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French bond yields increasingly deviates from the reference German. And if the price that France has to pay its creditors rises relative to that payable by the neighbor across the Rhine, is that the repayment capacity is considered less French.

This distrust on observed past few days has increased further this Tuesday morning, after a warning from the rating agency Moody's. The French rate to ten years and have removed more than 1% (100 basis points) German rates, which are the reference unwavering in terms of sovereign bonds in Europe.

A disturbing record since the introduction of the single currency. On the London market, the French rate to ten years in the early morning reached 3.04%, while its German equivalent, the "Bund", down 9 basis points (-0.09%) to 2%.

At the same time, insurance (CDS) against a default on the obligations of the French state have seen their costs rise significantly. CDS to five years in France and were up 10 basis points shortly after 9:40, to 194 basis points according to Markit data. In other words, it costs 194,000 euros to insure against exposure to 10 million euros of bonds.

The gap could widen further

"We must relativize the gap (called the" spread ") bond rates between France and Germany: the level of French is extremely low rates, grade Cyril Regnat, strategist at Natixis. The ten-year French course is slightly above 3%, but the last five years, it stood at an average of 3.75%.In these circumstances, the spread can still dig a little. "The analyst believes, however, that the cost of debt already includes a breakdown of the French note one notch to AA +.

On this point, however, opinions differ. "The decline of the note is not yet in the curves: the rate could still rise from 30 to 50 basis points, that is to say 0.3 to 0.5% in the worst case, and reach a rate differential with Germany of 150 basis points, or 1 guaranteed cash advance.5%, "calculates Norbert Gaillard *, consultant to the World Bank and specialist rating agencies.

Why the interest rate differential between France and Germany increases

The rising cost of the French debt occurs observed Tuesday morning despite the fact that Moody's has taken more precautions than ever to launch his warning."She chose a time when the stress in the markets was relatively peaceful and has added a step ahead of the traditional reporting system in three stages," Norbert Gaillard analysis. Usually, the agency established the first note of the country "negative outlook" and then put the note "under review" before degrading it if necessary.

"It is very likely that the next move by Moody's, provided in three months, or to place a negative outlook on the rating of France," said Norbert Gaillard."How the country can indeed solve the three problems it faces: slow growth, deficit reduction and the difficulties of Greece and its banking system?"

In this context, "the Moody's decision means that the French can not help itself with its banks without risking his note: it has more room for maneuver necessary," Judge Cyril Regnat. "If the banks recapitalize without the state, then the fears will be evacuated on the AAA market and we should see an easing of interest rates." Investors have already understood: after the warning from Moody's, French banks have dropped the stock market.

* Author of "A Century of Sovereign Ratings", ed.Springer (USA), 2012

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Tomorrow is the big day Monday for "Total Access". The new brand of the oil company, which will provide service stations with low prices, will make his first steps at Rocquencourt near Paris Gennevilliers and in the Hauts-de-Seine. The two prototypes will offer, according to the Journal du Dimanche, prices aligned with retail, or about 1 cheapest personal loan rates.46 euro a liter of unleaded and 1.38 euro per liter of diesel.

An artist's view of future gas stations cheap Total Access. (CD Total)

The debate is raging right now about the notion of "very high income" – the government, which plans to tax them, has so far estimated at 500,000 euros per year, but lawmakers are likely to set the lower threshold above. That of poverty, by contrast, is much more accurate.

In a study published on Tuesday, INSEE said that the threshold is 60% of the median standard of living – one who shares the French population in half – or 954 euros a month (11,450 euros per year) in 2009. That same year, 8.2 million people lived below the poverty line.

Thus 13.5% of the population that was struggling to cope with loan repayments, which was regularly exposed or who would dip into its savings to balance its budget.Or 0.5 point more than in 2008, where they were 7.84 million.

The gaps widen

This increase in the number of poor people is due to the increase in unemployment during the economic slump. "However, one-off measures and the ramp-up phase of active solidarity income helped limit the effects of the crisis," the study said payday advance. The fact remains that in 2009, 10.1% of assets in excess of 18 are poor.

While the differences in living standards between the French the most fragile and the richest had decreased until 2004, they continue to grow since.In 2009, 10% of French people living with the smallest less than 10,410 euros per year (a figure calculated per consumption unit, which takes into account economies of scale when several people are in the home), down 1.1 % compared to 2008.

Meanwhile, the wealthiest 10% had a standard of living of at least 35,840 euros, up 0.7%, but less strong than in previous years.

As for the median standard of living, it is 19,080 euros per person per year, or 1590 euros per month. It increased by 0.4% compared to 2008 (an increase also lower than in previous years).

Overall, the economic crisis "affects all households, but it is the smallest that are most affected," says INSEE.

After the publication of figures showing a drop in road deaths in July, Claude Gueant, Interior Minister, said these positive results. But it is clear that motorists continue to use warning radars, despite the ban. However, serious accident, said he, there is always a judicial inquiry.

LE FIGARO. -Less killed in July: how do you explain these good numbers?

Claude Gueant. -A 21% decrease in July (358 against 453 killed, Ed), this means first that it is possible to make further progress! This result is related to the strong mobilization of law enforcement, especially on the occasion of the leave.

The balance of the year is pretty bad. Moreover, the French lost more than 10 million points allowed in 2010. A record. Up including speeding and alcohol-related offenses.What do you do?

I recall that in 2009 75% of French drivers have all their points and only 0.2% of drivers had their licenses invalidated the 40 million motorists. Regarding the results of 2011, waiting for the end of the year. If the trend continues in July we will once again below the threshold of 4000 deaths. With regard to speeding and drinking and driving, these twin evils remain government priorities in road safety.

Is there not been, lately, a certain cacophony around the various measures taken on the radar?

The measures of the last IRB (Interministerial Committee for Road Safety) is essential if we are to achieve the target set by the president to go below the threshold of 3,000 killed.Among the measures agreed, that relating to the removal of signs announcing speed cameras has sparked debate. We have heard comments from elected officials and, in agreement with the Prime Minister, we decided to launch a plan to install radar teaching. There was no cacophony. There has been listening and dialogue.

How quickly are they teaching radars to be installed?

To date, 80 radars are installed in 47 teaching departments. 200 more will be installed by the end of September 2011. The new market will eventually install 4,000 cameras teaching.They will be installed in hazardous areas, which may or may not include fixed cameras, but also mobile controls.

What is the cost of these facilities and the withdrawal of the previous panel?

The cost of installing a radar teaching will depend on the installation conditions, but the average cost is estimated at € 10,000. Be financed by the proceeds of fines. The unit cost of removing a panel from its destruction by the standards in force (with reprocessing of materials) and the restoration of the original site but is difficult to assess the overall cost could reach 4 fast cash.5 million euros.

The warning radars will become a driving aid.What this will change for their users?

On 28 July, I signed with Afftac (French association of providers and users of technology-driving) a memorandum of understanding to transform the warning in wizard driver assistance. These technology tools will indicate dangerous areas and points of specific hazards, such as the presence of a school.

Is it possible to effectively fight against those who still use alarms, implemented in a mobile phone?

The agreement signed provides for the end of such applications, but I am well aware that some will always use technology to possibly circumvent the rule. I want to remember that every serious accident resulting in a judicial inquiry at which the investigation will test the use-or not-of this type of material.Possession of prohibited materials or application involves the responsibility of each and may result in sanctions.

Industrial PV: State attack victims

The nightmare continues for motorists who, having sold their car, receive the PV from the new owner. While the Interior Ministry promised to remedy the situation related to the new system of vehicle registration, they are still likely to see their accounts seized. This is what the National Association denounced the defense of victims of injustice. Thursday, 74 of its members have given their record in the hands of a lawyer to attack the state. And require 1 million in damages. "It has all the evidence the administration, but to no avail.Moreover prefectures overwhelmed accumulate delays of several months to process cases, "lamented the president of the association, Daniel Merlet. "I sold my car a year ago, and I still received a ticket," he said. Another has received several hundred dollars, and yet another saw its PV canceled but immediately reissued in his name.

Last April, the Interior Ministry had made changes to the administration takes into account the declaration of assignment of the seller. Far and to update its files, it was waiting for the formalities of acquisition. If they were not made, the former owner of the vehicle was therefore responsible. Nevertheless, the anomalies continue."It deals with situations case by case," they say Place Beauvau.

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American financier Guy Wyser-Pratte does not disarm in the folder Lagardère. Almost eighteen months after the general meeting of 27 April 2010 during which the two resolutions he had proposed were rejected at 76% and 78%, Guy Wyser-Pratte against attack. Wednesday, August 3, he sent a letter to the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), in which he contested the vote count at the meeting of shareholders of the group.

The American activist took some time to gather evidence to support its contention. Today, it provides the AMF documents showing that the ten funds managed by AllianceBernstein (a subsidiary of AXA Group), a leading shareholder group Lagardere with 10% of the shares, would have voted for he had presented two resolutions.

For investigation

A resolution was to appoint him to the Supervisory Board of Lagardère.Resolution B was to amend the prerogatives of-stock by requesting that the general partners do not vote more consistently before the sponsors. Guy Wyser-Pratte also produces documents from two firms specializing in proxy voting investors (ISS and Broadridge). They would have gathered the voices of various U.S. institutional investors in favor of two resolutions A and B. Finally, he instructed the firm McKenzie to a total of U.S. investors vote in favor.

"In total, we can demonstrate that counting only the votes of shareholders represented by American myself, AllianceBernstein, Broadbridge and ISS, my application to the supervisory board received 44% of the vote of the quorum present at the meeting. In addition, it is likely that other European shareholders have also voted in my favor.I therefore request the AMF to conduct an investigation to understand the origin of the discrepancy between the results of the AG and the counting done by us, "said Guy Wyser-Pratte. In 2010, the AMF had already audited BNP Paribas, which had been in charge of counting votes at the annual meeting of shareholders.

Returning to the issue today, Guy Wyser-Pratte hopes remobilize American and European shareholders for the next general meeting of 2012.

In March 2010, Guy Wyser-Pratte had burst into the capital of Lagardère by buying up 0.53% of the shares. He then publicly criticized the governance of the group protesting against the existence of a partnership limited by shares and had criticized the lack of strategy of management.The tone was mounted and Philippe Camus, a member of the sponsorship of the Lagardère group, the AMF had seized a few days before the general meeting, marveling at the distortion between saber rattling by Guy Wyser-Pratte and the reality of the impact of the two draft resolutions.

Strategy of focusing

Arnaud Lagardère had benefited from the rostrum of the General Assembly to address the critical Guy Wyser-Pratte. Some time after the general meeting, it had sold substantially all of its shares, pocketing a nice way to gain. Today, he is left only about 100,000 titles.

The tension had fallen, but after this episode heated, the Lagardère Group has implemented a strategy of refocusing on its core businesses – publishing, distribution, media and sport – and the country where he holds a position leadership.Suddenly, the group undertook to sell all of its minority, especially in Canal + France, the Amaury group and the group Marie-Claire. For now, these sales have stalled. However, Lagardère Active has led to the charge of selling most of its international press center to the American group Hearst, to 654 million euros. This represents a hundred titles in a dozen countries.

The announcement was confirmed Monday afternoon by the company itself. The CEO of Caravelle, Pierre-André Martel, died Sunday evening with his daughter 20 years following the crash of a light aircraft near Lyon. Aged 57, Pierre-André Martel was known to have founded in 1995 Caravelle, the group specializes in the recovery and rehabilitation of companies, it still ran. Polytechnique, the man was also recently ranked by Fortune magazine Challenges 134th in France, with a wealth estimated at 350 million euros. He held still, with his family, 95% stake in his company.Caravelle, which announced the end of 2010, over 400 million euros in consolidated shareholders' equity and cash more than 200 million, operates in various sectors ranging from heavy equipment (Benalu, Marrel, EDBRO, Lamberet) to the self-medication (Cooper) through transport (Ducros Express, Girard).

"The provisions of Martel in this event are implemented and ensure the continuation of the group Caravelle," assured the company in a statement. When contacted, the company has not yet given details on the identity of the future (e) governing the group employs about 5000 employees worldwide, and manages 375 million euros in net business bad credit payday advance.

The board has not yet expressed

One obvious thing for the moment the most pressing issues: the future leader (or the acting team), will manage the back of the motor carrier Mory. Partially placed in receivership, it had attracted the interest of Caravelle, which confirmed the strategic importance of the resumption of mail Mory, "in order to bring its subsidiary Ducros Express." Candidates for the recovery should occur before July 31, but the direction of Caravelle had already filed early in July a written offer. Unlikely, however, that the tragic death of Sunday calling into question the strategic choice.

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of Caravelle did not logically expressed on the scenarios considered in the coming weeks leading figure on the future of the group.The question of the succession of Pierre-André Martel remains in effect for the moment difficult to address, just hours after the formalization of that disappearance. Especially companies that, like the family, the imprint of a founding CEO of the group will need time to adapt substantial teams.

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Two regional leaders of Lidl Ile-de-France – Nord were placed under judicial supervision. They are suspected of discrimination in hiring, reports Le Parisien. They have ordered the makers of their 70 stores not to recruit persons of foreign origin in residence with "privacy and family life." A woman dismissed on this ground a complaint. The trial will be held August 18. The accused may three years in prison and 45,000 euros fine.

Refuse these cards have been living as a principle in the network Ile-de-France – Nord "at least six store managers will spread to the investigators," said Le Parisien. The staff representative UNSA, Fatiha Iraki, would have met "some thirty CV repressed," she told the newspaper.Lidl Why would he conducted such a wage policy? Residence cards "cost several hundred dollars per year per employee," said the steward.

Lidl's lawyer denies the charges: no guidance was given. There are many foreign candidates in the regional management, it is normal that some owners do not see themselves hired, he explains.

Ten billion profit in 2010 and no corporate tax. For two years, Total aroused much criticism for failing to pay taxes despite the huge annual profits. What the leadership said that the group does not pay corporate taxes since 2008 because its activities in France are in deficit since 2008. "The BMC (worldwide profits) can be charged in France for losses incurred abroad, says chief financial officer, Patrick of Chevardière in an interview for Echoes. But insofar as we record losses in France, we do not pay corporate taxes in France. The last time the regime of worldwide profits had a positive impact on our taxes, it was in 2001! ".And Christophe de Margerie, CEO of Total, recalled: "Total paid 800 million euros in taxes in France each year, 500 million on dividends paid abroad."

"We chose to (tax benefit) give of ourselves"

Whatever the controversy will no longer be held since the group has abandoned this tax benefit. Simply because it would bring him nothing. "Rather than continue to hear all day long that the company enjoys a preferential treatment, we decided to give it up ourselves," said Chief Financial Officer of Total.Now only NRJ Media Group and use this system, which allows them to include in taxable income in France, the results of foreign subsidiaries under their control.

The boss of Total, Christophe de Margerie, hinted Monday that his group was planning to abandon this system, after questioning last week in a report by the National Assembly, pointing to the differences between the tax paid by the groups the CAC 40 and paid by the SMEs. MP Gilles Carrez, author of the report, said that more companies are large and they carry less of the corporate tax.

The decision comes as Total Christophe de Margerie was to meet Tuesday on the phone with the Minister of Economy, Baroin, having said this weekend that the oil company would pass to the recent increases in pump prices crude oil.

In Athens

It is now the strongman of the government just revamped George Papandreou: Evangelos Venizelos. Imposing, talkative and impulsive, professor of constitutional law of 54 years did not mince his words when entering his new office as Minister of Finance: "I left the Department of Defense to enter a war", has he said. And for good reason, this war is that of the economy. He is determined to carry out reforms and has a good chance to convince members to vote in favor of the second austerity plan on 28 June. Observers say it is the ideal person to mitigate the discontent within the party.

The entire political class recognizes Evangelos Venizelos his intelligence and his status as a pillar of the new government.Gathering his majority was a priority to calm the ardor of the critics of the Greek Prime Minister.

But for some experts, this man from northern Greece be too wet to agree with the Europeans. "It is the one who said the Council of Ministers last week, the country was under occupation administration. How Brussels will trust him? "Assen there be in the ranks of the Conservative opposition. For political analyst Giorgos Kirtsos, "Evangelos Venizelos wants to be Prime Minister. It has a very social discourse and is highly regarded by the barons of the press. He will use his gift as an orator to get the reforms in the population, "said he. "When he was at the Ministry of Development, he has managed the beginning of the privatization of the Greek electricity utility by arranging their own way.Now, decisions are more difficult, especially since it's not a reformer, "says Giorgos Kirtsos. The new "czar of the economy" as it is called the Greek press has an agenda of the busiest on the European stage. He will travel to the meetings of the Eurogroup and has make a difference with his predecessor, Giorgos Papaconstantinou, became Minister of the Environment.

Control social discontent

According to Petros Doukas, an economist and former Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos must quickly make proposals to the Europeans to save the country from bankruptcy. This could be a takeover of the Greek debt, "which currently is sold off at least 40% on the secondary market," said he. "Once acquired, they can erase part of our debt and other loan us again as a loan at 4% for twenty-five years.This is the ideal model for the second funding of 100 billion euros, "explains the former Conservative minister.

Meanwhile, Evangelos Venizelos will also control the rising social discontent in the country, especially as the indignant and unions are willing to take it a turf war without thank you. Rallies and demonstrations are scheduled from Sunday until Friday next European Council.

The Paris Bourse plunges on Wednesday. In early trade, the CAC 40 lost 0.43% to 3851.23 points, affected by renewed concerns about Greece and the decision by Moody's considering downgrades of three major French banks because of their exposure to Greece, which Moody's has downgraded the beginning of June.

In the viewfinder of the rating agency: BNP Paribas (-1.62% to 51.76 euros, the biggest drop CAC 40), Credit Agricole (-1.48% to 10.05 euros) and Company General (-1.43% to 39.22 euros). Moody's also points out that the review it conducts since late March on the note of the Franco-Belgian bank Dexia (-1.20% to 2.30 euros), also may be lowered, take into account its exposure to Greece.Carried away by the decline sectoral Natixis loose as 1.33% to 3.48 euros.

In the wake of Paris, the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange opened down 0.37% at 7178.05 points and the London Stock Exchange began declining from 0.24% to 5789.4 points.

Already this morning, Asian markets have sent mixed signals, some following the positive trend on Wall Street and others focusing on new measures taken by monetary tightening to counter China's runaway inflation.

Inflation has stabilized in France

Caution is all the greater a significant number of macroeconomic indicators is expected today. In France, consumer prices rose 0.1% in May from the previous month and one-year inflation has decelerated slightly to 2.0%, according to statistics released Wednesday by the INSEE.

The euro area will unveil its industrial production.United States, the day will be busy: there will be firstly the Empire state index of the activity of the New York Fed, follow the index and consumer price figures from the Fed industrial production and capacity utilization of production. Wells Fargo index of the property market is also planned, as are the weekly crude inventories.

Just oil on the forehead, it was time for caution in morning trading in Asia. A barrel of light sweet crude for July delivery lost 25 cents to 99.12 dollars while that of Brent North Sea crude for delivery rose 49 cents identical to $ 120.65. As for currencies, the euro fell slightly against the greenback at 1.4421 dollar.Finance ministers of the euro area have not reached an agreement Tuesday for a new plan for financial assistance to Greece.

PSA supervision

To be continued outside the banking sector:

Technip: -0.12% to 72.98 euros

The French oil engineering group won, via its subsidiary, Duco, a contract worth around 15 million euros from the British company BP Exploration Operating Development of Lan Do field offshore Vietnam business card templates.

Total: -0.22% to 38.24 euros

The tanker is confident in its ability to meet its production targets despite the political unrest in North Africa and the Middle East, said Tuesday strategy director of the French company, Jean-Jacques Mosconi.

Carrefour: -0.63% to 29.39 euros

The police court of Evry Tuesday condemned the teaching of retailing at 3.66 million in fines for non-compliance with minimum wage of about 1,200 employees in France, officials said a judicial source.

PSA Peugeot Citroën: 0.63% to 28.81 euros

A central works council will be held June 23 to discuss the strategy of the manufacturer, which maintains that the closure of its site of Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), discussed in internal documents, is not on the agenda.

Renault: 0.99% to 37.06 euros

The manufacturer has postponed to 2014 or 2015 its plan to implement Flins (Yvelines) a plant for production of batteries for electric vehicles, originally planned for 2012, wrote Wednesday Le Figaro and La Tribune, citing the CGT and the management of Renault, which in turn explains the delay by "technical reasons".

EADS: +0.84% ​​to 21.58 euros, Air France-KLM: 0.33% to 10.67 euros

Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Pierre Lellouche, will in the coming days the CEO of Air France-KLM, said on Tuesday from his office. The company is under pressure to support Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS, to the detriment of Boeing's next aircraft order.

Lagardère: -0.11% to 26.79 euros

The group announced Tuesday the appointment of Alain Lemarchand and Seamus O'Brien for the posts of deputy general managers of Lagardère Unlimited, its sports and entertainment division recently affected by a series of departures.

Rhodia: 0.24% to 31.34 euros Solvay: 0.14% to 106.80 euros

Solvay ofiiciellement Tuesday launched its takeover bid for Rhodia at a price of 31.60 euros per share. The offer should be between 15 and 20 July, according to the timetable.Solvay also offer 52.30 euros per Equator.

Areva: -0.02% to 24.35 euros

In an interview with Voices, the group's president, Anne Lauvergeon, admits that nuclear power should "rebuild confidence" after the accident at the Japanese central Fukushima, but it emphasizes the importance of the sector: "Imagine our trade deficit without nuclear power! ".

Note that BioMerieux holds its general meeting today and Faiveley Transport will publish its annual results after market close.