Archive for the ‘features’ Category

Irene transport disrupted on the East Coast

August 27, 2011 - 1:08 pm Comments Off

The people of the East Coast of the United States are preparing for a weekend out of the ordinary. In anticipation of Hurricane Irene, the authorities announced palsy or slowing of most means of transport that normally innervate New York Area. Once is not custom, the inhabitants of the Big Apple, including 250,000 living near the coast are being evacuated, will have to live in slow motion.

For security, the three New York airports – JFK, La Guardia and Newark – will be closed Saturday for aircraft arriving at noon (18 hours Paris time). The flights from these airports, however, may take off until further notice. This is an extraordinary disruption to an area that typically concentrates the air flow one of the densest in the world: each year, as many as 100 million passengers pass through this metropolis.This weekend, nearly 8,000 flights should be canceled.

Like most of his counterparts, Air France announced Friday the cancellation of all flights to New York JFK on Saturday and Sunday, while disturbances are waiting on those provided to and from other cities the coast, like Washington, Philadelphia or Boston. The resumption of service, from Monday, could also be laborious and cause further disruption, have also warned the airlines.

Transport suspended

Measure more tangible for the people, public transport will be suspended in the Big Apple this Saturday from noon until probably Monday rush hour guaranteed online payday loans. The subway, buses and railways do not circulate. Motorists have also been asked to leave their cars at home until the alert is lifted.If winds exceed this weekend 96 km / hour, the authorities of the State of New York have also warned they would close the main roads towards the city, and some bridges.

Given the restriction of transportation and possible damage caused by the passing of Irene, the inhabitants were ordered to stockpile water and food in preparation for the weekend. "Water is our product that sells best," noted the retailer Wal-Mart on Friday. Many are those who are armed with power generators in case of power failure.

To address these potential damages, the cost could rise to nearly $ 12 billion according to consulting firm Kinetic Analysis, U.S. authorities are preparing to deploy in new ways.900 National Guardsmen and 2,500 workers in the electricity sector include ready to intervene in case of power failure. All these measures aim to avoid at all costs repeating a scenario to Katrina, the hurricane that was painfully struck New Orleans in 2005.

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The Cac 40 expected to rise again at the opening

August 25, 2011 - 4:12 pm Comments Off

The CAC 40, which gained more than 2% over the last two sessions, could open up again this Thursday on the eve of the intervention (16 hours, Paris time) the President of the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke, which could signal further monetary easing to support the U.S. economy. Earlier, the U.S. government will plublié its second estimate of GDP figures for the second quarter. The growth rate of the world's largest economy in the spring, which had greatly disappointed a month ago, could then be revised down 0.2 percentage point to 1.1%.

Meanwhile, the stock market should continue to pick up a few points to be closer to the threshold of 3200 points.The session will be punctuated by two indicators are expected before the close of the Bourse de Paris: the index of consumer confidence but also the German weekly claims for unemployment benefits in the United States.

In France, unemployment figures and job seekers for the month of July will be published after-hours trading to 18 hours. Labour Minister, Xavier Bertrand, expects the unemployment figures "are wrong as were those of the previous two months."

Sharp decline in quarterly profit of Crédit Agricole

On the corporate side, the ball of the results continues.

Crédit Agricole has published a net profit down 10.6% to 339 million euros in the second quarter 2011, due to a charge of 640 million related to Greece.In addition, the group could spend 1.5 billion euros to recapitalize its subsidiaries in Southern Europe including the Greek bank Emporiki, according to the Letter of expansion without citing sources cash advance. half-year results of companies, including Credit Agricole and Edenred, the branch of Accor Services.

Edenred announced interim results and annual targets in line with analysts' expectations, the strong activity in Latin America continue to boost the profits of the group.

Cellectis has entered a development agreement and license with the American Recombinetics on "the creation of transgenic large animals" such as pigs, sheep or cattle.

Schneider announced his bid for Telvent Git SA expire 30 August instead of September 12.

Gemalto has reported a strong growth in its half-yearly sales, thanks to the strong growth of its secure transactions that are now the most profitable activity of the group.

Bureau Veritas announced adjusted net income up 10% to 164.2 million euros in the first half, operating margin declined 70 basis points to 16.0%, and confirmed predict a sharp increase in the number and business results in 2011.

Oil prices rise

Oil prices were up Thursday morning during electronic trading in Asia, in a market sensitive to the situation in Libya and cautious speech eagerly awaited the head of the U.S. central bank (Fed).In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October has appreciated by 14 cents to 85.30 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery took 21 cents to 110.36 dollars .

Railing against the excesses of real estate agencies

August 24, 2011 - 12:48 am Comments Off

Estate agents again under fire from critics. The consumer association UFC – Que Choisir has issued a statement on Tuesday vitriolic, denouncing the "little commendable practices" agencies. After a survey of over a thousand branches, the leading association of abuse "at every level," the tenants are the first victims.

Three types of abuses are highlighted by the association. Estate agents do not initially comply with their disclosure obligations of tenants illegally. For example, 21% of agencies tested their fees do not display in the window, "contrary to a legal obligation 20 years old." Like nearly a third still do not respect the obligation to inform the tenant of the energy consumption of their future home, even as energy prices continue to climb.

Prices "prohibitive"

Partly because of tensions on the rental market, real estate will also allow aspiring tenants require more and more collateral. 62% of them are demanding documents allowed for the creation of a file, the certificate of the employer being required more frequently (by 46% of agencies). "This is not an excess of zeal, defends the National Federation of Real Estate (Fnaim). This is only to ensure donors'.

By virtue of this requirement that many agencies require such an identity photograph, a bank account, a check for reservation of accommodation or a social security card … In about 30% of cases, a guarantor is required when the candidate wins the rent three times the rent."This additional requirement makes it clear that agencies are primarily to serve the landlord," interprets the UFC – Que Choisir.

Last black dot underlined by the association: the profession continues to charge a "service only limited" at prices for their "prohibitive". On average, fees and represent 93% of the monthly rent. The UFC – Que Choisir denounced as such "double penalty" is that the indexation of fees on the rent: the more prices rise, more agencies are increasing fees. Only 6% of agencies practice a fixed fee, delivery.

New measures for consumers

All these abuses have repeatedly pointed out by consumer groups, which tend to hinder access to housing.In March, it was this time CLCV denouncing the excessive billing that affect the budget of the tenants: inventory costs (up to 100 euros), fresh stimulus for delay (20 euros on average ) fee for annual reassessment of rental charges (34 euros) … So many illegal practices which continue to proliferate, despite the tightening of the law.

If the profession is a strong advocate of abuse, Fnaim however, that it will present in September new measures "in favor of an overall organization of the profession, faithful to respect the interests of consumers."

The Secretary of State for Housing, Benedict Appeared should follow suit."It is important not to heap opprobrium on a profession that is aware of certain abuses, organized thinking to fight against," he said Tuesday, before announcing that new government measures against the abuses described as "unbearable". Currently "under development", these measures will aim to "protect consumers and support those professionals who are committed to the quality of service." For these traditional signs of strong competition from low cost agencies in full swing, this strategy could indeed be a winner.

Testimonials – Have you ever been abused by estate agents? Have you seen such abuses around you? Tell us your experience in comments below or by email at temoin@lefigaro.fr.

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Bank stocks saddled the CAC 40

July 12, 2011 - 12:16 pm Comments Off

While Wall Street ended the session and declined Friday Asian stock markets see red on Monday morning, the CAC 40 continues its decline on Monday. Halfway through, he gave up 1.44% to 3858.11 points. The session will be marked by the expectation of the beginning of earnings season in the United States, with the aluminum giant Alcoa, which must publish its figures after the close of Wall Street. Investors are also nervous until the advances of another meeting of central bankers in the euro area held Monday in Brussels.

Van Rompuy, Barroso and Trichet, heads of three major European institutions – the Council, the Commission and the Central Bank – in fact, find themselves on Monday to spur the seventeen countries of the euro, still unable to agree of mounting a second rescue plan for Greece.Then the seventeen ministers of finance are again struggling in the afternoon of the participation of private creditors (banks, insurers and pension funds) to finance the 110 billion euros expected by Athens. In addition, concerns are doing now in Italy. Friday, the country has seen its returns soar. Rumors about a possible resignation of Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti, would have triggered the movement.

These concerns continue to weigh on the euro, which widened its losses against the greenback on Monday. Around 11:00 in Paris, the single European currency was worth 1.4123 dollars against 1.4258 dollars on Friday night, falling to levels seen for two weeks.

The macroeconomic situation across the Atlantic does not reassure the markets more. The United States are also penalized by a debt record. Barack Obama finds MPs on Monday.He said Sunday night, before a meeting with key members of Congress, he "must" that Congress reached agreement on the debt within 10 days. Otherwise, the U.S. could default on August 2.

Chapter macroeconomics, INSEE released the figure in industrial production in France for the month of May Over the period, and after two months of decline, it bounced 2%, against 0.5% expected by the consensus.

Car values ​​down sharply, despite the results of Renault and for values, the release this morning (tomorrow ahead of Peugeot-3, 74% to 30.09 euros) business results Renault (-2.17% to 38.35 euros) was not at all convinced investors. Carlos Tavares went to the site of Flins Monday.The automaker has announced an increase of 1.9% of its global sales in the first half, the strength of demand abroad offsetting supply problems it encounters in Europe. The group also expressed its willingness to establish a new sales record this year by selling more than 2.6 million vehicles due to its growth internationally and despite the poor performance in Europe in the first half, he said Monday.

The financial sector ailing

The financial sector is in bad shape, still weighed down by the debt crisis in Europe. Mid-session, BNP loses 3.92% to 47.87 euros, Axa, plunges 4.69% to 14.53 euros, Crédit Agricole ceded 3.05 9.18% to 3.88 euros and Societe Generale to 37.03 euros.

Air France (-1.37% to 10.06 euros) will propose October 13 routes from Marseille to France, Europe and the Mediterranean from 50 euros one way, a way, she says, to launch an "offensive" against the low cost.

Moreover, the energy values ​​react more weakly to kick off the giant tender (about 10 billion) government on the construction of an offshore wind farm with a capacity of production of 3000 megawatts.

Several candidates have already expressed: the consortium GDF Su ez (-0.84% ​​to 24.08 euros), Areva (-0.81% to 24.50 euros) and Vinci (-0.92% to 41.98 euros), another consortium Areva and combining the Spanish giant Iberdrola, EDF EN and all (-0.01% to 39.67 euros), Alstom (-1.2% to 40.76 euros ) and Dong Energy.E. ON and EDP-R have also responded to the tender.

Total (-1.09% to 39.53 euros) could write off some tax benefits. Following the controversy triggered by the imposition of any large groups of the CAC 40, Total could give up to enjoy the tax shelter known as "worldwide profits." The CEO also announced that he would pass to the pump the recent increases in crude oil prices.

Mergers in the telecoms

Bouygues Telecom, a subsidiary of Bouygues (-0.85% to 28.63 euros). The smallest of the three French mobile operators own their own network announced Monday the signing of a framework agreement with Spain's Telefonica, which will allow it to benefit from the infrastructure and the size of its new partner.For its part, rival France Telecom (-0.63% to 14.17 euros) was approached by the television channel in Qatar, Al-Jazeera, for the redemption of Orange Sport. Discussions are in progress.

Sanofi (-0.94%, to 55 euros). The laboratory has sold its dermatology at Dermik Valeant Canada for $ 425 million (300 million) to focus on its platform for growth in the United States and Canada.

Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS (-0.15% to 23.16 euros), would be willing to sell out to rival Boeing. The European aircraft manufacturer could make significant price reductions to crop market share with its U.S. rival in the U.S., in connection with the tender launched by American Airlines, says the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. airline expects to order 250 aircraft.

On the other hand airlines could face a strike in early August.The union of airline pilots SNPL filed a strike notice for all French airlines from August 5 to 8, written Tribunedans his edition of Monday.

Ipsos (-0.06% to 32.76 euros) could be thwarted in his plans to return to UK Synovate. In fact, the British investment fund would be willing to put 675 million euros for the acquisition of Synovate, the tamping pin to French Ipsos already in discussions with the company for market research, according to information from the Financial Times. The Aegis Group, which owns Synovate, however, have rejected the offer.

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The markets fear a contagion of debt to Italy

July 10, 2011 - 12:56 am Comments Off

After attacking the Portugal earlier this week, markets accentuate the pressure on Italy. Friday, the Milan Stock Exchange closed on a fall of 3.47% due to a sharp drop in bank stocks. The Italian 10-year rate reached a record 5.259%, while the gap with the German borrowing rates soared to 242.4 basis points. The markets fear a contagion of debt to Italy, the third economy in the euro zone, whose debt reached 120% of GDP. Under pressure from rating agencies threatening to lower the rating of the country since the spring, Rome adopted an austerity budget of 40 billion euros on Thursday, but the political crisis, revived by Berlusconi's statements could derail everything.

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The Cac 40 ended close to 3800 points

June 28, 2011 - 11:44 am Comments Off

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his "confidence" in the future of the euro area and promised to continue investing in the region at the beginning of a new tour on the old continent. Financial markets remain strained, however. Activists of Communist front Pame Greek trade union have made Monday morning on the Acropolis in Athens a giant banner advocating "against-attack" against the austerity plan that the country needs to adopt this week to avoid bankruptcy.

Having dropped below the 3,800 points Friday night, the CAC 40 was still open slightly lower on Monday morning. Green, however, made his return in mid-day. The benchmark index of Paris finally closing up 0.31% to 3796.55 points. The London Stock Exchange for its part, closed up, the FTSE-100 index gaining 0.43 of the main values% from Friday's close at 5722.34 points.Featuring Dax index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ended down slightly from 0.19% to 7107.90 points.

Beyond the caution displayed by investors before the vote on Wednesday and Thursday, the Greek Parliament on the new austerity plan imposed on the country, the benchmark index of the Paris Bourse remains unsure hesitant to Wall Street. The New York Stock Exchange, which accused significant losses Friday night, started to trade the balance before attempting a rebound, too, without conviction.

On Monday, no statistical significance was also to follow the French and European side. United States, consumer spending of U.S. households were unchanged in May for the first time in nearly a year, while revenues increased 0.3%, slightly less than expected, according statistics released Monday by the Commerce Department.Adjusted for inflation, spending fell by 0.1% in May for the second consecutive month. The decline in vehicle sales after the disruption of production caused by the earthquake of March 11 in Japan may explain the decline.

On the currency markets, the euro went back to 1.4264 dollar.

Airbus Boeing has dominated at Le Bourget

EADS (-1.56% to 22.05 euros). The 730 contracts announced in four days propel the backlog of European best-seller over 1000 devices. Airbus, an EADS subsidiary, established a new record with 72.2 billion dollars in contracts.The Paris Air Show, the largest in the world, broke attendance records for both professionals and the general public, in its 2011 edition, which closed its doors Sunday, organizers announced.

After completing its first acquisition in China, the IT services company Capgemini (-0.14% to 38.69 euros) seeks to strengthen the United States, said its chief executive Paul Hermelin the Financial Times. The group, leader in Europe, is particularly interested in the health sector.

The automaker Renault (0.96% to 39.54 euros) account on a flurry of new products to rebound in Europe since 2012, rapporteLa Tribune. Thus, the group plans to launch new models of the car at low cost, Zoe (at a price of 15,000 euros), and Clio IV.In addition, a minivan before the launch of Dacia Logan New and Sander.

Bouygues Telecom has entered the State Council

According to information from Figaro, Bouygues Telecom (+0.02% to 28.85 euros) before the Council of State to challenge certain provisions included in the call for tender for mobile phone licenses in the fourth generation (4G).

The banking sector was misguided. Societe Generale: -0.28% to 37.67 euros, BNP Paribas: -0.06% to 50.16 euros, Crédit Agricole: -0.32% to 9.63 euros. Meeting in Basel, international regulators have agreed on a proposal to impose an additional requirement of capital to banks with systemic risk.The aim is to prevent banks grow larger and become "too big to fail" ("too big to fail").

In addition, the Franco-Belgian bank Dexia (-1.92% to 1.99 euros) is ready to sell its insurance activities in Turkey with French insurers Axa and U.S. Metlife, reported Monday the daily Les Echos.

Carrefour (-1.10% to 26.45%) needs to evolve and perhaps in favor of its hypermarkets a delegation of certain powers, said Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Colony Capital Europe, in an interview published in the 'Monday edition of Les Echos.On the other hand, the distributor announced Friday the acquisition of three minority in China.

Séchilienne Sidec (4.24% to 17.07 euros) The independent power producer said in a statement that its gross operating profit (EBITDA) is expected to grow by at least 15% this year, including with products tax exemption The group also confirmed that it was a growth of 10% of its EBITDA excluding tax exemption in 201.

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Fillon is considering taxing businesses that pay too bosses

June 19, 2011 - 1:00 pm Comments Off

Overtax businesses too generous with their leaders. The idea was launched by Prime Minister Francois Fillon in an interview published Saturday in Nice Matin: "With the government, I think about a device that is to overtax the companies issuing exorbitant fees." François Fillon and takes position on an issue that divides the majority.

The head of government is responding to the proposal of Xavier Bertrand, Minister of Labour and Employment, to "tax" or "frame" the "extravagant salaries." It lampooned in an interview published Thursday by Les Echos code of conduct drawn up on the subject of big salaries. "Write a code of conduct is good. The enforcement is better, "he said. Considering that some large companies did not comply with these principles, the Minister has threatened to legislate on the issue.

Shocked by some earnings

In Nice Matin, François Fillon rejects such an approach in trying to punish companies through a tax rather than the bosses through a ceiling unsurpassable. If it says "shocked" by some remuneration of senior executives, the Prime Minister "not [believe] not the regulation of wages for some totally disconnected from economic reality of the business and wage negotiations." However, he called the companies to regulate themselves. If they do not, the government will make decisions, he added.

François Fillon's statement takes an idea Baroin. The services of the Minister of Budget are working on the issue from the perspective of the tax reform of heritage to be considered in the fall paydayloans. Baroin said he wants "an exceptional contribution on income, not an outstanding contribution."The advanced solution: drain on companies making non-deductible from corporate tax wages too high.

The salaries of officers of the CAC 40 rose 19% in 2010 compared to 2011 according to a study of the expansion. Their average salary was 4.2 million. And increases do not always correspond to performance industrial markets.

No revaluation of the minimum wage

François Fillon said in the same interview in Nice morning that there would be no boost given to the minimum wage at its next revaluation. "Today, it would be an economic mistake. This will overwrite the hierarchy of wages and would drive up labor costs and thus unemployment, "he justified.

François Fillon has argued that "before 2000, the labor cost of products manufactured in France was on average 15% cheaper than in Germany."However, "since the 35 hours, this advantage was lost in some sectors such as agriculture and services, we are overtaking Germany," he said.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the next automatic adjustment of minimum wage-price inflation when the achieved 2% since the previous revaluation, "could take place" in August.

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Retirement: frames with three children affected by the reform

June 16, 2011 - 6:12 am Comments Off

As announced in Le Figaro, the agreement on supplementary pensions signed last spring is unfavorable to executives who have raised several children, so much so that the CFE-CGC, the union executive has decided to attack the text justice.

The agreement signed in March after lengthy negotiations in effect alters the rules of pension bonus if families "many." From 1 January next year, the increase will be only 10% whatever the number of children cared for by the frame from three. The rule still in force today is much more favorable since the pensions of executives can be increased by 8% to 24% depending on the number of children.

Cap

Adjusted parallel, the amount of increase is now capped at 1,000 euros per year. Emmanuel Grimaud consulting firm optimization retirement Maxims, asked on Europe 1 this morning, made the calculation of the shortfall.For an executive who has had four children and affects 2700 euros monthly pension, the bonus is 2000 euros per year today. With the new rules, it does affect more than 800 euro mark, that is to say 1200 euros less each year. If we relate this loss to the number of years spent in retirement, 25 years on average, the loss of purchasing power reached 27,000 euros says the expert.

Emmanuel Grimaud said that once, future retired executives must make it their calculations, especially if born before July 1951.In some cases it may be more interesting for them to liquidate their retirement before the end of the year rather than waiting for the entry into force of the new text, and this even if they have not paid all quarters necessary for the full rate.

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Sixth year of real estate crisis in the U.S.

June 14, 2011 - 4:16 am Comments Off

It's been five years since the U.S. housing bubble deflates, after swelling for fourteen years. The consequences of this reversal are still stopping the economy and financial system of the United States poor credit personal loans.

Click on image to enlarge.

Whit Monday: The majority of employees stay home

June 12, 2011 - 9:28 am Comments Off

Schools, colleges, high schools, universities, governments and businesses will be closed ultramajorité Monday. Not because of a strike call would be strongly followed, but due to the National Solidarity Day, established in 2004 – through the elimination of the holiday falling on Whit Monday – by Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

The working day "offered" by the employees was instituted after the heatwave of summer 2003, which caused the deaths of 15,000 elderly and highlighted the extreme isolation of some people. Employers were free to set the terms of agreement by company or branch.The idea is to offset a new tax of 0.3% on the payroll who also hit the capital income and wealth.

Most of the time, a day of paid leave or RTT was sacrificed in exchange for work on Whit Monday.Some companies might choose to "dicked" day of extra work and free: in two half days without a student in Education or seven hours spread over the year at the station.

13 billion in seven years

Before the general disorganization – nobody knew when the Day of Solidarity was falling – and many recriminations trade unions, associations or religious, the Fillon government decided in 2008 to remake the Whit Monday public holiday and therefore not working no fax payday loans.

Since its inception seven years ago, the Day of Solidarity has reported 13 billion collected from public and private employers by the National Solidarity Fund for Autonomy.The annual levy – which will yield 2.31 billion in 2011 – is intended to cover devices cons dependency: Standard ABS and PCH allowances, retirement homes and special schools … It has 60% elderly and 40% for people disabilities.

To finance the care of elderly dependency, it is suggested to establish a new day of solidarity that would yield, according to Roselyne Bachelot, 2 billion more. Others still offer to extend the base's contribution to the professions and retirees who are currently excluded.