Controversy over property prices

17th July

Paris is burning there? This was the message last week by Century 21, one of the major networks of estate agents (850 in France). Prices of existing homes jumped 15% in the capital between the first halves 2009 and 2010. Let us all keep, replied two days later Fnaim: the trade association which brings together 12,000 independent agencies estimated up to 6.8%.

The two behemoths differ as much in their diagnoses of the French market. When Century 21 evaluates to 8.5% average increase in prices over the last twelve months, Fnaim reported an almost stagnant (+0.1%).

As regards property each looks after their own door, because nothing is more difficult to measure changes in prices of existing homes, all different from each other by definition. For its part, Century 21 invokes a simple method."No transaction is forgotten: the collection of information is done automatically from the software used when signing the preliminary contract (promise of sale)," said Laurent Vimont, network chair. Then simply compare the average price per square meter of transactions between two time periods to calculate the evolution.

Century 21 refutes the argument that sellers of "nice apartments" have retained their property during the recession of 2008-2009 winter to put them back on the market in greater numbers in the first half of 2010 when the economy restarts. That does it not distort price comparisons from one period to another? "Not because we are working on samples large enough for this" quality effect "does not play. Our transactions have focused on 23,200 units in France in the first half of 2010, with 1536 sales in Paris, "says one.

Battle figures

Fnaim whose records are also on the "promise of sale", is based on a more sophisticated methodology and relatively delicate absolutely free credit score. "We correct the observed effects of price structures, including the size, location, comfort items, etc. …», explains Nicolas Thouvenin, the Director General of Fnaim. It also boasts a high number of transactions (5000 per month), 10% of the national market.

This method is quite close to the observation model established by notaries, with scientific backing from INSEE for 20 years. Except as notaries, considered the "justices" in statistics, working on sales contracts themselves, so with a delay of at least three months.Other disability, notary fees are not legal obligation to back the information to their rooms (85% do in Paris).

The Housing Secretariat is closely following this battle of numbers. After asking the National Council of Statistical Information (CNIS) a general report on "improving statistics, real estate and construction," which was presented in late March, Benoist Appeared plans to implement some of its recommendations "from the start," says one to his office.

Notaries will now be forced to disclose all their transactions to feed price indices. And they will work on the "pre-contracts" in order to better fit the situation. The reform should come into force from the fourth quarter of 2010 in Ile-de-France and the first quarter of 2011 in the rest of the country, says one.In addition, a device "calibration for private producers of statistics (like Century 21 and Fnaim) would be operational by spring 2011. A sort of tutelage that professionals look more or less enthusiasm and skepticism.

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Status: 100 billion lost in 10 years

5th July

In ten years the state has lost 100 billion euros in revenue. This figure results from the calculations of shock UMP Gilles Carrez, general rapporteur of the Budget, published by Les Echos. What set the scene while the deputies are to discuss Tuesday guidance of public finances, which will set priorities for the years 2011-2013. The challenge: reducing the government deficit of 7.5% in 2009 to 6% in 2011 and to 3% in 2013 to meet EU rules. And convince investors of the seriousness of France.

Since 2000, said Gilles Carrez, 70 billion euros of tax cuts have been granted by the governments of left and right. At the same time, 40 billion of revenue were donated to the Social Security and local authorities. The whole, "without these have been offset by lower expenses!" Gilles Carrez surprised in an interview with Les Echos.

The largesse of governments are particularly focused on tax cuts on income and on the proliferation of tax shelters. Then, down one point from VAT in 2000 has caused an erosion of 40% of revenues.

To redress the balance, the member calls for "an effort on tax revenues and social order of 15 billion euros is needed to demonstrate our commitment to reducing deficits and debt". The markets and rating agencies watch the France at the turn. If they judge announced that the effort is insufficient, the state will see its rating deteriorated and must borrow at higher interest rates.

Effort "just"

Still, the effort "must be fair," Eaton Gilles Carrez. Therefore, "the movement of the plane" tax "should apply to the broadest possible base."Income tax, corporation tax, solidarity tax on wealth, and even VAT should be reviewed.

For example, the 5.5% VAT on food is expected to increase to 12%, defends the member. A measure already excluded by Bercy. On the other hand, Gilles Carrez believes that the biofuel "is developed enough to no longer need to be subsidized.

Expected stabilization of the CAC 40 before the U.S. job figures

2nd July

The trading hours of that Friday could mark a break after one week it is true though challenging for investors. Since Monday, the market has lost more than 5%. Of course, markets will pay close attention to monthly statistics showing employment in the United States which will be unveiled before the opening of Wall Street. But they seem they are already included in the indices, because Wednesday the investigation uncovered ADP than-expected figures for private use.

Thursday came another statistics support the poor with claims of unemployment rose 13,000 to $ 472,000 in the figures as at June 26, while economists on average expected a decline to 452,000 over the figure of 457,000 originally announced. This does not suggest the best for this afternoon.

The futures contracts reflected in the opening up of the order of 0.7 to 3362 points.

Note that the meeting in Paris will be exceptionally today around 41 values because of two new entities of Accor.

The trend has been better after the session on Wall Street to limit losses. At the close, the Dow Jones lost 0.42% to 9733 points, the Nasdaq was down 0.37% at 2101 points and the S & P 500 drops 0.32% to 1027 points. This morning in Asia, calm prevailed in the markets.

On the face values, we will therefore:

Bank stocks after doubts about the health of European banks. According to the Financial Times, a score of banks would be forced to raise funds after testing resistance.

Edenred (new name of Accor Services) made its market debut.The award technical reference of the title was set at 11.40 euros, a figure which is located in the lower range of 11-14 euro advanced Tuesday by the chairman of Accor at its general assembly and lower than its During Thursday on the gray market, which was around 12 euros depending on traders.

Accor: according to Les Echos, the group is also about to give the caterer railway wagons Beds French Newrest.Moreover, according to the newspaper, the proposed IPO of Lucien Barriere, another subsidiary of Accor, will be presented to analysts on July 7.

GDF Suez: Standard & Poor's said on Thursday lowered the outlook notes A/A1 group of "positive" to "stable", judging unlikely that the group achieves and maintains financial situation justifying an increase in his notes.

BNP Paribas and BPCE, the parent company of Natixis announced an alliance in consumer credit, which will require the development of a common platform operational from 1 January 2013.

Schneider said Thursday night it was in talks with the city of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on the renovation of the city's power grid. The Tribune reported Friday that the group has secured this contract, the newspaper figure at 1.3 billion dollars (1 billion euros).

Beneteau lowered from 17% to 15% of its target revenue growth for fiscal year 2009-2010 within the scope of delays in deliveries of vessels. The builder of sailboats and motorboats, however, confirmed its target of operating profit to 37.5 million for its fiscal year ending in late August.

Trichet defended the rigor

25th June

"The idea that the austerity measures could cause stagnation is incorrect", said on Thursday Jean-Claude Trichet. In an interview with Repubblica, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB) is opposed to all those who, like Barack Obama, say that plans to reduce public deficits adopted in Berlin, London or Paris, will kill the recovery in the egg.

The U.S. president has sent a letter last week to warn his European counterparts against a premature withdrawal of stimulus policies. It will look this weekend at the G20 summit in Toronto, to convince its partners to soften their plans rigorously.

Wolfgang Schauble, the German finance minister, told him Thursday morning in an article signed for the Financial Times. "Germany knows its responsibility towards global growth," he told the British business daily."Our contribution will be through a role as an anchor of stablity and not digging the debt."

Unlike Bush, Trichet argued that "under present circumstances, policies inspiring confidence will strengthen and not hinder the economic recovery because trust is a key factor today." In this regard, we welcome the German example, "he added. Berlin has presented an austerity plan of 80 billion euros over four years. Italy, following his example, is on the right path, according to the president of the ECB.

The ECB estimates that the eurozone is "within an environment (…) unusually high uncertainty" as stated by Jean-Claude Trichet during his last press conference, June 10"The degree of uncertainty and the level of growth is not writing, it also depends on us." And so, in part, plans rigor that should reassure markets.

However, the billionaire investor George Soros has spoken out against the plans of rigor at a conference on the euro in Berlin, Wednesday evening. They provoke a cycle of deflation (falling prices and slow growth) which will endanger the European project, by the American. A threat that does not believe Jean-Claude Trichet: "I do not think that such risks could materialize, inflation is well anchored."

The European Central Bank has revised down growth for 2011 in early June, as many economists believe that consumption will be greatly diminished because of plans to reduce deficits.The ECB now expects growth in a range very wide ranging from 0.2% to 2.2%, against 0.5% to 2.5% previously estimated.

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Banks: Operation truth about the accounts

18th June

European Banks Are they healthy? The question that torments the markets will soon find an answer. Indeed, European leaders have agreed to the request of France and gave the green light to publish the detailed results of stress tests (stress test "in English) which are subject garndes their banks. The 27 hoping to reassure markets worried discover surprises.

These reviews are intended to reflect the ability of banks to withstand extreme financial and economic conditions. Currently, those made at European level on a score of major banks remain confidential.Last year, only general trends were made public, including the fact that European banks were sufficiently capitalized to face a severe deterioration of macroeconomic conditions.

First published in late July

Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed at his press conference that the publication of these tests would take place in late July as desired by Paris. Earlier in the day, Christine Lagarde, French Minister of Economy, had told Reuters: "I am very positive about this publication. There is nothing worse than the rumors and doubts about the banks. " The Minister is confident, remembering that French banks have so far yielded positive results. These displays of the solvency ratios for the time, satisfactory. In the opposite case, Christine Lagarde said the banks to recapitalize.

Madrid triggers debate

The day before, the Spanish central bank had announced the forthcoming publication of the results of these tests. The newspaper El Pais had found the ad "unprecedented in the euro area. The Madrid Institute hopes to dispel the doubts now hanging on the strength of its banking sector. The Spanish governor of the Bank believes that the current rumors greatly amplify the difficulties of the Spanish financial industry. He hopes that the markets "are fully aware of the situation in the Spanish banking system."

Banks reluctant

Further to the announcement in Madrid, the German government long reluctant, finally decided to give the green light too. But Berlin has yet to convince its banks. German institutions showed far opposed the publication of these results.

Successful tests of Moody's

The European Central Bank will also favors the publication of these tests. In the eyes of the central bank, the operation of transparency is able to reassure the markets. And regulators have reason to be optimistic. Indeed, European banks have recently passed the tests of strength by Moody's. The rating agency has increased the stress tests to thirty European banks from ten countries, and concluded that they have a level of capital sufficient to take further losses.

Kerviel admits to having produced false

17th June

Jerome Kerviel has expressly acknowledged on Wednesday before the Paris Criminal Court, have committed crimes (embezzlement, forgery and uttering, hacking into a computer system) against him and makes it run five years in prison. While it seeks to introduce a nuance that relates to his defense – "the bank knew everything."Still, after a long and detailed questioning of the court, the president Dominique Pauthe and his two assessors, perfectly complementing the former trader at Société Générale could not dodge the onslaught of the Crown.

The prosecutor, Jean-Michel Aldebert, head of the financial section of the floor, asked him: "Have you created fictitious transactions to mask losses or gains?"

Jerome Kerviel: "Yes, Eliot [note: the computer system available to all].

-Have you provided false explanations to your hierarchy?

Non-credible explanation, yes.

Have you crafted fake e-mails?

Yes. "

But the magistrate, silhouette dry, sharp profile of a bird of prey, hushed tone, did not finish.He comes back three days during which, in early 2008, the montages of the trader-delusional about 50 billion euros pledged not covered market that will drive 4.9 billion of losses-have been uncovered: "During the week weekend of January 18 to 20, you do nothing to help the Societe Generale. Why?.

Jérôme Kerviel: "On Saturday the 19th, I was asked only about 1.9 billion that had won in 2007. I was impressed, intimidated, stressed by the officials that I had never seen …

-You sound like a person telling police custody on drugs! You had positions totaling 50 billion, why do not you say?

"It was not the topic this time bad credit payday advance. I answered the questions on the 1.4 billion point.

A few minutes earlier, the accused had replied on the same theme to questions, subtly, by Judge Virginia Tilmont. Especially this one: "Did you feel that challenge the system?"

Jerome Kerviel: "Absolutely not. In trading rooms is a little stash of national sport [note: some of its activities]. Everyone does, I perhaps more than others, but I tried to bring the most money in the bank. " A good little soldier, somehow, even if his methods were not always orthodox.

The boom is fully stretched to their consideration that Mr. Metzner. The lawyer for Mr. Kerviel comes out of his sleeve-mail dated Dec. 17, 2007, from the time his client has 1.4 billion euros and is preparing to invest 50 in the disastrous conditions that known.This email is signed by a certain Raymond Bunge supervisor Claire Dumas, who represents the SocGen this trial. It reads: "Good soldier must learn to disobey more out of the box".

Mr. Metzner Jerome Kerviel: "It reminds you what you asked?

The accused, not surprisingly, all smiles: "Yes."

So what if, as noted by Ms. Dumas, that assessment involved an employee of the department, which had no time to play with the funds lost money from his employer. What matters, after the wrong time spent by Jerome Kerviel, is having the last word. Jean Veil was understood that launches the formula fetish Mr. Metzner: "We agree. And for the first time, the bank puts the laugh on his side. In CHIP is a trick for the defense.

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Wall Street expected to open in positive

14th June

The Dow Jones is expected to open up 0.67% at 10,206 points. The index futures are predicting a slight increase in opening of U.S. markets. Shortly before the opening of Wall Street, futures on indices Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 advanced 0.76% respectively at 1093.30 points from 0.65% to 1854.50 points.

Caution remains the watchword. The statistics emerged mixed Friday, with an index of consumer confidence than expected for the month of June, but the announcement of an unexpected decline in retail sales in May The Dow Jones closed up 0.38% at 10,211 points while the Nasdaq gained 1.12% to 2243 points.The three major U.S. stock indices ended the week in the green since the S & P 500 closed with a gain of 2.5%

In this session of transition marked by an agenda very quiet and a euro that has just crossed the $ 1.21 mark, investors could resume, however, slowly, some appetite for risk, encouraged by the improving market Asian and good consumption figures published last week in the United States.

Real estate, consumption and inflation on the agenda

They eagerly await the remarks on Wednesday held Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on financial sector reform.We know already that the crisis of sovereign debt in Europe has pushed the timetable of the next Federal Reserve decision affecting its basic rate, as provided Monday James Bullard, president of Fed St. Louis.

Before that, the functions of building permits (Tuesday) and housing starts (Wednesday) will be monitored closely. But these indicators should have a real strong correction with the end of the tax credit.

On Wednesday, the industrial production should instead show strong growth for the month of May, while producer prices (same day), then consumer prices (Thursday), should confirm the absence of inflation United States.

Shortly loaded results, the agenda will be dominated by Wall Street setting CBOE Stock Exchange, the last U.S. platform independent.The price of the introduction should be provided on Monday night.

In addition, FedEx (Wednesday), the cruise Cardinal (today) and Best Buy (tomorrow) will publish their quarterly results.

Moreover, the U.S. administration is stepping up its action against the British oil and wants to confiscate the group dividends. A threat to the stock.

Dell lowers its forecast

11th June

The computer maker Dell said Thursday after the close on Wall Street have spent a sum of $ 100 million to settle charges related to an investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the regulatory authority of U.S. markets , about his relationship with Intel and its accounting practices.

The legal provision pushed Dell to revise downwards its forecast for first quarter 2011. Net income for the company is reduced by $ 100 million to 341 million dollars. In turn, earnings per share decreased by 5 cents to $ 0.17 Easy Pay day loans.The result before exceptional items is not affected.

The SEC investigation into accounting practices and financial Dell and its business relationship with Intel, accused of anti-competitive practices, the computer maker said in a statement. Dell said it is in discussions with the SEC to settle amicably the investigation, adding that this did not imply recognition or denial of suspicion.

Following the announcement, as Dell was losing 2.5% in trading after-hours trade.

The tax loopholes rabottées 10%

4th June

The tax shelters will soon be planed 10%, Francois Fillon warned on Thursday morning in the East Republican. After announcing in early May that he wanted to make five billion euros in savings over five years on tax shelters, the prime minister said his program. The government opted Does the deletion of niches, or a general decline in their level? "Both," explained Francois Fillon.

"In each case, some niches will be deleted. And there will be a movement of the plane by 10%. With exceptions because it should not increase the cost of labor, "he says. Over the years, it is indeed accumulated more than 400 tax loopholes, intended for particular social groups or economic sectors. In total, the Telemachus to win for the state accounts for almost 75 billion euros.

For in order to cope with a deficit which currently stands at 7.5% of GDP, the resources available to the government are now limited, said the Premier. A tax increase seems difficult in France, both the level of tax burden is already high. "Within the euro area, we are among those who have the highest rate. Again, our margins are limited, "said the Premier. More limited, for example, those of our German neighbors.

No removal of tax charges

Same for the amount of charges. "In some sectors, the competitiveness gap with Germany reached up to 20%. We can not win over the German economy, "said Francois Fillon. No question, therefore, to remove some relief.Neither, as announced Wednesday Georges Tron, the Secretary of State for Public Service, to lower or freeze the salaries of civil servants, which may depend on the success of pension reform.

Only possible levers mentioned by the Prime Minister in the East Republican, in addition to the tax loopholes, reducing social spending and a freeze on the allocation of local communities. "But we will not touch the RSA," said Francois Fillon.

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Pernod Ricard, the results are the party

30th April

Pernod Ricard is pleased to announce on Thursday morning, up 14% of its turnover in the third quarter of fiscal shifted to 1.54 billion euros. And rise at the same time, prospects for the entire year.

"The title should respond by increasing", predicted the analytes Natixis SecuTire this morning before the opening of the Bourse de Paris, describing the rehabilitation objectives of the company as "clearly good news." Indeed, the Pernod Ricard shares climbed 3.7%, to 65.3 euros in early trade on the CAC 40.

"The strong performance was boosted in part by favorable comparison bases and technical effects. However, this publication shows significant signs of recovery, "entrust strategists.

In home counseling Aurel, who published a note on Thursday on the group, expectations are "substantially" exceeded.The revenue expected by the consensus of 1.4 billion euros. Aurel immediately raised its target price on the value of 52-58 euros (recommendation to "hold"). Wednesday evening, the Pernod Ricard are already mounted by 2.7%, and quoted at around 65 euros. A true performance against the Wednesday meeting.

Current operating profit seen up 3%

According to the explanation of the group, good sales were due to a "strong consumption growth in emerging economies, improved conditions in some key markets like the United States and Russia, and the effects of destocking and shifts of Easter and Chinese New Year.

Pernod Ricard has therefore decided to revise upward its outlook for its fiscal year 2009/2010 with organic growth of around 3% of operating profit, at the top of the previously announced target range of 1% growth in 3%.

Debt restructuring

Last March, the company headed by Pierre Pringuet announced its successful bond issue for $ 1.2 billion. The group's debt of wines and spirits reached 10.3 billion euros at December 31, 2009.

The world number two, whose brands Chivas Regal whiskey and Havana Club rum – among others – make its fame, has set a goal to balance "progressively" 50/50 funding between bank loans and bond debt, d by 2013.The division is currently 25/75.

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