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EDF Energies Nouvelles has announced the results Wednesday that should let the markets perplexed. The EDF subsidiary, specializing in green energy, publishes indeed a group net profit down 7.7% to 38.6 million euros. Operating income rose 15.2% to 168.9 million euros, but remains well below the consensus was 186.58 million euros.

The group prefers to focus on sales amounting to 545 million euros, up 28.1%. A performance that the group owes its branch production, the most important, which recorded a sales growth of 30% to 219.4 million euros.

"Despite unfavorable wind conditions in the U.S. and very unfavorable to the United Kingdom, wind generation has benefited from full year impact of activations in 2009, notably in France and the United States, new facilities built in first half of 2010 in Europe and very good wind conditions in Portugal, "the company said payday advance. EDF EN has increased its wind power capacity of 156.1 megawatts (MW) gross in the first half and its capacity of 61.3 megawatts photovoltaic peak (MWp) gross.

For the future, EDF Energies Nouvelles has confirmed its forecast for EBITDA of between 430 and 450 million euros "and its goal of late 2012 installed capacity of 4200 MW net with 500 MWp of solar."

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Suit and tie, dark glasses, briefcase and severe look. The "Men in Black", as are known as experts from the International Monetary Fund and the European institutions are back in Athens for two weeks. Their mission: to scrutinize the country's overburdened public accounts and the first assessment of the official plan of 110 billion euros for Greece in early May. If they judge that the government of George Papandreou meets its commitments, a second payment of 9 billion euros, will be completed in September.

The Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou, is not afraid of men in black. "The second tranche of the plan will be paid if we have achieved the targets" by the international community, he said this weekend in an interview to a Greek newspaper. "These conditions were replies and we've even gone ahead with the vote of the pension reform.Greece adopted in June a postponement of the age of retirement at age 65.

"Progress"

The International Monetary Fund had also considered a report published in mid-July, the Greek authorities' making strides to redress public finances. " Athens was required to reduce the deficit by 39% in the first half. He did much better than that, reducing it by 46%.

"They were the hardest, reducing public spending more severely than expected," Judge Jean-Francois Robin, rate and currency strategist at Natixis AM. "In terms of fiscal consolidation, they are on track to be the best European students in the class and should succeed in reducing their deficit to about 9%." Good student in 2009, Ireland is in contrast to the penalty this year and could be weighted with a deficit of 12% in late 2010.

Uncertainties on Revenue

In Greece, if the goal seems far exceeded expenditure side, the revenue side "is more uncertain because revenues depend heavily on economic growth and tax base," Philip Sabuco shade, an economist at BNP Paribas., Philip Sabuco shade, economist at BNP Paribas. The government has managed to find only 7% of additional revenue to date, well below the target of 13, 7%.

Greece will not be judged solely on controlling the budget deficit. The IMF will look very closely the progress of privatization of public enterprises, the state (disastrous) finance social security, the release of occupations "protected" (trucker, notaries, architects, etc..). Records of which Athens is late.

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"SPECIAL CASE – Greece, a challenge for Europe

For Christine Lagarde at the Ministry of Finance, Dominique Strauss-Kahn as IMF, Jean-Claude Trichet at the ECB (European Central Bank), confidence is at an appointment. The results of stress tests, tests of resistance of 91 European banks (including four French *) in an economic environment deteriorated, which will be announced Friday, will be good. Rumors even show a successful Franco-Belgian Dexia and the Belgian KBC, however fragile, in this review.

A view shared by Michael Emmanuel Thuy Munis and Hassim, respectively partner and manager of the consulting firm NPT Consultants specializes in the banking and insurance.

Lefigaro.fr / jdf.com – French banks (NBP Paribas, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole and Natixis) Will they pass the exam?

Without a doubt! These stress tests are a bit like the Bachelor: almost everyone will have it in Europe, which makes him lose credibility. In fact, the findings of these tests of resistance will not argue not much. What to watch, what are the assumptions.

Which are these assumptions?

Assumptions on growth, unemployment, inflation and real estate are set by the Bank of France. There are two scenarios: one optimistic and one pessimistic. For example, last year, the first was zero growth and the second a recession of 2.5%.

From a standpoint of the bank as a company, the exercise was to downgrade by one notch rating default probability given to each level of the portfolio of the bank.

For example, if a risk of default is currently 2, the bank simulates a situation where the risk is rated 4. All branches of the portfolio and are staggered. On seeing the situation deteriorate and in its asset portfolio, the bank must protect themselves against-some of these risks and increase its mass of capital and liquidity to cope with any difficulties. This is also the challenge of the recommendations of Basel III, currently in talks.

These assumptions pose any real conditions of a major economic crisis?

The assumptions and asked did not reflect the reality of a major shock No fax cash loans. They lay the groundwork for a gradual and slow recovery, but do not take into account the possibility of a relapse into recession, for example (the famous "double-dip").

Neither of the possible restructuring of the debt of a country of weight outside the EU. As Russia. While in Europe, as was the case with Greece, for example, member states have shown they would join forces in order not to leave one of his bankruptcy, what will happen if Russia had to reschedule its debt? We can not know, but the situation would be catastrophic.

What are the political success of these stress tests?

There is a little over a year, the U.S. findings were providing stress testing of 19 banks very good (only two have failed), which had been boosted confidence in the U.S. banking system after the blow of Lehman Brothers, which filed for bankruptcy in September 2008.And after that 10% of U.S. institutions bancires put the key under the door!

European markets also need to be reassured, and policies have any interest.Ultimately, these stress tests are different goal in mind that European governments are behind their banks.

French banks can they go bankrupt?

In France, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole, which spans international, will never be dropped by the French state, because the consequences of a failure of one of these institutions are unimaginable, especially in terms of employment.

If they had to go through another very difficult phase, the state will play its role of lender of last resort, even though the price of a huge debt.

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* BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole and Natixis.

The Awards have finally found the way up. The CAC 40 has changed course several times in the morning to finally get its act together in the afternoon, encouraged by Wall Street. After six consecutive sessions in the red, the CAC 40 advanced 1.96%, to end the session at 3 446.77 points, a turnover of around 4 billion euros.

Other major European markets have also hoisted the green flag. In Frankfurt, the Dax gained 1.98%, and London, the Footsie has won 1.15%. Even mood on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones gained 1.16% and the Nasdaq 1.66% shortly after the close of European stock.

On Wall Street investors were awaiting the publication of the "Beige Book" of the Federal Reserve (Fed), the U.S. central bank, a snapshot report of the U.S. economy.As expected by analysts, the report confirmed a rise in economic activity, but no sign of inflation, reinforcing the idea that the Fed is in no hurry to raise interest rates.

Exports leapt chinoisent

They were also awaiting the speech of Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, who was to testify before the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives in the afternoon quick pay day loan. Unsurprisingly, Ben Bernanke has confirmed the speech he gave Monday saying that the economic recovery appeared to be "solid" in the United States.

More good news for the markets, a senior Chinese official, the country's exports have jumped by about 50% in May compared to same month of 2009. This figure should be officially released Thursday pushed Asian stock markets Wednesday.If confirmed, it would exceed by far the expectations of analysts who expect an increase of just over 30%.

In Paris, the other major stock markets, investors were engaged in an intense hunt for bargains on financial and cyclical stocks.

Societe Generale, Arcelor Mittal or ST Microelectronics were among the highest increases of ACC 40.

The addicted to gambling who resisted the temptation to bet online, on the grounds that the practice was not authorized in France, will be able to satisfy their passion.

According to the decree published in the OJ, the Regulatory Authority online games (Arjel), a specially created, issued 17 licenses, or "amenities" to 11 operators of online games to start from the Paris Global South Africa (June 11-July 11).

The Arjel had received 25 cases corresponding to approximately 35 applications for approval paris sports, horse or Poker. A figure that has evolved steadily, because there is no deadline for submitting applications. One thing is certain, there will be poor candidates because half of the applications have been reviewed by the Arjel. Moreover, the opening of online poker games has been delayed a month because of an obstruction of Malta.

"The educational services are not idle," says Jean-Francois Vilotte, Chairman of the Authority. A number of candidates will not obtain approval immediately, because they are incomplete, we need additional information or have been filed later. "

The Official Journal that published earlier in the night his decree, the lucky few can enter. Provided, said Jean-Francois Vilotte, that computer systems (including safes) are operational and that the game software have been certified by the Arjel.

Like its competitors, Philippe Germond, CEO of the PMU is in the starting blocks. "I feel like the boss of a shop where the shelves are ready, as sellers, there is more than the curtain open," says he.The first operator in Europe paris horse wants to be present on the fifteen licensed sports, from football to rugby to tennis, judo and rowing. He filed his May 18 request for approval for paris horse, and sports of poker. A pad 7400 pages!

Among the operators concerned by the decree, we find also the PMU, the French or Unibet Games, Beturf, BES SAS.

The competition will be difficult. All applicants expect a rapid concentration of the market. Philippe Germond table 4-5 major groups in Paris and a little more sport in poker. Starting from zero, Barrierepoker is 20-25% market share within five years. Marc Simoncini, 20% shareholder Winamax, a site 100% poker is more ambitious. "We want to stay in the top three poker sites in France, says he.I am convinced that those who succeed are the pure poker players. "

Setback to illegal sites

The success of the liberalization of gambling will depend on the state capacity to fight against the multitude of sites which remain outside the law by not asking for approval to the Arjel. They are 25,000 in the world, including 20% in French. On Thursday, the European justice has inflicted another blow. Two licensed operators in the UK, Ladbrokes and Betfair, invoked the freedom to provide services in the European Union to assert their license with the United Kingdom, they could market their offers in the Netherlands. The Justice has confirmed that it was legitimate for a country to ban them, to combat fraud and protect consumers.

It is an alliance that giant Credit Agricole is poised to build in the business of brokering, with China's Citic. Corroborating sources, the two groups, whose discussions began a year ago, will announce in the next few days their entry into exclusive negotiations.

Before yesterday, the Bloomberg spoke of the creation of a joint venture in Asia. The project is actually much broader. Cr?dit Agricole and Citic were preparing to share all of their brokerage activities, with the ambition to offer a comprehensive worldwide.For the Green Bank, this means that it will bring in the trash marriage the two flagships, CA Cheuvreux in Europe but also CLSA Asia inherited his nugget of the former Credit Lyonnais and the ex-Indosuez, which strike force in Asia is comprised of over 1 300 employees.

"An entry by the front door"

The negotiations will refine the assembly operation. It seems, however, have articulated a pattern in stages. Globally, the respective contributions show an economic weight of about 70% for Credit Agricole, 30% for its Chinese partner. In Asia alone, the ratio is 50-50.

In China, finally, market still very restrictive with regard to foreign players, the Green Bank would of course be a minority, but Citic would offer "an entry by the front door," said a source familiar with the matter.Both groups have the ambition to create a unique platform for implementation to the world. A strategy that sticks to the explosion of capital flows to and from the Asian region, particularly China. She also accompany the rise, very fast, of IPOs on the Asian markets for new local giants, but also of foreign cash advance payday loan. Western companies are increasingly likely to be tempted by either a dual listing-West Asia, either through public offerings in part of their activities in emerging markets.

In 2007, Citic had wanted to attempt the adventure of large-scale partnership in market activities.But the Chinese had backed the wrong horse by selecting Bear Stearns, number five on Wall Street, which was the first major victim of the financial crisis in March 2008. The company was swallowed by a weekend, for a pittance and under pressure from the Fed, JPMorgan.

By marrying his "brokerage" than CITIC, Cr?dit Agricole replicates the strategy already implemented in the field of asset management and derivatives: Green Bank has established two joint ventures with Societe Generale, Amund and Newedge . In both cases, there is access to the critical size. The problem applies to the brokerage, a business in which the challenge is to offset the costs of research teams and infrastructures, galloping amid technological revolution on the market.

Finally, the operation comes at a strategic refocusing of the Cr?dit Agricole group.The Green Bank in 2008 has imposed a severe weight loss at its investment banking subsidiary, which came early and suddenly in crisis. Now, CA IPC (Credit Agricole's Corporate and Investment Banking) is focused on three areas: structured finance, capital markets and brokerage. The planned offensive alliance with CITIC confirms this last job.

Nicolas Sarkozy has made to put things right in the Council of Ministers, just before receiving the UMP parliamentarians: "It does not affect the tax shield." A Council that was exceptionally held in late afternoon to cause of displacement of U.S. President. For deputies summoned to the Elysee, so there was more suspense before the start of the meeting.

"The tax shield is more than a campaign pledge is a real conviction on the part of the majority", pleaded Luc Chatel, a spokesman of the government, through: "If we want to attract investors, if we want to reconnect with family capitalism, it was necessary to end a confiscatory tax system. "Before concluding, unmoved:" I do not feel that the tax shield is starting to crack. "

Yet the controversy has continued to swell until the presidential will be known.Just when Luc Chatel made it public, Dominique de Villepin, who met with associations in a Parisian cafe, explained that the suspension of the tax shield is "common sense". "This is the wish of all the French, he claimed. That is what the majority wants today and I am glad, like what time to time it is worth persevering. "

A turning

Imprudent, especially as Baroin had paved the ground before Nicolas Sarkozy expressed. In an interview with Echo, the new budget minister had spoken to the "fiscal stability", explaining: "By nature, I always thought we did not leave enough time for a device to produce his tax effects.Let the system run on time and take stock. "But while describing the shield of" good principle of tax fairness, "he had served on his opponents he could hear their arguments, adding:" I have no doubt it will be one of the subjects, most notably, in the heart of the budget debate. "

In the meantime, the opposition continued its offensive, the voice of Francois Hollande. The former first secretary of the PS had rejoiced Monday that the "lock" is about to jump. On Wednesday, the Assembly, he questioned Francois Fillon, but Baroin who responded by strengthening even tone.He proclaimed his "pride" of having belonged to the government who set up the shield and, above all, he has refreshed his memory of leftist deputies by throwing them: "You're the first, with Michel Rocard, who have not invented the shield, but defined a certain idea of capping. "However, he was careful to recall that Alain Juppe was subsequently removed this cap.

The President did little to dampen the ardor sustainable fiscal policies of the majority? In any case, the offensive against the shield was a turning point in relations between Nicolas Sarkozy and the expected parliamentary support. Hours before the appointment of the Elysee, three deputies announced the filing of a bill to "suspend" the tax shield.Among them, Villepin as Marc Bernier, Anne-Marie and Michel Montchamp reason, but also a centrist close to Pierre Mehaignerie Rene Couanau an "unclassifiable", Michel Piron, and even a hard-Sarkozyist Pierre Cardo. "As a national effort is needed to reform pensions, reduce deficits, supporting people in precarious situations, it is essential that this effort is shared by all," they write as an explanatory memorandum.

Jean-Francois Cope, who always professed that "we must come together when the family is in trouble, did nothing to defend the tax shield, which he implemented as budget minister. Admitting he had "no religion" in the subject, he allowed members of the New Center to celebrate their voices "began to be heard."

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2010 may not advertise more gratifying that the 2009 pay plan. According to a study released Thursday by the auditing firm Grant Thornton, * 30% of French business leaders are planning not to increase any of their employees this year. France may yet consider themselves privileged compared to other countries like the United States, Ireland or the United States, where the change is even more radical one year to another: 40 % of U.S. companies do not want to increase their employees in 2010, against 15% in 2009!

While employees are still more than last year, pending revaluation salary, "2010 should be even tighter than in 2009" predicted Pierre Le Gun?hec, business manager, global compensation consulting at Hewitt France. "In 2009, companies are aware of the seriousness of the crisis once and within budget.In 2010, they will reflect "said he.

Increases of 2.6% on average

Caution should therefore be in order. The latest forecast made by Hewitt anticipated increases equivalent to 2.6% on average, against 2.9% last year. "The current economic fragility leaders to take caution," said Jean-Jacques Pichon, partner at Grant Thornton. "It seems that leaders prefer to remain vigilant and keep their employees, even without the increase, rather than dismissing them," analysis does.

Employees do not understand, however, none of it."The challenge for companies is to overcome the high voltage generated by conflicting interests," said Pierre Le Gun?hec.

* A study conducted among a panel of 7,400 private companies across 36 countries, representing 81% of global GDP.

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Very slight increase in wages over one year

Announced in May, the marketing of coffee pods Casino compatible with Nespresso coffee machines, breaking for the first time the monopoly of the subsidiary of Nestl? on its capsules, should lead to jostling on the shelves of super, supermarkets and mini-markets group Etienne. It could also lead to a rush in the courtroom. "We will defend our interests in a very strong," says Le Figaro Richard Girardot, CEO of Nespresso.

Ethical Coffee Company (ECC), the young Swiss company founded by a former boss of Nespresso and Casino, has negotiated exclusive distribution in France capsules designed by ECC, ensure not to violate any of the patents filed by the subsidiary Nestle. Those who protect the first generation of capsules are supposed to fall into the public domain until late 2012 payday advance low fees .ECC claims to have found a loophole allowing him to circumvent the patent protection. "It seems very surprising to our lawyers," stressed the head of Nespresso, which states that the 1700 patent filed by the group to protect the faith the capsules and how they are used in coffee makers.

The leaders of Nespresso, which could not see, and because the capsule competing, let alone taste it, do not count undertake preventive approach, both towards Casino, ECC or its sub Folliet contractor, the roaster Chambery which supports the production of pods. But with their lawyers, they will likely be the first to rush into the shelves of Casino.

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This is a case that could sink a lot of ink. In November 2007, Citigroup and the fund Abu Dhabi Investment Authority had signed an agreement stating that the obligations acquired by Citigroup fund would be converted into common shares at prices between 31.83 dollars and 37.24 dollars. And, for a total of 7.5 billion common shares at specified times, in 2010 and 2011. At the time, the action Citigroup worth $ 30. But he found the meantime, she collapsed, falling to 3.57 dollars. For funds, it is not an option to repurchase the securities Citigroup eight times their price. ADIA has decided to bring charges against Citigroup for "fraudulent misrepresentation". It simply requires the cancellation of the agreement or the payment of four billion dollars in damages.For its part, the U.S. banking group said in a statement that "these allegations are absolutely baseless and intends to defend against it vigorously."

Third consecutive decline of Citigroup

Yet, according to Richard Bove, an analyst at Rochdale Securities, "there is only a simple argument, which should lead to an agreement. It is in the interest of Citigroup to pay the $ 4 billion. And this, especially since it has 250 billion dollars in cash. For now, it is neither more nor less than a language of the deaf between ADIA, which considers itself cheated and wants to recover his money, and Citigroup, by repaying the funds would cause a precedent that would encourage other investors to be reimbursed. Stay tuned … Shortly before the close, the title recorded its third consecutive decline for the week (-2.53%).Monday and Tuesday, the stock has lost respectively 6.33% and 3.78%.