Veolia: the rumor caused a political uproar Borloo

21st February

 

The possible appointment of Jean-Louis Borloo at the head of Veolia react keenly the opposition. Monday, politicians railed against a possible intervention of Nicolas Sarkozy in this case, as reported by Libération and Les Echos.

The Socialist Party, through the voice of Pierre Moscovici, denounced "little arrangements in Fouquet's friends no faxing payday loans." Canal +, the campaign manager Francois Hollande evoked "the game of musical chairs comfortable to oust a man of political centrists and avoid certain temptations."

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French growth in 2011 stood

16th February

 

The government calls it "a false flat economy." But simply slowing growth announced Wednesday morning by INSEE (+ 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2011, after +0.3% in the third quarter) is a pleasant surprise. In the midst of turbulence in the euro area, it not only to French growth from to 1.7% in 2011 – a figure that has line width closely corresponds to the expectation of the Government. But it also prevents the entry of countries into recession. In its latest memo on the economy, established in December, the statistics institute saw no improvement emerge this winter and announced a negative fourth quarter.

Contrary to this scenario, the last three months of 2011 were marked by a more or less good performance of all the main drivers of activity. While employment has greatly suffered in late 2011, spending on household consumption slowed without collapsing (+ 0.2% in the fourth quarter, after +0.3% in the third). Business investment has accelerated significantly (+ 1.4% at – 0.4%). As for the deficit, it is a bit small – under the blow of higher exports and lower imports – allowing foreign trade to contribute significantly to both a growth (+0.7 points).

The Minister of Economy Baroin noted in a statement that these results were achieved in "a difficult international environment." But the comments from Bercy sobriety played Wednesday and took care of complacency, the executive knows that the equation of economic and fiscal 2012 has not become simpler in one day.

Appropriations in reserve

In the wake of European difficulties, a GDP contraction is expected in the first quarter of this year (0.1%), before a small growth spurt (also 0.1%) in the second quarter, according to forecasts INSEE. Under these assumptions, the growth overhang at mid-year would be almost nil. Suffice to say that although the government has revised down its growth forecast for 2012 (0.5% against 1%), nothing is won yet. To accommodate this new lens, a 0.6% increase in GDP per quarter during the second half of the year is necessary. But we must go back well before the crisis, in late 2006 and early 2007, to see similar growth rate.

The government has repeatedly said he had put enough money in reserve to hold its trajectory to reduce public deficits without resorting to additional austerity measures. He welcomed the results better than expected on the forehead of public finances in 2011 give him a little oxygen for 2012.

But almost sluggish growth this year would considerably complicate a fragile situation. Half a point less growth, it is about 5 billion more to find. It will take somewhere, have clearly in mind the French: Paris is committed to its partners in Brussels to bring back the deficit to 4.5% of GDP at end 2012. This objective is "intangible", regularly repeats the Prime Minister Francois Fillon. Election year or not.

More taxpayers will pay taxes in 2012

7th February

 

The surprises could affect 100,000 to 200,000 homes. According to Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui en France, households may not be taxed so far include paying the income tax this year. The head is the second austerity plan announced by the government last November and froze the tax scale.

Previously, the tax brackets, which forms the basis for taxation, were reviewed annually to reflect inflation increases the cost of living. By freezing for at least two years tax brackets, all persons whose incomes rose in 2011 could potentially be affected by the reform if they are left with taxable income greater than 5963 euros, the threshold first tranche of 5.5%. For the government, the money will have to pay these homes will be relatively low because the IRS does not claim the tax payment when it is less than 61 euros. Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui en France underlines that the sudden imposition could have more serious consequences for households as much aid as those granted to the school canteen and transport are related to the absence of taxation. Some families might therefore lose those benefits.

Changing slice

Another mechanical effect of freezing the scale, other households may already taxed, them, cross the threshold of the top tax bracket and thus having to pay more. This extra tax is not yet visible on the view that taxpayers received early this year to pay the first third. The surprises will come in September, when paying the balance. According to calculations of national union unified tax (Snui) quoted by the newspaper, the increases will be spread from 1.17% for a wealthy couple with no children at 12.57% for a single. The government expects in any case additional EUR 1.7 billion of tax revenue for 2012 and double that for 2013.

Finally, the richer will also be affected, because the scale of the solidarity tax on wealth (ISF) has also been frozen. The government expects 44 million of additional wealth tax in 2012 and 88 million more in 2013.

* The normal situation after indexing takes into account an inflation rate estimated at 2.1% in 2011.

Recapitalization of banks: difficult negotiations

23rd October

Creditor banks in Greece will have to accept losses "substantial" in the new bailout of the country, warned Saturday that the European Ministers of Finance. Last night, the central bankers of the euro zone had "agreed to say that we had to have a substantial increase in the contribution of banks" in the form of a depreciation of their claims, said the leader of European finance ministers, Jean-Claude Juncker.

According to diplomatic sources, the ministers agreed to effectively negotiate with the banks at a discount of "at least 50%" against a target of 21% decided on July 21 with the banking sector. They thus de facto endorsed the conclusions of an expert report which was presented by the troika of donor funds in Greece (EU, ECB and IMF).The paper believes that a discount of 50 or 60% hope to stabilize Greece without having to increase in the amount of gigantic international loans that have already been promised.

A "discount" is the term used in relation to the financial depreciation of the value of loans taken by creditors in this case private banks and investment funds that hold government debt. A discount of 50% borne by the private sector, the second program of financial support pledged July 21 to Greece, however, should be slightly revised upwards with government loans (Europe and IMF) to 114 billion euros, against 109 billion euros.To maintain the envelope of 109 billion euros unchanged, it would bring the discount to 60%, according to calculations by experts.

• Banks recapitalized to the tune of 100 billion euros

The question is whether the banks that have so far dragged its feet to give the pot, will accept a negotiated settlement does not pass through a default of Greece said "messy" serious consequences. "It's a negotiation s'entame," said Didier Reynders, Belgian Finance Minister, before a meeting with his colleagues throughout the European Union on Saturday. These discussions, held in Brussels with representatives of the Institute of International Finance (IIF), the banking lobby, "still, there is no agreement yet," said a source told AFP familiar with the matter.

In return for the effort required on the Greek claims, it is intended to recapitalize European banks to the tune of nearly 100 billion euros. The subject was Saturday in the agenda of the ministerial meeting. According to sources cited by Reuters, an agreement in principle was reached by European finance ministers on the recapitalization. European diplomats interviewed by AFP were less categorical in the late afternoon. "There is no agreement on the recapitalization, it gets stuck a little." According to one of these diplomatic sources, "Spain insists on having a comprehensive, not only on the recapitalization of banks but also on strengthening the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF). " On the other hand, "the ministers are trying to agree on the minimum capital."

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has proposed that banks reach a level of capital of 9% by mid-2012. A diplomat acknowledged that some countries in the viewfinder of the markets, like Italy, Spain or Portugal, feared that the recapitalization will further undermine public finances.

• The Fund will not support a bank

Moreover, the French proposal to grant a banking license to the Fund support the euro area (EFSF) so he can refinance with the European Central Bank "is no longer on the table," said Minister Dutch Finance Jan Kees de Jager. Only two options are being discussed to increase the firepower of the device, he told reporters Saturday.These two tracks on the agenda now that the mechanism acts as a partial insurance of the public debt of countries in difficulty or higher participation of the IMF to the device, according to a German government source. But there is "significant differences between countries" on the issue, said Jan Kees de Jager.

How to leverage the capacity of the EFSF was the main sticking point between Berlin and Paris at the approach of the EU summit. France, worried about its budget deficit and are "triple AAA" prefer tap into the existing European funds, starting with the ECB. Germany, also sensitive to the separation of powers as inflation risks, refuses anything resembling a crisis by printing money in Europe.France was not only to advocate the involvement of the ECB, arguing that this system worked very well in the United States or Great Britain. She was supported by Spain, Italy or Belgium.

The European Relief Fund currently has a lending capacity of 440 billion euros, part of which is already committed for Ireland and Portugal. This envelope is considered insufficient to prevent contagion of the debt crisis in countries as large as Italy and Spain, increasingly in the firing line of credit rating agencies.European countries negotiate so hard for weeks on the best way, via a "leverage" to multiply by up to five response capacity of the Fund's financial debt of fragile countries.

(With agencies)

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Intel gum concerns about the PC market

20th October

Intel against the current vogue. According to the worldwide microprocessor, the death of the PC (Personal Computer) in favor of smartphones and tablets is not announced.

Turnover of Intel blazed by 28% in the third quarter to $ 14.2 billion, for a net profit of 3.5 billion, up 17%. The strong increase is explained by the dynamism of chips for PCs, whose sales rose 22% to 9.4 billion. "Companies around the world support the purchase of PC. In addition, there is an upmarket laptops, "explains Stéphane Negro, CEO of Intel in France. Thus, the average selling price of a microprocessor increases, resulting in the margins of the group.

Activity remains the most profitable chips for servers, the mainframe computers used in particular to oversee a network of PCs.The demand for this class of machine is very high due to the construction of new data centers, conversion of companies in cloud computing (cloud computing) and scientific computing. Then, the next chip for servers is "twenty times more demand than that of the previous generation, at the same time," says Stéphane Negro easy pay day loans.

"Ultrabooks" second generation

In addition, one third of the growth of Intel, in the third quarter is attributable to acquisitions. The security software company McAfee and the modem division of German Infineon boosted sales of 1.1 billion. To support its growth, Intel will invest at least $ 10.2 billion to modernize its plants in 2011. This is a record for the group and probably for the entire sector information technology.Intel retool its plants to increase the density of transistors on each chip, reducing the burning characteristics and deploying a new production technology. Its development should be used in one year for the second generation of "ultrabooks" laptops, powerful and lightweight.

Paul Otellini, Intel's CEO, confirmed that in 2012, the group will finally chips used in smartphones and tablets. The stock has gained 4% yesterday.

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Sharp mobile phones 3D on sale soon

30th September

Sharp put on Orange and the French market to go back to the conquest of Europe. France is deemed to be the European country most fond of new technologies. What motivated this choice. The Aquos is available in Orange stores and online from October 6. It should be available from 199 euros (with an offer to pay 100 euros) with a subscription Origami Star 3 hours (59 euros per month). Without a subscription, it is much more expensive: 639 euros.

Delicate challenge

For Sharp, the bet is tricky. This is not to be the nth smartphone in the European market, running Android market segment dominated by Korean and Chinese brands. To differentiate themselves, the Japanese put on the 3D display of the phone. While it is the third, after LG and HTC to offer a device with such a characteristic. But only the Aquos almost instantly converts 2D images into 3D.It is also equipped with two optical, which can take photos or videos in 3D and then watch them on their smartphone, or share them on other screens in relief.

Abandonment of the shelf

On a strategic decision to Sharp raises some questions. The brand has announced the abandonment of its shelf Galapagos there just two weeks. But it also reflects the key role of the smartphone market for players in consumer electronics. To exist, they can not do without. Even if only a very symbolic presence. Orange has only ordered 10,000 copies of the Aquos, probably made prudent by the very small success of the 3D Optimus LG and HTC Evo 3D. Sharp will make us forget the bad reputation of free 3D, even on small screen, according to users, giving a headache and seasickness

Local authorities will have their bank

25th September

On one stone? Intense negotiations are under way for at least a solution, at least in part, to two simultaneous problems: the failure credit faced by French local authorities, and the fragility of the balance sheet of oversized French-Belgian bank Dexia.

Concordant sources, in fact, Dexia, the Deposit Bank and postal workers, under the watchful eye of the state, to create a new bank, public, local communities. Friday, none of the parties did not wish to make comments.

The new entity will take over long held by Crédit Local de France (CLF), ancestor of Dexia, with mayors, councils and other French regions.Its creation would be an opportunity to ease the minds of elected officials, heated by the explosion of interest on certain loans "toxic", including underwritten by Dexia before 2008. The new state-owned bank could put forward a much more wise.

Above all, his arrival on the market would open the tap of credit to local communities. In a financial crisis, Dexia and its competitors, such as savings banks, Societe Generale and foreign banks have largely abandoned this market in recent months.

The Postal Bank and the Caisse des Depots would hold society together, Dexia that may remain a shareholder.They should also take control of all or part of the loan portfolio of existing communities with Dexia French (70 billion euros) and Dexia Municipal Agency: such operators shall ensure, by means of mortgage bonds, the refinancing of the commitment of Dexia. A new ownership would bring also the financial strength necessary to maintain its "AAA" rating.

Pirouette history

For Dexia, the operation could be an opportunity to significantly reduce its balance sheet totaling more than 500 billion euros guaranteed online personal loans. It has already been reduced by 15% year on year, thanks to the divestment of assets made in the first half. But despite this recent treatment, the group remains fragile, especially in the current distrust of markets against financial groups in Europe.

"The idea is on the table.Its terms are far from being arrested, "said a source familiar with the matter. The role of Dexia, the volume of the transferred assets, their quality – particularly with regard to loans that are the subject of disputes with communities who have subscribed – all of which are still on the table. Many criteria which depend then the financial terms of the transaction.

The reactive pattern of lines of inquiry explored from 2008-2009. Even then, the idea of ​​the deposits of La Banque Postale deal with Dexia loans (assets of French local authorities are placed in the Treasury) was considered. The arrival of the CDC in the capital of La Banque Postale has facilitated the project. The project has also the flavor of a sacred spin the story to the Fund: Crédit Local de France was born of a branch of the Caisse des Depots, which then end up twenty years after a historic activity.But for the CDC, the issue is complex: it has (with the NOC) 20% of Dexia, it has recapitalized with the Belgian shareholders in 2008 to see the action rolled back in recent months. Perform an operation which finally reduces the bank's balance sheet and liquidity requirements would constitute a significant step forward. This is what its proponents would argue with the board, including representatives from Belgium, possibly as early as next Tuesday.

Global growth worries Wall Street

22nd September

A new session promises to be eventful Thursday on Wall Street. In early trade, the Dow posted a loss of 2.70% at 10,869 points, the Nasdaq lost 2.72% to 2468 points and the S & P drops 2.71% to 1135 points.

Like European and Asian stock markets, Wall Street is not immune to the anxiety surrounding the health of the global economy. This pessimism has been going on yesterday and pessimistic of the U.S. central bank. The Fed has held that the U.S. economic recovery was "slow" and threatened by "high risk". The central bank, in this context, announced an operation to extend the maturity of the assets it holds up to 400 billion dollars by June 2012."You can interpret this decision as the Fed's will not to launch three quantitative easing (monetary easing to boost the U.S. economy, ed) immediately, says Arnaud Poutiers, executive vice president of IG Markets.

The general concern about global growth has been reinforced by concerns about the economic situation in China. Manufacturing activity in the country has deteriorated in September, reaching its lowest level in two months, according to preliminary PMI bank HSBC said on Thursday. PMI Purchasing Managers calculated by HSBC in September reached 49.4 against 49.9 in August, knowing that a figure below 50 means contraction.

In France, the growth of private sector activity in September fell to its lowest level since the beginning of the recovery in 2009, while in Germany, the composite PMI, which includes industry and services, has emerged to 50.8, its lowest level since July 2009 against 51.3 in August.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner also said Thursday in Washington that the slow economic growth was a challenge "greater" than the debt and that the governments around the world should give priority to support growth .

On the issue of European debt disturbing fact, little progress.Greece has just announced yesterday it will launch new austerity measures to get the funding it needs Troika in October to avoid bankruptcy.

Bad news on employment front

The announcement of a rise in weekly jobless across the Atlantic is not reassuring. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 423,000 people registered as unemployed during the week of September 10 to 17. The consensus of analysts expected 420,000 new applications for unemployment benefits.

Other important indicators, such as managers' index index advanced sprix estate, are in the program.

In this context, oil prices plunged more than 5% Thursday to open in New York, returning to their lowest levels in a month.On the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), a barrel of "light sweet crude" for November delivery traded at 81.28 dollars, down 4.64 dollars (5.4%) compared to the previous day. On the currency markets, the euro continued to sink against the dollar: the euro back below the $ 1.35 dollar to 1.3462 (-0.82%).

Values ​​to follow

On the corporate side, Bank of America (-5.02% to 6.06 dollars), Wells Fargo (-2.02% to 23.23 dollars) and Citigroup (-4.47% to 24.38 dollars) should still suffer from the deterioration of their rating by Moody's. The agency that the state may fly to their rescue.

Fedex (-10.15% to 65.14 dollars) has reported an EPS according to the consensus of $ 1.46 in the first quarter, a turnover of 10.52 billion dollars.

United Technologies (-7.16% to 69.51 dollars) will buy the equipment manufacturer Goodrich Aviation (10.06% to 120.50 dollars) to $ 16.5 billion (12.2 billion euros) cash, a transaction that would be the largest acquisition of U.S. industrial giant in 10 years.

The CAC 40 is maintained above 3200 points

31st August

Since the beginning of the week, the Paris Stock Exchange began its session on a positive note from 1.46% to 3205.89 points, having closed at the balance Tuesday night. In mid-session, the CAC40 clinching still 1.46% at 3205.83 points.

Like the Asian markets, the benchmark index of the Paris market is supported by the slight increase in U.S. markets, reassured by the Federal Reserve. Investors are indeed more and more convinced of the will, confirmed last night by the U.S. central bank to act to restore growth.

In addition, the Atlantic, financial markets are close to their level of January 1, which could be an equilibrium point.Also an element of support for the Paris Bourse, even if it is far from that level (3847.63 points Jan. 3, 2011).

Chapter macroeconomic, investors will learn in 12 hours of agricultural price indices in July. United States, the employment figures for August will be published in the early afternoon, followed by the index of industrial activity in the Chicago area and in industrial orders in July and inventories crude oil.

On the currency front, having been an upward trend since the beginning of the week, the euro fell slightly against the dollar on Wednesday after the announcement Tuesday in a poor indicator of the European economy weighed on the currency European.In mid-session in Paris, the European currency was worth 1.4441, up 0.02%.

Values ​​to follow

In a market with relatively low volumes since the beginning of the week is a new salvo of publication of results, broadly in line with expectations, that drives the third weekly session.

Bouygues strongly supports the trend. After being briefly suspended trading at the opening, the title of group jumped 12.54% to 25.98 euros. The conglomerate has finally published its results on Wednesday, not Tuesday reported on the acquisition of 11.7% of its shares for 1.25 billion euros, a 30% premium over the closing price of the security last night.In addition, the group published a half-year net profit down 27% to 391 million euros.

Similarly, Vivendi (3.55% to 16.75 euros) said it had doubled its half-year net profit to 2.5 billion euros, with a net gain of $ 1.2 billion related to the settlement of a dispute over the PTC shares in Poland. Its subsidiary, Canal +, 80% owned by Vivendi, reported first half sales of 2.39 billion euros, up 2.8% year on year, operating profit increasing by 1 , 9% over this period easy payday loans.

In turn, Carrefour is the sentence (-3.19% to 18.05 euros), after the group announced a net loss of 249 million euros in its first half.Above all, the group has revised downwards its forecasts, expects 15% drop in its earnings.

Last night, L'Oreal (-1.70% to 75.70 euros) has reported an increase in operating profit of only 2% to 1.70 billion euros in the first half. Its operating margin for its part fell 50 basis points to 16.8%, while analysts expected an increase, on average expected a figure of 17.5%.

Vinci (1.48% to 36.06 euros) for registration in the first half net profit up 15.7% year on year and raised its annual forecast.

Cac 40 off the healthy group Hermes (-0.75% to 262.95 euros) is confirmed.The specialist luxury published net income up 49.5% to 290.9 million euros.

Bolloré (stable at 158 ​​euros) saw its net profit grow by 29%, boosted by a gain from the sale of shares of the maker of seamless steel tubes Vallourec.

For its part, Havas (1.82% to 2.8 euro) reported net income up 8% in the first half thanks to an improved operating margin.

Aéroports de Paris (0.74% to 57.27 euros) it has slightly lowered its forecast for fiscal 2011.

Hi-media (-5.31 euros, 3.39 euros) back into the green in the first half, revealing a net profit of 5.1 million euros.

For its part, the oil reacts little to the continued rise in oil prices, and the strategic agreement signed between Rosneft and will explore together the Arctic and as such invest $ 3.2 billion.Technip wins 2.28%, to 66.45 euros and a total advance of 31%, to 33.59 euros.

For its part, Bourbon wins 1.62%, to 22.86 euros. The oil services specialist maritime published a group net profit halved in the first half, to 41 million euros, but put on a recovery in the offshore oil and gas. It also confirms the objectives of its 2011-2015 plan.

Note that Ruby, Mersen (ex-Carbone Lorraine), April, Lagardère, Outremer Telecom, Eiffage, Stef-TFE, Fleury Michon, Bongrain, GFI Informatique, Gameloft, Sopra, Virbac, Reculex, Mr. Bricolage and reveal their Guyenne et Gascogne half-year after the stock market.

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Second Session of the CAC 40 increased

24th August

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. Nevertheless, the Cac 40 was able to continue to rise on Tuesday, after gaining 1.14% to 3051.36 points at the close Monday. The index, which accounted for more than 2% in morning reduced its gains later and was up 1.08% to 3084.37 points at closing.

Of the other major European stock markets, the FTSE-100 from the London Stock Exchange gained 0.67% at end-30 Dax and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is 1.07%.Wall Street closed Monday evening while a cautious rebound Asian stock markets advance slowly, scheduled to open on Tuesday, and more open up if we believe the index futures.

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 remain nervous and are attentive to the situation in Libya where the prospect of regime change seems inevitable after 42 years of rule of Colonel Gaddafi. The wait also dominates the New York Stock Exchange opened in a small increase.

Oil prices retreat slightly

As a result, oil prices are cautious on Tuesday. a barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery barrel of Brent took only 18 cents to 108.54 dollars, after losing 18 cents in early trade.In New York, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October has opened up 66 cents to 85.06 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.

But, overall, the indicators of the day are at least mixed. The barometer of confidence Zew, who searches the expectations of German financial community, still has significantly declined in August for the sixth consecutive time. Private activity in euro area, it stagnated and remains at a low of nearly two years.

In the U.S., sales of new homes in July emerged declined by 0.7% in July, after falling 2.9% in June, according to figures released Tuesday by the Commerce Department.On an annual basis, the sales trend was 298,000 units, after 300 000 (revised 312000) in June. Analysts on average had forecast 310,000.

On the corporate side, while the regime of Colonel Gaddafi is expected to end, the oil is in the form: Technip wins 1.45% to 60.69 euros and total advances of 1.15% to 33.085 euros.

The CAC was increased by cyclic: Air Liquide (2.85% to 68.22 euros) signed the largest increase in the Paris index.

Schneider Electric: + 2.09% to 86.63 euros

Schneider Electric continues for the second time its tender offer in cash on all shares of Spanish Telvent at a price of 40 dollars per share.

Carrefour: + 0.62% to 18.755 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: + 1.68% to 49.95 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: -0.31% to 21 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.