound Asian stock markets advance slowly.

While awaiting the president's speech to the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke, Friday, and the publication of the second estimate of U.S. GDP in the second quarter, the same day, the markets are mindful of the situation in Libya where the prospect a regime change seems inevitable with the fall of Colonel Gaddafi after 42 years of reign.

Oil prices retreat slightly

As a result, oil prices were cautious on Tuesday morning. In morning trading, a barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery fell by 2 cents to 108.34 dollars, after losing 18 cents in early trade.A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 27 cents 84.69 dollars.

On the macroeconomic front, the growth in activity in France has re-accelerated slightly in August, but three months to offset the sharp slowdown that has just experienced. The manufacturing PMI rose to 53.6 points against 53.2 in July.

In the U.S., sales of new homes in July were attendures to 16 hours.

On the corporate side, while the regime of Colonel Gaddafi is expected to end, the energy and oil are in the form: Total climbed 2.31% to 33.46 euros, GDF Suez is 1.66% to 20.50 euros EDF wins and 1.13% to 20.94 euros.

Carrefour: 1.69% to 18.95 euros

Carrefour announced Monday the appointment of Thierry Garnier, currently executive director of distribution group for growth markets, the Executive Director for China and Taiwan, replacing Eric Legros.

Sanofi: 1.72% to 49.97 euros

Aventis Pharma, Indian subsidiary of Sanofi, is close to buying activities without prescription Universal Medicare, an unlisted Indian pharmaceutical company to 75.8 million euros, said on Tuesday two sources close to the situation.

Societe Generale: 1.26% to 21.33 euros

Societe Generale has asked the bank Rothschild to set up a liquidity contract with a budget of 170 million euros to support its action, which has lost more than 40% of its value in a month.

For Obama, Congress slows recovery

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

Barack Obama came on the same level in the campaign for his re-election in 2012, do not miss any opportunity to castigate the Congress. And first of his Republican opponents who control the House of Representatives. After accusing them of having lost the country's triple AAA, the U.S. president, on Saturday from his holiday resort of Martha's Vineyard, singled out "some" blocking parliamentary measures "common sense" intended by him , create jobs and help growth.

In its traditional broadcast weekly radio address, Barack Obama said the bill, currently stalled, relate to the construction, trade and taxes, and that they should "boost" the economy. "The only thing that prevents us to pass these texts is the refusal of some on Capitol Hill to put national interests before those of their party.This is the problem today is that hinders the country, "he said.

Barack Obama also confirms the fears of equity markets on the health of the world's largest economy. "We are in a difficult, terrible recession," he admitted. "So we need people in Washington, people whose job is to manage the affairs of the country, the people you elected to serve online payday loans. We need to solve problems by putting aside our differences, "he adds.

"Do not betray his principles"

The response from the other side was not built to wait. "Divided government is no excuse for doing nothing," ruled John Kasich, the Ohio governor, in a speech on behalf of the Republican opposition. "It does not replace the authority of the President of the United States.I hope that President Obama listen to his fellow Republicans as well as to get the economy back on track by creating jobs and manufacturing growth. "

The latter, however, urged his side to make more compromises when necessary. "It is equally important that the Republicans are not rigid about working beyond the party lines when the stakes are high. We can compromise on policy as it does not betray his principles. "

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Difficult to recover the "AAA" when it was lost

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

S & P is the second rating agency to downgrade the American note, after the Chinese – less powerful – Dagong, others – mainly the U.S. Moody's and Fitch French – for the time remaining in triple A. Now rated AA + long term debt of the United States remains in the investment category of "high quality" and joined the second and third world economies, namely China and Japan, as well as Belgium, Spain , Israel, Taiwan, or even oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

But it is possible to recover the triple A when it was lost. Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Sweden Finande did. Of course, the United States will do everything to return to their "AAA" precious. But the task will be tough, as it will maintain over the long term, strong pressure on fiscal discipline while scaffolding better understanding at the political level.

Political consensus to find absolutely

Indeed, in the case of their Canadian neighbors, the return of Triple A in 2002, had been lost – again by S & P – in 1992 on its debt denominated in foreign currency, was possible thanks to the introduction of fiscal measures severe that the subject of a strong national consensus, which seems far from possible for the United States.

Similarly, three Scandinavian countries also known for their ability to consensus politics have seen their efforts to improve public finances crowned by the return of a "triple A" lost year 1990: Denmark 2001, Finland in 2002 and Sweden in 2004.

Australia is one model may be more difficult to imitate. This country has lost in the 1986 'AAA' rating assigned to its foreign currency by S & P, to find him in 2003.During these 17 years, Canberra has demonstrated fiscal discipline inflexible, stopping in 1997 to increase the amount of its debt in dollars. Growth has surged with the transformation of the economy, modernization of the financial system, deregulation of many sectors that had lost their competitiveness and development of a powerful mining industry has benefited from China's economic takeoff.

Economy to restart

Jean-Michel Six, chief economist for Europe Standard & Poor's has expressed in the columns of Le Figaro, six months ago that the economic figures released in the United States show that the country remains fragile, particularly at the front of the employment and real estate. "In the U.S., including employment prospects are very disappointing."While yesterday (Friday), the figures – the United States have created 117,000 jobs in July – have eliminated any disaster scenario on the U.S. labor market, performance is modest. As for household consumption, "it is significantly weakened by the debt levels of Americans," added the specialist. Overall, "the year 2011 should result in a 2% growth, which is very disappointing for the U.S., where the pace of activity is generally much higher than in Europe."

According to the latest figures on U.S. growth, GDP grew by only 1.3% annual rate. Economists expected a 1.8% increase. Worse, the growth of the first three months of the year, previously estimated at 1.9%, was revised sharply downwards to 0.4%. And the largest economy in the world did she not really recovered from the 2008 crisis.Fears of a slowdown in U.S. growth, and global markets have panicked the last ten days.

Fiscal side, the U.S. accumulated a debt exceeding GDP are: since August, the debt ratio exceeds 100%, as is the case in Japan or Greece.

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Hiring on permanent contracts rose in France

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

After a dynamic first quarter of 2011 (+8.4%), statements of hiring more than a month have edged down 1.4% in second quarter 2011, according to a study published ACOSS today ' hui. But they are nevertheless remained at a high level (1.94 million hires), comparable to the peak reached in early 2008. This decrease is due to decreased hiring in CSD over a month (- 4.6%), while those on permanent contracts have kept a steady pace (+2.9%). Including contracts of less than one month, the total number of declarations of non-temporary employment has remained stable compared to last quarter. However, it rose 5.7% year on year.

The decline in hiring of more than a month was mainly observed in the very small (- 2.9%). In companies with more than 20 employees, these hires were stable (- 0.3%), supported by the CDI (6.5%).In one year, reports of hiring more than a month increased by 2.0% in TPE and 8.5% in companies with more than 20 employees.

Le Parisien 30 million invested in its recovery

Saturday, July 9th, 2011

Philip Carli, who arrived in October 2010 within the Amaury group, wants to make Paris Aujourd'hui en France "a reference to the national daily press and local cross-media in France."

LE FIGARO. – What is the content of the proposed stimulus package you presented yesterday to the employees of "Parisien in France today?"

Philippe CARLI. – We have decided to invest 30 million euros to develop and diversify our offer. This choice results from the observation that 80% of our revenues come from sales to the number. We must therefore meet the expectations of our readers. The objective is to increase our revenues of 100 million euros on the brand Le Parisien in France today. To retain and expand our audience, we plan to invest ten million euros, with, among others, the creation of a weekly magazine offers.Coupled with the daily on weekends, it will include in the second half of 2012, a news and lifestyle magazine picture of a hundred pages. In a second step could be added a weekly edition of our monthly enriched La Parisienne.

And for everyday?

Besides the fact that the model will be upgraded with a passage of 64 full color pages, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our close nine departmental editions (eight departments of the Ile-de-France and the Oise), representing 49% of our sales. We plan to increase their editorial pagination of 50% and increase local resources, including rich media. Finally, to be closer to the cities and communities, we want to enter into agreements with associations, clubs and municipalities.A manager of the communities would be created for each edition.

You also mentioned before the diversification of employees …

Indeed we expect to invest 20 million euros in acquisitions of companies specializing in electronic transactions, including trade between individuals, group purchasing, or even the classifieds. We are also interested in human services.

The envelope of 30 million euros, also includes capital expenditure?

The journal's editorial changes will be accompanied by a modernization of two of our printing presses Saint-Ouen, where we have modernized our mailroom at a cost of 3 million euros. In addition, we invest in our management tools related to our subscribers, our readers and clients low interest rate personal loans.30 to 35 million French people each month are in contact with one of the hallmarks of our group (Le Parisien in France today, the team, Amaury Sport Organisation). It's time to capitalize on these contacts by imagining new offers for our subscribers. I am convinced that this is a very strong leverage income.

Where are you in the digital convergence of your editors?

If there is one place where it is well advanced, it is in our county editions, where journalists play the game But there is still room for improvement, including better integration of information flow and anticipate events . In terms of organization of the group Le Parisien, five major areas should be established, bringing together existing services around cross-cutting issues – news, entertainment and sports – and two that would be created – investigation and image.The realization of any newspaper should be linked to art direction and a cross-media desk would also be created to handle all information and redirect them to different media.

This major reorganization will she downsizing?

It should actually result in the removal of items from 40 to 50 of the 600 employees that has Le Parisien. But I said that my desire is to avoid forced departures. We want to set up a voluntary redundancy plan the details of which will be discussed with the social partners in September.

What functions are involved?

Mainly managerial functions, simplifying the hierarchical organization, and positions related to the achievement of the newspaper.The creation of new centers, in particular survey and image, is expected to provide opportunities in writing to some of those involved. Scribblers writing should not, however, be affected.

On the branch Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), what are your plans?

We will continue its internationalization. Several opportunities are being explored. We will support the development of ASO in South America, including Brazil, where we opened a subsidiary in late 2010. But also in Spain, where we took a significant stake in the Vuelta, the Tour of Spain. We also plan to organize events around the bike in Qatar and Oman. Discussions are also underway for events in China.

Placing on the Monaco royal wedding

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

The figures speak for themselves. In anticipation of the royal wedding of July 1 and 2, the National Council of Monaco, the equivalent of our Parliament, has allocated a budget of 4 million euros. Almost as much as the 4.4 million spent by the principality in 2010 to launch its corporate campaign in the French magazine and on the web. This shows the importance for the Rock the marriage of Prince Albert of Monaco and the former champion South African swimmer, Charlene Wittstock. Both in economic terms and in media coverage.

From next Friday, when the celebration of the civil union, Monaco looks indeed more than 200,000 visitors. A golden opportunity to restore a spotlight on the micro state of 35,881 inhabitants.Still considered a haven for billionaires, Monaco has indeed not escaped the crisis in recent years, in 2009 recording a decline of 9% of its tourism industry (mainly tourism business), before a resumption of 6 % last year. At issue: the crisis in the "customer proximity" (Italian and French), which became more reasonable.

Although the number of spectators attracted to the wedding should remain three times lower than the 600,000 tourists who traveled to London in April, for the marriage of William and Kate Middleton. But the Rock expects no less favorable economic impact. In anticipation of the weekend, everything was set up to attract maximum visitors: free trial of race cars, train frequency increased, on the big screen broadcast of the festivities, free parking, free admission to most museums payday loans guaranteed no fax… .Beyond the provision of 4 million euros of the National Council, the Centre has also participated in an amount that has not been made public.

Attract new large fortunes

The principality wants to use the event to attract tourists back wealthy, more and more tempted by other destinations. The sector remains in effect in the heart of Monaco's economy, with nearly 500 conventions and meetings a year and distributed 780,000 nights in the 16 luxury hotels. "Monaco must expand, transmit messages incentives to attract large fortunes, talents.It should be under the spotlight at all times, "said Michel Bouquier and the Director of Tourism of the Principality

Operation seduction seems to be working: within a week of marriage, hotels are almost full (2700 rooms, 90% in four stars), and the Rock is an increase of call for cruise ships in recent weeks. Remains to be seen, beyond the one-time event, the mass return of tourists will continue. Especially such an event is not without adverse consequences for the economy.For example, if the marriage of William and Kate has resulted in more than 570 million pounds (640 million euros) in economic benefits, productivity losses related to the only holiday of marriage (Friday, April 29 ) were valued at 7 billion euros.

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Bourget: the ongoing battle between Boeing and Airbus

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Day Two at Paris Air Show. Orders continue to rain, sometimes for the European Airbus, Boeing now for … and then the other aircraft manufacturers such as Embraer and Canadian Bombardier. Yesterday, for its opening day, is Qatar Airways has started the ball rolling by signing orders for six Boeing 777-300 long-haul ER for a list price of $ 1.7 billion.

In all, more than 200 aircraft were sold for a total of about $ 26 billion. By late afternoon, Airbus was able to engrager firm orders for 142 aircraft, for a total of $ 15 billion (10.4 billion euros) on the paper.His great rival Boeing for its part showed orders for nearly 40 aircraft and nearly $ 11 billion.

On Tuesday, John Leahy, commercial director of the European aircraft manufacturer, is pleased to have received 544 commitments for the A320neo which should enter service in 2015: "We said earlier this year that we would get 500 orders (for A320neo) by the end of the Paris Air Show. We achieved this goal with three days in advance, "he said.

• Airbus (EADS)

– The low-cost airline IndiGo Indian could confirm an order Wednesday's historic $ 16 billion on Airbus 180 aircraft, according to Reuters.

– CIT Leasing has signed a memorandum of understanding to buy 50 Airbus family A320neo.This command, which has yet to be confirmed, reached $ 4.6 billion at list prices only.

– The U.S. airline JetBlue Airways is about to buy 40 Airbus family A320neo, told Reuters in an industrial source. "An announcement will be made during the day," she said.

– Garuda Indonesia has signed Tuesday a memorandum of agreement to purchase 25 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, including 10 A320neo.

– The Taiwanese company Transasia Airways has ordered six Airbus A320neo. This order represents $ 600 million based on list prices.

• Boeing

– Aeroflot has ordered eight 777-300ER personal loans for bad credit. Based on list price, this order represents $ 2.3 billion.

– The low-cost airline Norwegian, major competitor of the Scandinavian airline SAS, has ordered 15 medium-haul Boeing 737-800 aircraft for $ 1.2 billion at list prices. Norwegian has also finalized the purchase of three long-range 787 "Dreamliner" in response to an intent to purchase that was announced in May.

– Malaysian Airline System (MAS) announced Tuesday it had exercised its purchase option on 10 Boeing 737-800. Malaysian airline said that this command was more than $ 800 million based on list prices. So far Boeing has awarded this order to a customer not identified in its list of 2011 contracts.

– The Mongolian airline MIAT Mongolian Airlines has ordered two aircraft the Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and 767-300ER for a comprehensive list price of $ 245 million.

• Bombardier

– The Swiss company VistaJet, which specializes in business aircraft, has ordered 10 units of Global 8000 for a list price of $ 650 million.

– The South Korean airline Korean Air has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 30 Bombardier CS300, including the outright purchase of 10 aircraft.

• ATR

– ATR, a joint venture between EADS and Finmeccanica, announced Tuesday it had garnered 78 firm orders and 32 options from the beginning of the year, for a total of $ 2.4 billion.Turboprop aircraft manufacturer has unveiled its second control room, from the Brazilian airline Azul Linhas Aéreas ATR 72-600 for 10 to nearly $ 227 million.

• Comac

– The Irish company Ryanair low cost will help the Chinese manufacturer Comac to develop its medium-haul C919, to be marketed in 2016, when she was broken in late 2009 negotiations to purchase medium-haul Boeing.

The CAC 40 is expected to stabilize

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

On this day 50 years in the OECD, the Paris Bourse should behave a little better. The Cac 40, which has suffered heavy losses on Monday, weighed down by bad signs including the Italian debt, and could resume his spirits a bit, like the Asian stock markets on Tuesday morning, which had fallen the night before. Last night on Wall Street, U.S. indexes also ended in deep red.

It will also monitor the evolution of the Milan Stock Exchange, which lost more than 3% the day before because of the prospect of lowering the debt rating of Italy by Standard and Poor's. But the rating agency has reassured last night assuring that the country would not need help. The government has prepared an austerity plan of 40 billion euros.

On Tuesday, the Brussels Stock Exchange is likely to be heckled while Fitch has placed the country's debt on negative watch.

To this day wait at the front of economic data likely to move the trend in France, the monthly business survey in industry, in construction, in retail trade and repair services for automobiles and May fall to 8.45. Even now, the business climate and economic downturn, still on May, are known. In Germany, Destatis publish the detailed GDP in the first quarter (8:00) and Ifo important barometer of the morale of the financial community will be unveiled at 11 am. In the EU, we will connsaissance new orders in industry in March (11:00).While the United States, 16 hours, we will note the new home sales in April (16 hours) payday loans direct lenders.

Bickering between Carrefour and Casino

Side values, expected interim results from Compagnie des Alpes.

Casino boss, Jean-Charles Naouri, did not appreciate the discussions for a merger between Carrefour and the leader of the Brazilian supermarkets, CBD.

Moreover, S & P is considering lowering the rating of Dexia because of its exposure to Greece.

Vallourec has announced the acquisition of Zamil Pipes, the leading processing and finishing of seamless tubes for oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia for 96 million euros.

EDF and Enel are among the groups under discussion with Russia's Rosatom to participate in its proposed nuclear plant in Kaliningrad, Russia.

CVC Capital Partners has reached an agreement to repurchase shares in the family holding Delachaux offered for sale at a price of 83 euros per share.

Areva has announced the acquisition of 30% stake in its Brazilian subsidiary Areva Koblitz it did not already own.

BigBen Interactive has filed a proposed acquisition of Modelabs that values ​​the maker of mobile phones tailored and specialist distributor of telecom products between 90 and 100 million euros, announced Monday the Financial Markets Authority (AMF). The group will publish its annual résutlats Tuesday.

Note Iliad, Arkema, EDF, Société générale Gecina and hold their general meeting today.

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The debate about replacing DSK IMF opens

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

The U.S. government has dropped Dominique Strauss-Kahn. The United States, largest shareholder in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), followed by China, have been opened wide debate replacing the selection of the head of the monetary institution. "Obviously Dominique Strauss-Kahn is unable to manage the IMF," said Tim Geithner on Tuesday night. It was the first public comment from the U.S. Treasury Secretary on the individual circumstances of DSK. "It is important that the Board of Directors of the IMF should establish a formal ANYONE who acts as General Manager for an interim period," added Tim Geithner knows very well that the IMF for having been one of its Senior from 2001 to 2003.

A few hours earlier, the question of succession had already been given to the public by European leaders.Including Angela Merkel, then by the finance ministers of Austria and Spain. Some did not wait to know whether Dominique Strauss-Kahn would be prosecuted for speaking openly about his replacement.

John Lipsky, IMF number two just became number one acting. Photo credits: Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP