Archive for the ‘economy’ Category

London is helping BP

June 12, 2010 - 8:40 pm Comments Off

The United Kingdom is helping to champion its oil. British Prime Minister David Cameron and his finance minister George Osborne reiterated the importance of BP for English and American economies Friday. The group is under fire from critics across the Atlantic for his management of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to a spokesman for the Prime Minister, David Cameron, "said he was in everyone's interest that BP remains a financially strong and stable". Nearly 40% of shareholders are British-including 25% of pension funds, and 40% are also Americans. The support of London has boosted the share price BP, whose market capitalization has lost several billion dollars since the explosion of the platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The title BP ended the session Friday up 7.2% in London, and 3.63% in New York.

Less good news for shareholders, BP has decided to suspend the payment of dividends, the Times of London. "The board of directors met Monday to approve the temporary deferral of payment of dividends," writes the British daily. BP has not confirmed the information, but the Chief Executive, Tony Hayward, told the Wall Street Journal that he was considering not paying dividends.

David Cameron is to hold talks on the phone with Barack Obama on Saturday 17h. The exchange promises to be tense: the two leaders must stand firm against their public opinion. The first to defend a large national group, the second to refute accusations of inaction.

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Merkel and Sarkozy pressed the pace of reform

June 9, 2010 - 2:48 pm Comments Off

The regulation of the financial world would soon see the day. In the United States and Europe, urging the regulators not to adopt stricter rules and thus provide the means to avoid another financial crisis.

In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Nicolas Sarkozy urged the European Commission to "accelerate its work" for an "enhanced supervision" of financial markets in a joint letter to José Manuel Barroso. Thus, Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy felt that "there is an urgent need for the Commission to expedite its work with regard to the enhanced framework of sovereign CDS market and short sales, and this before the July Ecofin all possible courses of action. "The Heads of State put forward "the return of high market volatility, which makes it legitimate to wonder about some specific financial techniques and the use of certain derivatives such as naked short selling and credit default swaps (CDS).

Financial reform expected U.S. June 26

Across the Atlantic, there is evidence that financial reform should come from next June 26. Indeed, Republican Barney Frank and Democrat Christopher Dodd, father of the original text on financial reform, agreed yesterday on a planning committee that would allow the Senate and House of Representatives to harmonize their versions. For now, both houses of Representatives have both passed a different version of the text. Elected officials from each chamber are now trying to work on a common version.Congress hopes to be ready for the G20 to be held on 26 and 27 June in Toronto and where regulation of the financial sector will be a central theme. The final text could be adopted just before the recess of parliament in early July. It will then be submitted to the U.S. president Barack Obama for enactment.

Adoption of a system of circuit breakers

Also in this effort to regulate the financial sphere, the system of "circuit breaker" required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could come into force next Monday. It provides for a suspension of trade in a way that would have fluctuated more than 10% in less than five minutes on the market. With this rule, the Constable of U.S. financial markets hoping to avoid the stock market panic like that of May 6.The SEC is considering extending these fuses, which concern the time being listed companies in the Standard & Poor's 500, over a thousand companies.

The Paris Bourse is expected to consolidate

June 5, 2010 - 12:28 pm Comments Off

A meeting of consolidation looms on the Paris Bourse. After Thursday's rebound, which helped win 40 auCAC 1.59%, investors should take advantage of this last day of the week to lift the foot. In any case, the path that has been selected by U.S. operators yesterday. The Dow Jones, which had won 2.25% Wednesday, finished the balance 0.06% Thursday. This morning, their counterparts in Asia have followed suit. Thus, the Japanese Nikkei remained in balance throughout the session while the rest of the financial centers of the region declined slightly.

The wait should also dominate this session before the release of highly anticipated monthly report on U.S. employment, which will be published early this afternoon. Yesterday, the markets have had a foretaste of what awaited the publication of a fall, slightly above expectations ds, the weekly number of new unemployed (453,000).The firm ADP, meanwhile, announced that the private sector was announced in May its fourth consecutive month of net job creation (55 000). Despite these figures, the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), Ben Bernanke, said he still worried about the employment situation overseas. An hour after the publication of the report, the Fed chairman Atlanta, Dennis Lockhart will speak on the economic outlook and the banking environment.

Note that the second estimate of euro area GDP in the first quarter will be unveiled in the morning.

Thales observed by Christian Estrosi

In an interview with Les Echos published Thursday, Industry Minister Christian Estrosi, spoke in favor of a rapprochement between the players of the electronics and embedded software as those of Thales No teletrek payday advance.

The Strategic Investment Fund (ISF) is mounted in the capital of CGG Veritas up to a little over 170 million euros, or 6% of capital.

France Telecom said Thursday it had abandoned its proposed merger with its Swiss subsidiary Sunrise, a subsidiary of TDC, but did not specify its intentions for other building projects in the country.

Airbus, EADS subsidiary, has registered 73 net orders from January to May, but still lagging behind U.S. rival Boeing, which has registered 111, according to the trade balance of the two aircraft manufacturers.

BPCE, parent company of Natixis, formalized the merger Thursday holdings of shares of Banques Populaires and Caisses d'Epargne.

BNP Paribas, Fortis bought at the height of the financial crisis, announced Thursday an agreement in principle to merge its Turkish subsidiary with that of the Belgian bank.

National Australia Bank has found three candidates may be interested in acquiring a platform investment Axa Asia-Pacific by Australian newspaper on Friday.

Atos Origin has tabled an offer for the resumption of WorldPay, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Scotland, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Jean-Louis Beffa, the chairman of Saint Gobain, has formalized his departure at the annual general meeting Thursday. His successor, Pierre-Andre de Chalendar confirmed its objective of a rebound results in 2010 and said to expect solid growth in operating income in the first half, compared to the same period last year.

The EU is considering a fund to defend the euro

May 9, 2010 - 6:56 am Comments Off

Meeting in Brussels, the Heads of States of the euro area have finally approved the activation of the financial assistance plan 110 billion euros to Greece three years. According to several government sources, the leaders have also discussed the establishment of a fund to help countries threatened to defend the euro. The European Commission could contribute in the form of loans to the tune of 70 billion euros. The European Central Bank (ECB) will also participate.

"Attack of the market is now against the euro and individualized assistance to any country may give an insufficient response of Europe, the priority is a unified response, firm and fast," said one in particular these sources on condition of anonymity.

If agreement seems to have been found on Friday on the need to establish a sustainable mechanism for defending the single currency, the heads of states still fail to agree on every detail. "The discussion focuses particularly on the role of the ECB," said a source close to the talks

Pressure on ECB

All eyes are turned to the ECB effect. The other track would be mentioned that the latter buys bonds issued by states of the euro area, to provide them in exchange for cash. According to these same diplomatic sources, the European Commission would currently pressuring the ECB to make sense in a concrete proposal to support the euro area.

On Monday, the ECB announced it would accept the Greek debt as collateral for its loans, regardless of their credit ratings.Extending this unprecedented step for all countries in the euro area "would be a strong signal to markets" would have said the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. But on Thursday, the ECB said it had not considered.

At the meeting this Friday, the president of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet, have estimated that the eurozone faced a "systemic crisis" easy payday loans.

Tighten fiscal discipline

The euro zone leaders agree at least on the need to tighten fiscal discipline. A commitment to ensure that "Greece is not only to reduce its deficits, but that we work so that all the Stability and Growth speedy again respected," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Brussels.

Leaders also stressed the need for better coordination of economic policies in the euro area. Finally the sixteen Heads of State and Government reiterated their determination to "move quickly on the regulation and supervision of financial markets. They also insist on the creation of "a European rating agency.

Barack Obama supports the EU

Moreover, since the White House is that Barack Obama supported the European heads of state on Friday. "I made it clear that the United States supports these efforts and will continue to cooperate with EU authorities and the IMF during this critical period," he said, after talks with Angela Merkel.

American concerns grew at the same time as the market stress.Wednesday, Charles Plosser, a leader of the U.S. central bank (Fed) has assured that "the economic recovery of the U.S. could be delayed by a further turmoil in financial markets. Recent events in Greece are one of the factors likely to influence the evolution of the U.S. economy. "

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Brussels fears the impact of the crisis

May 6, 2010 - 1:24 am Comments Off

The euro zone growth will do better than expected this year, but then things could get tougher for weak links – including Greece and Portugal – which continue to frighten the markets with their debt problems. The European Commission has revised upward its growth forecast Wednesday in 2010, 0.9% (against 0.7% previously forecast). In 2011, the forecast remains unchanged at +1.5%.

"The improved prospects for economic growth this year is good news for Europe," said Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn. But "we must ensure that risks to financial stability does not compromise this".These figures have initially supported the markets, before a relapse during the meeting.

Forecast 2011 decline

The Commission stressed that the pace of recovery could vary from one state to another. The Netherlands, Germany and France are expected to fare well in the game But in the South, we can expect a performance below average. Greece and could show a contraction of GDP – 3% this year and – 0.5% next year. Spain will be a little better, with growth expected to – 0.4% and 0.8% respectively. In Portugal, the Commission expects a GDP growth of +0.5% this year and 0.7% next year.For these three countries, forecast in 2011 have been revised downwards compared to the figures published in the fall.

The challenge for these countries is that they must serve their public finances without stifling the recovery. "Sustained growth requires fiscal consolidation efforts and specific reforms that improve productivity and employment", insisted Mr Rehn. The deficit is expected to reach 9.3% of GDP in Greece this year, against 9.8% and 8.5% in Spain to Portugal – the record being held by Ireland with 11.7%. But "if other measures sontentreprises farms (to clean up the accounts, Ed), we can expect that this will have an effect on growth," says one to the Commission.

While fears of contagion from the crisis scariest Greek markets, the EU executive wanted was reassuring."Greece is a unique and special," said Rehn, and "It's important to extinguish the brush fire before it becomes a wildfire in the European Union."

For its part, the head of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker, has ruled out any risk of contagion Greek, and any assumptions bursting of the euro area. As to former Commission President Jacques Delors, he expressed regret for lost time: "The firefighters are at work" to defend Greece and the euro, but "we must say they have been slow .

Norsh Hydro global aluminum giant

May 3, 2010 - 10:48 am Comments Off

Norsk Hydro announced Sunday evening the acquisition of assets in the aluminum Brazilian Vale. In a statement, the Norwegian group, which the state holds a majority stake, said that the transaction amount is $ 4.9 billion, equivalent to 3.7 billion euros. The acquisition of these assets, all located in Brazil, is expected to close in the fourth quarter this year.

In exchange, Vale will receive 22% stake in Norsk Hydro, becoming the second largest shareholder in the company after the Norwegian state, and a cash payment of $ 1.1 billion.

To fund this mega operation, the Norwegian group will launch a capital increase of 10 billion kroner (1.75 billion dollars). The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2010. On this occasion, by the Norwegian state will be reduced from 43.8% to 34.5%.

Too dependent on others until

The acquisition by Norsk Hydro is the largest acquisition made by a Norwegian company out of its bases No fax pay day loan. This operation ensures the supply of bauxite Norsk Hydro hundred years.

The main assets are redeemed in Vale's share of 51% in the aluminum smelter Albras, its 57% in the Alunorte alumina refinery jointly owned with Norsk Hydro – who now control 91% -, and 60% in Paragominas bauxite mine. Alunorte is the largest alumina refinery in the world, and Paragominas is the third largest bauxite mine, ore of aluminum base of the planet.

"We were so far dependent on others for the purchase of raw materials the most important [for the group, Ed], bauxite and alumina."This agreement will (…) Norsk Hydro group present on the entire chain with strong positions in the production of bauxite, alumina production, the production of aluminum and its transformation, welcomed Terje Vareberg, president of the board of directors, at a press conference.

Further decrease expected in the Paris Bourse

April 29, 2010 - 7:56 pm Comments Off

Greece, Portugal and Spain. Southern Europe continues to frighten the markets. The Spanish saw its debt rating one notch worse, with a negative outlook.

Between degradation rate and retention Note

During a joint press conference yesterday, Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the European Central Bank, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, director of the International Monetary Fund, have called on Germany to take an expeditious decision on aid Greece. Both men say they are confident. German Chancellor Angela Merkel seems he heard the message, since it has declared its intention to activate "as quickly as possible" aid plan.

Fortunately, a decision from the United States has been somewhat reassure financial markets. The Fed has indeed confirmed keep interest rates low for a "prolonged period".And this, despite a rapid recovery of the economy.

In this context, it will be interesting to see how values are changing bank, after they have been two sessions in the red. Above Credit Agricole said Wednesday night that its exposure to sovereign risk in Greece amounted to 850 million euros.

Quarterly Results: Sanofi-Aventis, and Technip for ArcelorMittal

Among the values that have posted Wednesday, PPR has returned to growth in the first quarter after five consecutive quarters of downturn, and said Tuesday anticipate a further acceleration in sales during the year.

The day of Thursday will be rich in quarterly publications: ArcelorMittal, France Telecom, Suez Environment, Sanofi-Aventis, Pernod-Ricard, Vivendi, AXA, Bouygues, Areva or Michelin publish.

Renault has announced that the equity between the group, its Japanese partner Nissan and Germany's Daimler had been made Wednesday. The three groups have formalized their alliance in early April for three to share technologies and reduce costs.

The U.S. unemployment statistics in the heart of the day

On the macroeconomic front, the day will, however, less responsible.On the program, the weekly claims for unemployment benefit, which will be published at approximately 14.30 U.S., unemployment for the month of April in Germany and in April business confidence in the euro area.

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Air Liquide is growing again

April 26, 2010 - 2:52 pm Comments Off

Return to growth and confirmation of annual targets for the manufacturer of industrial and medical gases Air Liquide has posted this Monday morning pre-market turnover for the first three months of the year.

Total revenues for the group led by Beno?t Potier amounted to 3.152 billion euros against 2.997 billion over the same period of 2009. An increase of 5.2%. The company listed on the CAC 40 was that the increase of its activity has occurred in all business sectors and in all geographic areas.The emerging areas, however, contributed to the improvement.

"Unless a major turnaround in the economy, Air Liquide in 2010 is a new growth in net profit in the continuity of its historical performance," said the CEO, which states that "the discipline in terms of cost management and cash (…) has been maintained during the first quarter of 2010 and the ratio of operating margin was slightly higher than the average for the year 2009."

Emerging markets drive our business

Gas & Services activity (2.76 billion euros, 8.3%) is indeed characterized by "a marked contrast between mature economies (+5% compared to Q1 2009) and emerging economies (28 %), while activity Industrial merchant finds the path of growth, although sales in the mature economies still lower than the first quarter of 2008 before the crisis easy payday loans.

Large Industries recorded a rebound in activity, particularly through the start and ramp-ups in China, South America and the United States. The electronics is experiencing a rebound, supported by sales of specialty gases.Finally, health remains strong, always worn by home care.

During the first quarter, Air Liquide welcomes the signing of three new contracts with steelmakers in China, construction of new production capacity of liquefied gas to India and starting five manufacturing facilities in emerging economies.

The group also continued its acquisition strategy in health.

Air Liquide outperforms

Since the beginning of the year, Air Liquide shares rose 6.43%, with a gain of 0.31% on Friday, listing at 88.37 euros. The CAC 40, it has seen its course take only 0.38% since January 1, 2010.

If in 2009, they were virtually stable operating margin of Air Liquide rose to a record level of 16.3%.Air Liquide profits rose an average of about 8% per annum over the last twenty years.

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Who has benefited from the tax shield in 2009?

April 3, 2010 - 6:09 pm Comments Off

We now know more about the profile of the 16,350 taxpayers who have benefited from the tax shield in 2009. According to documents that Le Figaro was purchased, the 4521 households who have a wealth greater than 7.3 million and an annual income tax of more than 43,761 euros were collected 90.4% of the amount the tax repaid under the shield. Amounts totaled 585.6 million euros in 2009. These affluent taxpayers received an average check of 117,142 euros.

More generally, 47% of the 2009 version of the shield beneficiaries pay the ISF (wealth tax). And they pick …. 99% of repayments. In 2008, the conclusion was the same. "So I think we need to end both the shield and the ISF, while introducing an additional tax on income at 45% and reviewing the taxation of savings.The shield is a wrong answer to a bad tax, "said Jean Arthuis, the president of the centrist Senate Finance Committee.

For those who are not subject to the ISF, the check tax is much less interesting: just 565 euros. These are households with very low incomes but who own their own homes (a common situation at the meeting, among farmers. …) And are in practice pay their property tax. Also found in this category of professionals who have deficits professionals. It remains an anomaly among the beneficiaries of the shield, there are 14 taxpayers with annual income less than 3428 euros but have some assets above 16 million euros. Some suspect heavy use of tax loopholes that understate income

Richemont, owner of Cartier, resumed Net-a-Porter.com

April 2, 2010 - 2:22 am Comments Off

The Swiss owner of the venerable jewelry brands Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and Jaeger LeCoultre Watchmaking, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin, starts strong in electronic commerce. Richemont has launched an offer to acquire 100% of the commercial site with Anglo-Saxon Net-a-porter.com. He already owns one third of its capital. The deal values the start-up to 394 million euros.

Net-a-porter is one of the best success stories of fashion on the Internet. Founded in 2000 in London by Natalie Massenet, an Englishwoman raised in France, former fashion journalist in American magazines, it distributes worldwide about 300 items from great brands rather pointed, like Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen . The offer is presented in magazine format. The company based in London and New York last year realized a turnover of approximately 134 million euros.The founder sells 18% of the affair it still held, for an estimated 70 million euros. She will remain in place, deeply involved in its development.

"Given the amount, it is clearly a strategic investment, says it does among the Richemont instant payday loan. Net-a-porter will, like all our houses, totally independent. This will not become a channel for the group and we are pleased that the site continues to work with external marks. "So far, the Swiss has a modest presence on the site, including via its label Chloe.

Richemont nevertheless demonstrates a firm belief in the future of e-commerce for luxury. "These are consumers who will decide," Does it tempers in Geneva. So far the industry has been very careful – if reluctantly – to invest the net.The adventure of LVMH in the early 2000s in its U.S. e-luxury.com was cut short. According to a recent study by Precepta, web weighs only 3% of worldwide turnover of luxury. That figure could reach 4.7% in 2011, representing a market of 7 billion euros. The brands like Boucheron (a subsidiary of PPR), Cartier, recently the United States, Ralph Lauren and Gucci come gradually. Yoox.com The Italian, who has just come into stock, has developed a multi-brand and manages many e-shops for claws.