27th November

After a series of accidents due to a falling elevator, with one death occurred Thursday in Paris, industry professionals warn of the lack of safety devices. "The safety of elevators is not effective," denounces Herve Lasseigne, president of the Federation of Independent Experts and Control Offices lifts (Fiebca).

Voted in 2003, the modernization plan, however, elevator provides that after three deadlines (2010, 2013 and 2018), all units of residential housing and office buildings should be standard.But, faced with the often high cost of work (between 5000 and 10,000 euros per lift for the first phase and up to 30,000 euros on average for work completed before July 2013), some owners are slow to meetings of the vote easy payday loans.

The delays are such that "15% to 20% of lifts (especially condominiums)," which should have been subject to new safety standards by the end of 2010, have not yet been upgraded, according to Fiebca. "The situation is very worrying, warns Herve Lasseigne, accident, this may have consequences in terms of civil liability or criminal, for condominium corporations," he says.

The upgrades are not a guarantee of safety. The many renovated elevators are dangerous because "treatments are often incomplete."

The risks of recession are increasing in France

24th October

Disturbing signal. The leading indicator of the economy, the PMI fell to 46.8 points in October, against 50.2 in September, Markit Economics reported. The index, published in draft form, is passed below 50, reflecting a contraction in activity.

"The PMI data are currently consistent with a negative growth rate (of about -0.5 or -0.6%) for the third quarter," that is the beginning of a recession, worries Jack Kennedy, economist at Markit. The French government, which still formally table a growth of 1.75% in 2012, suggested Friday that it has revised downwards this goal.

The contraction in activity has particularly affected the service sector. He has recorded its sharpest fall for 27 months, 46 points, against 51.5 in September. The industry is not much better.Despite a slight improvement, she underwent her third consecutive month of decline, to 49 points against 48.2 the previous month.

"The impact of European debt crisis may be felt on the real economy," says Jack Kennedy. Markit Economics and recorded "a further decline in confidence in the services sector." "The growing uncertainty surrounding the evolution of the economy leads in fact companies to revise downward its business prospects to twelve months, the optimism of the service providers also display its lowest level since April 2009" , notes the Institute for Financial Studies.

Very little sign of hope for a quick turnaround the economy, companies have seen a decline in the volume of new business, "the highest in almost two years," notes Markit Economics.Especially in services, providers are concerned about "the largest decline in new contracts since July 2009." In industry, the decline in sales is that alarm. A trend in both export and domestic market.

Slowdown in Germany

The slowdown in activity is not only France, but also German industry. For the first time in two years, the PMI for the sector fell to 48.9 points in October, against 50.3 in September. Unlike the Hexagon, however, services are able to climb out of the area's 50 points marked a growth in sales, to 52.1 points, 49.7 points against the previous month.Overall, notes Tim Moore, economist at Markit, "uncertainty about the euro area largely explain, according to the companies, investment reports and cuts in non-essential spending."

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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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Moody's casts a shadow on the AAA rating of France

18th October

Moody's brandishing the sword of Damocles. The rating agency, which last week confirmed the AAA rating of the French debt, is now planning to revise its position on the "stable" outlook for this post. "Over the next three months, Moody's will monitor and evaluate this perspective in the light of progress made by the government to implement the measures announced to reduce the budget deficit," she says in a statement.

If the prospect should be revised to "negative", this would imply that Moody's would likely lower the rating over the medium term, most often at a maturity of three to twelve months.And France would become the new big country, after the United States to lose its prestigious rating that allows it to borrow on the current market conditions very favorable.

A budget supervision

In reaching its decision, Moody's analyze the ability of the French government to meet its budget commitments. She stressed that if the financial strength of the French government remains very high, it "has weakened since the economic and financial crisis worldwide has led to a deterioration in its debt ratios, which are now among the lowest in AAA-rated. "In addition, "France could face a number of challenges in the coming months, such as the need for additional support to other European countries or its own banking system, which could increase significant commitments that must support the country's budget. " The remark came just after the adoption by the members of the guarantees provided by the French in the process of dismantling the Franco-Belgian bank Dexia.

Moody's said that this review is part of its annual financial statements for France and it is not yet a decision on the rating of the country. But after this warning, the marathon budget to the Assembly for consideration of the budget 2012, which begins on Tuesday, should be closely watched.France 2 last night, Prime Minister Francois Fillon warned it would take "new measures" austerity if France did not record a "minimal growth of 1.5%" in 2012 because the proposed budget is "built on a projected 1.75% growth, but it works with a minimal growth of 1.5%."

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Aid to poor countries remains a priority

15th October

Fight against poverty, access to clean water, education, health … Target the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa while engaging more in North Africa. These are the priorities declined by the French development, according to the 2011 AFD Ifop barometer, conducted in July, against a background of "Arab spring". They are 63% to support the continuation of official development assistance (ODA), despite the crisis and the context of budget restrictions. 77% of them even consider that France should have its own policy in Europe.

Tax on financial transactions

Given that France is the third largest contributor to global. "ODA accounts for 10 billion euros, or nearly 10% of global ODA, while France weighs 5% of global GDP.And the 2012 budget will not be affected by lower public spending, "said Minister of Cooperation Henri de Raincourt. Welcoming the outcome of the investigation that "incites to put development at the heart of the international agenda," the minister said that the G20 Development to be held next Friday in Paris will be a first in this proceeding with three priorities: food security, infrastructure and innovative financing.

Paris has the support of Brazil and several European partners to push the proposed tax on financial transactions, despite the opposition displayed the Anglo-Saxon countries, the United States in mind. "It will take these countries explain to their publics at the same time they lower their ODA they refuse to find new financing.This is an ethical issue, "criticizes the French minister.

If aid is important to the French, they are only 55% find it effective. They are even more severe in the result on the reduction of poverty, the fight against global warming and support for economic growth. Overall 60% believe the French budget enough, young people, however, require a greater commitment.

Respondents also believe that aid should rely more on local actors: communities, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs and NGOs …. The transfer of skills and know-how is considered very important to avoid over-reliance of the States for assistance. Finally, like other years, they want more information on funded projects, their progress and results.

The CAC 40 opens to the balance, the outlook on the Fed

21st September

After finishing the day in the green yesterday, gaining 1.50% to 2984 points, the CAC 40 tackles the session close to balance, falling symbolically 0.04%% to 2982.86 points on Wednesday, pending an important decision of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed). After a two-day meeting, the institution is expected to announce measures to support the U.S. economy. The wait seems high, especially since the day before, the International Monetary Fund has raised the specter of a recession in the world by launching "a strong call to action" at the announcement of its lower growth forecasts for the global economy. This should amount to 4% for both 2011 and for 2012, 0.5 points less than the 4.5% announced in April.However, "given the weakness in economic indicators, it is almost certain that the Fed will do something but it is difficult to know exactly what," noted economists from Capital Economics.

Investors should in all cases be cautious on the Old Continent, especially after the deterioration of the Italian sovereign debt on Tuesday, which must be added the absence of a clear response from the area in the euro area on the Greek crisis. The conference held the day before between the Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos and the heads of mission of the "troika" of the creditors of the country has still not been completed. Only "good progress has been made," the European Commission ruled in a statement. Yet it must release the next tranche of aid and vital in Athens 8 billion euros.The Greek authorities are pressed by their foreign creditors to accelerate the reduction of budgetary expenditures, while the other side, protesters denounced the daily ravages of austerity.

Brazil could help the euro area

In addition, the Greek daily Kathimerini Athens unveiled Tuesday would consider holding a referendum on the continuation of Greece in the euro area to strengthen its legitimacy in its management of the debt crisis. A bill prior to the referendum would be discussed in the coming days, the newspaper said, quoting unspecified sources.Athens, however, denied such a referendum.

While the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) had indicated last week the possibility of supporting the euro area by increasing their holdings of bonds, the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, confirmed this position at Barack Obama on Wednesday at a meeting in New York.

On the macroeconomic front, the United States, home resales for the month of August are expected in 16 hours as the weekly inventory of crude oil at 16.30.

In Britain, the public finance figures for August are expected.

In Italy, the current account balance for the month of July will be published.

In Japan, foreign trade figures for August will also be unveiled.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro remained stable against the dollar Wednesday after Greece has reported "satisfactory progress" with the troika of creditors, but the markets remained nervous awaiting the announcements of the Fed . Around 8 am, the European currency was worth 1.3703 dollars against 1.3702 dollars the night before.

As for oil, it was down Wednesday morning in a market desperate to face the crisis of debt in the euro area, pending a decision by the Fed to promote economic recovery of the largest consumer of crude in the world.In early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for October delivery gave up 53 cents to 86.38 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery lost 37 cents to 110.17 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

• Banking

After the degradation of Italian sovereign debt, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole and BNP Paribas, which are exposed, will still be observed.

Attention will also Dexia, which would have allowed for 25 billion euros in loans toxic entities in 5500, according to Liberation.The additional cost of these credits was estimated at 3.9 billion euros at the end of 2009.

• Bouygues

The group filed with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) the prospectus of the takeover of shares of € 1.25 billion announced on August 31, at 30 euros per share.

• Saffron

The aerospace equipment mandated banks Mediobanca and UBS to bid for the Italian manufacturer of aircraft engines Avio, reports the newspaper front page.

• Canal +

The Competition Authority decided Wednesday to withdraw the decision to authorize the merger of satellite packages CanalSat and TPS, completed in 2007, finding that Canal Plus had "failed to comply with a number of commitments" made to avoid misuse its dominant position.Groupe Canal Plus also sees a fine of 30 million euros.

• JCDecaux

According to Les Echos, the group won an exclusive contract advertising on two subway lines in Chongqing in China for a period of 15 years, but did not disclose financial details.

• Le Noble Age

The company announced in a press up all its results in the 1st half (34% to 3.68 million euros for the net) and confirmed the increase in its forecast of EBITDAR margin ( Operating income before depreciation, amortization and rent) at cruising speed greater than 27% by year end.

A German company refuses to pay its French employees

13th August

The plight of employees Sodimedical continues. For three months, the German group Lohmann & Rauscher, who owns the manufacturing company of medical equipment, refuses to pay the salaries of its fifty employees, says the "Parisien in France Today" on Friday.

A retaliatory measure following the invalidation by the court in February of the social plan concocted by management, who wanted to relocate its production to China. Considering the economic reasons cited by Sodimedical as unjustified (because the company depends on its parent, very profitable), the high court of Troyes was the beginning of the year pushed the rules of redundancy.

Director sequestered

But since then, the situation of employees of Plancy-l'Abbaye, in the Aube near Troyes, stronghold Baroin, has not arranged.As of May, Sodimedical no longer paid the salaries of its employees guaranteed payday loans. "The employees are without work and without income illegally," said Mr. Brown, their lawyer.

Despite several convictions by the courts, forcing the company to pay wages on pain of penalty, financial difficulties accumulate. "The state is unable to enforce court decisions. We met with the Minister of Economy Baroin, who returned the ball to the prefect, "said an employee on a daily basis. Without success.

Twice in June, employees have unsuccessfully tried to succeed by sequestering their manager, later released by police.The Commercial Court of Troyes should again today to decide the fate of employees Sodimedical.

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Margerie explained on the benefits of Total

29th July

LE FIGARO. – Your net half-year euro rose 17% to 6.7 billion euros. Part of the French public displays Total estimated benefits "insolent." What do you tell him?

Christophe de Margerie. – What do you want Total to answer those who have already tried? However, I am ready to discuss the importance of our results and what they serve. In the first half, we invested 11.3 billion euros. We prepare the future, not just to look for oil and gas but also by positioning ourselves on new energy sources such as photovoltaic. In the second quarter, our results in dollars rose by 7% yoy and 19% in the first half.This is a more moderate increase than in oil and gas knowing that it mainly benefits the producing countries, our average tax rate was increased to nearly 60%.

It blames the gasoline pumps, starting with Total, a secret on prices …

There are no more transparent than the fuel market in France: the prices are posted daily on the Internet and on motorways. But the best protection for consumers is competition. The distribution market in France is hypercompetitive, with margins among the lowest in Europe, less than 1 cent per liter. This has led almost all the major oil companies to withdraw from the French market, but at least not total! For me, the fewer stations in France is a concern because it affects access to energy for all the French.Let us not forget that if our brand image of a monopoly, it is never that 20 to 25% of the market based on fuel. Far from the supermarkets, which account for more than 60%.

In France, Total is testing gas stations cheap, will you extend this experience?

The first results are satisfactory. We intend to extend the experience. Many issues remain unresolved, including the name and position in relation to our current network. One thing is certain, if we convert the try, we'll do it our way, with low prices, certainly, but also a real quality of service. Before any changes, a necessary preliminary: the dialogue with social partners.

You explore and exploit deeper and deeper, further. Is not it risky?

We do not manage a pension.Our goal is to identify and develop the reserves today that will meet the demands of tomorrow payday advance. For this, we must actually take calculated risks but the real risk of being hindered in accessing new reserves. So yes, we are going to countries 'difficult' in the political, technical or environmental: Burma, Nigeria, Libya or Canada and its oil sands … Production costs have soared. A barrel today is much more investment than ever, it is of a barrel of "high technology". Macondo after (the explosion of the BP platform in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, Ed), our security requirements are more than ever the priority but it will take part in rising costs, as well as requirements energy efficiency and reducing emissions of greenhouse gas emissions.I remind you that Total is committed to halving its volume of gas flared between 2005 and 2014.

What is your strategy to access these new reserves?

We are strengthening our strategy begun almost two years. We have made acquisitions of high quality. While we were rather conservative on sales, we prove that we know sell and sell well. We have sold our interests in the Spanish company Cepsa, to nearly $ 4 billion in an offshore block in Angola, most recently in the Norwegian gas pipeline network.We breathe our asset portfolio and disclaim cash flow for future growth on younger workers, focused on our growth areas in high technology – the ultra-deep offshore, liquefied natural gas (LNG) or gas as unconventional shale gas – while ensuring a good geographical balance. These eighteen months we have seen thus strengthen our position in Russia, Australia, Canada or in East Africa.

With shale gas, Total is it becoming a group more gas?

Our strategy includes both oil and gas. Today, gas is essential, it is cleaner than coal and oil to produce electricity. Gas now accounts for 45% of the total production, oil 55%. Shale gas has upset the market in the United States.In Europe, we start – when you can – just exploring, although many of exploration permits for the shale gas is already taken. However, we are already permits in Denmark, Poland, with Exxon, and Argentina.

Doubts about the car "ultra-low-cost" of Renault in India

16th July

If its economic potential is enormous, India as a country is decidedly difficult to grasp. The leaders of Renault and Nissan just to experience it. Friday morning, they learned by reading the Wall Street Journal as Bajaj, the Indian partner with whom they work since 2007 on the launch vehicle "ultra-low-cost," had decided to suspend the project. "We do not intend to get into the niche of low-margin cars," said Rajiv Bajaj to the director of Bajaj Auto. The announcement surprised Renault, which evoked a statement "uncoordinated". And for good reason: in the afternoon, Bajaj stated, in a statement that "the project Bajaj-Renault-Nissan was continuing and that the new platform would be presented to Renault-Nissan in January 2012."

Officially the project is not stopped.Communication amazing Indians necessarily leads to questions. The target market for these vehicles at very low cost, that is to say less than 3000 dollars, however, is huge. The goal is to put millions of Indians who use two-and three-wheeled rickshaws that the famous Bajaj is one of the leaders in the car.

Difficulties for the Nano

But the economic model is not easy to find, as shown by the difficulties encountered by the Tata Nano, the pioneer of its kind launched in 2008. Tata has indeed had to increase the price of the Nano several times since its launch. Today it is sold at a price of about $ 4,000 against $ 2,500 at the presentation of the project. In addition, the model has undergone a number of technical problems, which has dented its image among consumers. Result: sales prove disappointing.At June 30, less than 22,000 had been passed Nano on the previous twelve months. Far from the target of 250,000 vehicles in stride.

To compete with the Nano is that Renault and Nissan sign an agreement with Bajaj in 2007. Bajaj should design the vehicle, which will be sold by Renault and Nissan. The first date given for such marketing is in 2010. It then slides to 2011 and 2012. Yet this is a purely theoretical date, since the decision to launch this vehicle has never been officially made. And nothing says it will be taken, especially after the delay yesterday. It would not be the first disappointment for Renault in India. In April 2010, the group had in fact ended a joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra, which produced, with little success, Logan. These difficulties do not however call into question the ambitions of Renault in India.The Diamond brand has even made one of its three priority countries in development. It has a factory in Chennai, which already manufactures the Nissan Micra. And introduced an aggressive new product launches. For a month, the Fluence sedan is marketed. The Koleos 4 × 4 will follow in September. And announcements are expected for the new salon in New Delhi, to be held next January.

Medicare: 2.2 billion of savings proposed in 2012

6th July

Twenty-six proposals to save 2.2 billion euros next year, a "natural" tendency of increase of 6.9 billion. Like every year, Medicare will send the Government's proposals for the 2012 budget of Social Security. The executive will draw freely but in general it holds most of the suggestions. Recommended no action shall impose on the insured – no further change or delisting rules to support 100% of long-term illness. What to avoid controversy, the approach of important elections …

Lower prices on medicines and prostheses

The pharmaceutical industry, which would be greatly put to use, will not fail to warn on jobs and innovation at risk.Medicare proposes that for more expensive drugs than in other European countries (PPIs, statins …), the price of new generic is 70% below the price of branded products, instead of 55% on average. It also calls for reductions in tariffs on drugs dispensed in hospitals and on the hip and knee, where prices were set 15 years ago. These are ceiling prices. If health facilities are getting better, they are expected to return half of the economy to health insurance. The controls will be strengthened as the "Safely" has recovered as well as 500,000 euros in 2009, while the gap between actual rates of prostheses and ceilings … reached 100 million!

Use more effective against private insurers

In traffic accidents, the driver's fault auto insurance reimburses the Medicare health care costs guaranteed fast personal loans.But last year, in 90,000 cases, auto insurance had acknowledged responsibility for his client, but Medicare had covered any claim. 300 million euros in waiting! The procedures could be revised to reduce delays.

Reduced use of hospitalization

Medicare proposes to create "autonomous centers," halfway between medical practice and hospital, to perform acts of simple outpatient surgery such as cataract operations. She also imagines the "technical package" for the city can equip practitioners in their offices and perform acts usually performed in the hospital (extraction of wisdom teeth, interventional radiology …). Interest: a lower cost than hospitalization.Finally, institutions of hospital at home who do more than other acts also achievable by independent nurses – to 4 times less in the case of complex dressings – would be put under prior agreement.

"Coaching" and insured for more prevention

Tested in the Sarthe, the "Active Health" offers workshops – advice and soon the Internet – on heart health, back pain and diet. A key, less medication use, care and work stoppages. It could be extended to ten other cases. The program Sophia (accompanying diabetes by nurses over the phone), launched in 19 counties, it would be generalized and extended to asthma.