Facebook: 8 years, 901 million fans, $ 100 billion

18th May

 

This Friday, May 18th is a historic day. For Wall Street, which will host the largest IPO in history. For Facebook, too, who will submit to the test markets, namely the Nasdaq, a history that started in a college dorm. Employees of the startups are celebrating it since Thursday evening by typing lines of code all night.

They were invited to participate in one of these "hackathons" which made the reputation of Facebook for a day or more, developers gather to undo and redo services for the social network. Facebook a must which submits all new recruits to inspire a culture of hackers across the enterprise.

Facebook is an IPO eight years after its creation by Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard, assisted by Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz, Andrew McCollum and Chris Hughes. Its value reached $ 104 billion. This is a hundred times the profit made by the social network in 2011. A ratio of crazy, but comparable to Google in its introduction in 2004. Two days before his arrival on the stock exchange, the social network has even offered the luxury of raising the price range of its activities to $ 38 and increase the volume of securities offered for sale. But after the operation, his young owner, 28 years, still retain 55.8% of the voting rights.

Many observers are questioning the possible formation of a new internet bubble payday advance low fees. Their criticisms are reminiscent of the doubts raised during the IPO of Google. The search engine was shaking up the Web with a new advertising model, the purchase of keywords that trigger ads targeted based on research conducted by Internet users. Facebook pushes him, communication. His ambition: "Connect the world." He has already managed to attract 901 million members, one of two user visits the site at least once a month. More than 526 million access it every day.

The beginning of the journey

But the service not only to connect people. It also links them to their musical tastes, their leisure, their interests. From a rogue's gallery online, Facebook has become the digital identity of nearly a billion people, evolving portrait of the social activity of its users. A gold mine of data that Facebook is trying to sell to advertisers.

On the walls of its premises, Facebook reminds its employees that only "1% of the trip was done." The site has yet to conquer China, where access to Facebook is blocked, controlling the mobile world and find revenue sources the most profitable. This is the bet on the future as Facebook will offer the stock market.

ALSO READ:

"Facebook has won a billion dollars in three months

"The Web constantly redefines the exchange of information

With such high stakes - such as the future financial well-being of a family - choosing the correct life insurance policy is a very serious decision and one that requires deep thought.

Sales of mobile retreating worldwide

16th May

 

• The facts. Between January 1 and March 31, 2012, it sold 419.1 million mobile phones worldwide, according to figures from research company Gartner reported Wednesday. This is the first time since the second quarter of 2009 as the market retreats.

• Why is it sold less mobile. According to Gartner, the main reason is to be sought in Asia. Demand between January and March, traditionally driven by the Chinese New Year, has slowed, due to deferrals of purchases and a lack of new landmark.

Mobile phone makers have had mixed fortunes, however. So, Nokia has been the most impacted. Its sales have collapsed, from 107 million units last year to 83 million, a global market share of 19.8%. The Finnish group has lost its leading position in mobile, he had held since 1998. Samsung (20.7%), with sales however rose from 68 to 86 million units, an increase of over 25%, is now number one industry.

In fact, manufacturers are well positioned in smartphones that are best left in the quarter. It sold 144.4 million smartphones between January and March, an increase of 44%. Together, Apple and Samsung have concentrated almost half of sales (49.3%), against a little over a third last year. Interestingly, smartphones represent the total sales of Apple and 44% of those from Samsung, against only 16% for Nokia.

• The conservative projections for 2012, despite the iPhone 5. Given this trend, Gartner considers "inevitable" a downward revision of sales forecasts throughout the year. The research institute recognizes that the arrival of new Android smartphones and Windows phone, and the launch of the iPhone 5, will encourage strong growth in Europe and the United States. Similarly, the new BlackBerry, BB10, is expected by the end of the year.

During the first quarter, more than one smartphone sold in two (56.1%) was an Android, against 36.4% a year ago. IOS, the system of the iPhone, is it rose from 16.9 to 22.8% market share. In contrast, all other systems are now fallen below 10%. Smartphones running Microsoft's Windows phone have such great difficulty to penetrate. They represented 1.9% of sales this quarter, or 2.7 million units sold.

ALSO READ:

"Nokia shows a loss of 929 million in the first quarter

Look for various lender websites to find the best instant cash advance deal you can possibly get.

Havana Club: serious setback for Pernod Ricard

15th May

 

The French group, co-leader of the global wine and spirits, has lost his latest appeal yesterday in the battle between the past twenty years at rival Bacardi. Pernod Ricard can not use the Havana Club trademark in the United States, world's largest market rum (40% of sales). Held by the Cuban state, the famous rum is sold in 120 countries around the world by Pernod Ricard.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused yesterday to consider the decision to an appeals court in Washington in 2011 that had impeded renew the Havana Club trademark in the United States. And, under a 1998 law, also called "Bacardi Bill". The French had seized earlier this year the U.S. Supreme Court in hopes of finally succeed. "We are victims of something unjust, said yesterday at Figaro Pringuet, CEO of the group. This is equivalent to changing the rules in the middle of the match. "An allusion to the retroactivity of the law, in theory contrary to the U guaranteed pay day loans.S. Constitution.

A bitter defeat for Pernod Ricard. He sees close the doors of the United States while global sales of Havana Club have increased tenfold over the last eighteen years. But the French did not admit defeat. He is preparing for the next battle. Impose the Havana Club trademark in the United States when lifting the embargo will be imposed. Bacardi sells rum discreetly in Florida also called Havana Club, manufactured in Puerto Rico, is in ambush. Pernod Ricard does not intend to let its competitor the right to enjoy the international reputation of the brand, built over several decades. He therefore announced yesterday that he would file the trademark Havanista replica of Havana Club. Insurance for the French to cut the grass under the feet of Bacardi in due course.

ALSO READ:

"Jack Daniel's looking for acquisitions

"The Japanese whiskey is attracting more and more

Comparison websites are the modern way to compare car insurance quotes. They're fast, efficient and utterly user-friendly.

Spain wants to protect its banking sector

13th May

 

Wednesday after the nationalization of the first network of savings banks Bankia, the Spanish government on Friday introduced a new banking reform, the second in less than three months. Madrid requires banks an additional provision of $ 30 billion. This will add to the 53 billion that should already be provisioned by the end of the year to cover the risk of real estate the most problematic, representing € 184 billion globally, according to Bank of Spain.

This caution will also be extended to 123 billion of property assets considered non-problematic "for their hypothetical deterioration" in the words of Minister of Economy, Luis de Guindos. In total, Spanish banks will be funded 45% of their total real estate assets by the end of the year. Before the first government reform Rajoy, the rate was only 14%, the minister recalled. Other decision, banks will separate the real estate assets from their balance sheets and place them in specialized agencies, to better assess the right price. "It will be mandatory for all entities," the minister said. In the interests of transparency, and meet there at a request of the Eurogroup, Madrid will carry out audits of accounts. "Two independent evaluators" will be responsible for judging the soundness and credibility of assessments.

Recession in 2013

The question is how banks can finance such levels of provision and how much will be deducted from their own funds bad credit pay day loans. Guindos recalled that during the last injection of public money made by the previous government, the fund Frob had lent 15 billion euros to banks. "The total should be this time significantly lower," he thought, noting that the state would receive an interest rate of 10% on money lent. "The Frob keeps 5 billion in cash. We will see how it will be necessary to supplement, "said Guindos. The Minister further stated that this funding through convertible bonds to five years, would cost "nothing" to the taxpayer.

The exercise of clarity has not convinced the markets: the Madrid Stock Exchange immediately plunged 3%, carried away by banks. The chief minister, Mariano Rajoy, nice hammer that the deficit will not be affected, the target of 5.3% of GDP this year, against 8.5% in December, and above 3% target in 2013 , is very hypothetical. The European Commission, which today released its new forecasts for the euro area, anticipates a deficit of 6.3% of GDP in 2012, even worse, 6.4% in 2013. In less than three months, Brussels has revised up sharply the recession, to 1.8% of GDP, against 1% previously. Next year, the economy would be even the only Iberian euro area to be in red.

ALSO READ:

"Europe has the means to save Spanish banks

"Spain is mobilized to clean up its financial sector

"Madrid ready to bail out its banks

Late fees; car payments, an unexpected hospital visit. Those are legitimate reasons to secure a fast cash personal loan.

Credit Agricole's profit drops 75%

11th May

Presidential in major cities Paris | Leeds | Lyons | Toulouse | Leeds | Sheffield | Liverpool | Bordeaux | Lille

Payday loans online can be risky because of the chance of identity theft. It is important to make sure that any online loan company is legitimate.

High-voltage Assembly at Dexia

10th May

 

The general meeting of shareholders of Dexia, which takes place Wednesday afternoon, from 14 hours in Brussels looks very heckled. For if the fate of the Franco-Belgian seems to be a non-issue in France, he ignites the political debate on the other side of the border.

Concretely, Belgium seems now to enjoy the transition period at the head of the French state to make its case. In two stages. The Kingdom requires the Management Board of Dexia, now led by the French Pierre Mariani. She then wants to renegotiate the terms of its rescue.

Destabilized by the debt crisis, Dexia survives today only because it can be financed with the State guarantee for the time up to 45 billion euros, up 90 billion soon and if the Commission European accepts. However, Belgium – Dexia is a Belgian group legally – bears the burden of 60% against 37.5% for France. Too much in the eyes of the Belgian political.

During the meeting, the confrontation should focus on the vote of "discharge" to management and the board. A legal act by which the shareholders validate the management of the past year and believe that good leaders have acted in the interest of society. "Dexia has been mismanaged," stated Wednesday morning a Belgian secretary of state, Melchior Wathelet.

The subject is divided into the Belgian camp, from one party to another, from one region to another, knowing that are present in both the capital state, regions and holding companies in liquidation. It is highly likely that Belgium refrain from voting majority in the discharge which could then be voted in favor of the voice of the Deposit French (20% stake in CNP with insurance).

Very precarious balance

After the meeting, the chairman of Dexia, the former prime minister Jean-Luc Dehaene, should resign. And Board should co-opt a new member, Karel de Boeck, that Belgium had already placed at the head of Fortis failed in 2008. The Kingdom has made its candidate now occupied by the French Pierre Mariani, Dexia dispatched late 2008. Ultrapolitique become a subject in Belgium where the government opposes the payment of severance pay of French. He also wants to accelerate the appointment of a Belgian so you can negotiate the best possible overhaul of agreements to dismantle the bank.

And France in all this? At this point, it is the Deposit which is first in line, quietly. The institution headed by Antoine Gosset-Grainville seems to defend the status quo. Or acceleration of change of men at the head of the bank or renegotiation of agreements. A firm attitude that justifies the issue: Dexia is now very precarious balance, as evidenced by the loss of 431 million euros in the first quarter (over 11 billion in 2011 remember), released Wednesday morning.

If the plan is derailed, the bank will be recapitalised. Or, worse, the guarantees provided by the States may need to play, a nightmare scenario for France certainly, but especially for Belgium. Dexia shows still 399 billion in assets, is a time bomb in the heart of the fragile euro zone.

In the coming days, it's the French who will leave the wood. Francois Hollande and his team will then display the color vis-à-vis the government of Elio di Rupo, the Belgian Socialist whose presence at Solferino Street Sunday night was noticed. With two options. Either France is trying to recreate a consensus on the decommissioning plan. Or it enters a power relationship with Belgium.

ALSO READ:

"The Post Bank takes up the bulk of Dexia business

"How will the bank communities

"Dexia: the battle continues

"Dexia: assuming nationalization returns

Until recently, searching for health insurance quotes was a rare occurrence, not only in the online world of private coverage providers but also among their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Officials: workforce stabilized

8th May

 

The election of Francois Hollande, Sunday marked the end of one of the major political acts of the quinquennium of Nicolas Sarkozy, the non-replacement of staff on two retiring. A policy that led to the elimination of 150,000 jobs in the State Civil Service from 2008 to 2012.

The socialist president wants to create the contrary, under his five-year, 60,000 positions in 5000 and National Education in the police, gendarmerie and justice. These recruitments will rise gradually in charge. But as from September 2012, Francois Hollande affect 1000 additional teachers in French schools. However, the new president said he would not increase the total number of state officials in the next five years.

In light of new posts in the Education, Interior and Justice, the stabilization of the workforce including the abolition of jobs elsewhere. The entourage of Francois Hollande said that the army has already planned to reduce its workforce by 8,000 jobs per year and that is enough to "find" to delete 5000 jobs per year in other departments. And also to emphasize that there are 60,000 jobs in duplication between state and local governments.

Officials should not expect a boom in terms of pay. Francois Hollande promised to quickly organize a conference with social service unions, but also announced it would not be possible to do everything at once. Encrypted program also provides for a stabilization of the payroll of the state. Officials saw their index point, which is the basis for their compensation, frozen in 2011 and 2012. This is likely to last.  

ALSO READ:

"How Holland recruit teachers in September 1000

"High schools and colleges do not hesitate to recruit on the Internet

Are you looking for a direct lender who is inexpensive and issues online payday loans?

Buffett dispelled the concerns of its shareholders

6th May

 

This visit was highly anticipated. A month after announcing he was suffering from prostate cancer, multibillionaire Warren Buffett met this weekend's 40,000 shareholders of his holding company Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, in the U.S. state of Nebraska, where he lives since 1956. Saying "in shape", he has worked hard to reassure his health. The investor of 81 years and has participated in a competition to launch newspapers in the corridors of CenturyLink Center, before pushing the song with the cheerleaders from the University of Nebraska and an ice cream with gusto low interest rate personal loans. "I have four doctors, several of which are shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway," he has said, in response to a question at the general assembly, whose key exchanges are transcribed on the site of CNBC. He reiterated that his treatment, which induce "not a single day of hospitalization," would not prevent him from working.

The investor of 81 years aparticipé a contest to launch newspapers in the corridors of CenturyLink Center.

The U.S. employment shower stock markets

5th May

Presidential in major cities Paris | Leeds | Lyons | Toulouse | Leeds | Sheffield | Liverpool | Bordeaux | Lille

The Madrid Stock Exchange at its lowest for three years

3rd May

Presidential in major cities Paris | Leeds | Lyons | Toulouse | Leeds | Sheffield | Liverpool | Bordeaux | Lille