Archive for the ‘resources’ Category

The bio overtaken by economic crisis

February 6, 2012 - 11:10 pm Comments Off

 

Even the market is affected by the economic crisis. Indeed, according to research firm Xerfi published Monday, the organic food market will grow more slowly in coming years. Main reason: the deteriorating economic conditions resulting in a decrease in the purchasing power of households. "With the crisis, consumers prioritize while prices of organic products are higher than those of traditional foods," said Xerfi. Result: Sales of organic products should no longer move as "5% in 2012, 8% in 2013 before returning to 5% in 2014 and 2015, according to estimates by the firm. With a turnover of 4.5 billion euros on that date. " In 2011 sales in this market segment posted 3.65 billion euros against a little over $ 2 billion in 2008.  

It was between 2006 and 2010 that the market for organic products has seen its best years of growth, with rates between 10 and 20%. What stir the appetite of major retailers that since has continued to expand its range of organic and glean new customers compared to retailers and specialty networks. So much so that today 47% retail market share. An influence that may still grow.

The hypermarkets always looking of the lowest price, should benefit from this startégie to attract new customers. A strategy that is even more effective in a context of economic crisis. Mass distribution should surpass the 50% in 2015 while the share of experts, networks and independent, should decrease to 30% in 2015 (48% in 2005) concludes Xerfi. The remaining organic food no matter what a niche market.

Finding the cheapest car insurance quotes can be an activity that requires a huge amount of time given the number of policies available on the market.

November 18, 2011 - 10:44 pm Comments Off

The meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel with British Prime Minister Cameron, far from marking a reconciliation, a deed the differences between the two countries on the edges of Europe. Despite the cordial declarations of the two heads of government, differences on the issue of saving the euro continues. "Germany's interests, Britain has its own," acknowledged David Cameron at the end of the meeting cash advance.

The issues are still there and no solution in sight, the Chancellor conceded. Britain still refuses the idea of ​​a tax on financial transactions, supported by Paris and Berlin, because it severely handicap the City of London. On the issue of greater involvement of the European Central Bank to resolve the crisis of the euro, which promotes London, the German chancellor has proved inflexible.

The advantages of the stone on credit

October 27, 2011 - 10:58 am Comments Off

Into debt to pay less tax. This is what investors who invest in real estate and not just through type devices Scellier. Subscribe to a credit for investing in property has many advantages: the rent paid by the tenant pays the monthly payments, and loan interest is deductible from property income (not capital). With the key tax savings on income sometimes substantial, especially for taxpayers heavily taxed or (and) who receive more rents. As property income – greater than 15,000 euros gross per year – are taxed at the marginal tax rate of the investor, plus the social charges (CSG + CRDS, 13.5%). To protect his family, the borrower take out a whole life insurance (disability), which will take over in case of hardship, and allow his people to keep well.Credit also allows a way to protect themselves against inflation may accelerate in the coming years. "But beware, the profitability of the investment must exceed the credit rate," said Philippe Baillot, Director of Private Banking Bred. Not to mention that "take a credit equal to a bet on rising prices of stone, failing that, the leverage effect will be negative," says he.

Banks increasingly demanding

Although mortgage rates have been stagnant since June, after rising nearly 1% in one year, individuals always go into debt on attractive terms. It should thus be between 4 and 4.30% on average for a loan of twenty years (excluding insurance) to finance the purchase of a principal residence. And surely a little more to acquire a rental or vacation home.The deal could change and banks subject to significant pressures should increase credit rates. For now, they have tightened the conditions for granting.

Before embarking on the adventure of credit, it is important to calculate its borrowing capacity and identify any risks that may arise: What happens if the tenant does not pay the rent, for example? For it must also be able to reassure the banker, became much more demanding no faxing 1 hour payday loans. To get the best credit, the borrower will then forward its best profile. In arguing in particular that it is more ant grasshopper. Adjustments are sometimes necessary. "Some will just change their lifestyle before seeking a loan," suggests Philip Taboret, CEO of Cafpi. "They all result in consumer credit and other revolving credit.Allowing them to regain some ability to borrow, "he says.

While in 2010, real estate euphoria, some bankers had begun to lend to younger households, up to 110% of the purchase (including notary fees), the capital, possibly important, has again become indispensable. "The amount of the personal contribution makes the difference. A borrower with a significant contribution could lower its borrowing rate of at least 0.10%, "says Herve Hatt, CEO Meilleurtaux.com. More than ever, it is essential to shop around banks or go through a broker to get the best rate. "The spreads are widening between financial institutions. Those who have already achieved their annual targets to increase their loan rates, "says Hervé Hatt.Those who change their domicile bank will accept their wages in the lending institution. "It's part of the negotiation," says Philippe Taboret. And also helps lower the cost of financing. Like the loan insurance. Many institutions also offer credit schemes combining different loan durations (seven, ten, fifteen years old) or variable rates and fixed rates. They can help to reduce rates from 0.10 to 0.15%.

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October 25, 2011 - 11:22 pm Comments Off

Nothing more difficult than compare the mobile phone packages, when about twenty operators offer the market more than 1000 offers many and varied. Different durations of calls, time slots where access is unlimited, SMS or web access, including numbers, "bonus" included or not, with or without commitment, with or without a new phone … Le Figaro guides you through the jungle of offers.

• For the younger

The entry into the often marks the sixth acquisition (oh expected) of the first portable. For years college required a secure package, just to protect parents against any surprises. 30 minutes to one hour per month may be sufficient communication, especially as it is to call or be called by the parents.Young people who are not yet dependent, can be satisfied with a range of sms after school (between 17 hours and 21 hours). There is no need to take Internet access at this stage.

The proposal of Figaro: SFR Square Blocked Special under 18 € 14 per month for 30 minutes of calls (one hour of calls to numbers two parents) SMS Unlimited 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The alternative: Package Mini Secure Universal Mobile14, € 90 per month for 40 minutes of calls (30 minutes to two issues parents) unlimited SMS to 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• For adolescents

The high school course involves changes in telephony. Your teen may retain a pass blocked, but more generous (1 hour or 1h30 call).It calls for unlimited SMS, including weekends, and not framed in a time slot.

The proposal of Figaro: Universal Mobile18, € 90 for 1 hour 24 h/24 appelsSMS unlimited to all opérateursSMS "apl me" unlimited to be reminded even when their credit is épuiséFull Music, Universal Music best hits of the moment Download free MP3

The alternative: Post Mobile19 € moisForfait Blocked by Loyalty 1 hour of calls sms

• For students

No more blocked packages, the grown children are now able to manage their own subscription.We spend 2 hours of calls, SMS (always) unlimited to the Internet and especially mobile music options.

The proposal of Figaro: SFR Square Connect Spotify heures34 € 2 per month, 2 hours of unlimited appelsappels 7 / 7 and 24 h/24 to three numbers to choose from all opérateursSMS illimitésInternet13 million shares of Spotify to listen to unlimited pay day loans.

The alternative: Origami Style heures36 2 € per month, 2 hours of appelsSMS, MMSWi-Fi Orange illimitésInternet and visual voicemail, e-mails (3G + speed, stuck at 500 Mb) unlimited shared with three of your friends calls, unlimited SMS between you all, a formula that provides access to premium music service Deezer

• For adults

Young adults entering the workforce want access to unlimited SMS but mobile internet and unlimited calls on evenings and weekends.

The proposal of Figaro: Bouygues Telecom Néo.4 heures34 2, € 90 per month for 2 hours of calls + unlimited calls in the evening from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 to fixed and mobile operators all Web, e-mails, SMS and MMS unlimited 24 h/24 and 7 / 7

The alternative: Virgin Mobile Collector Divine 5 Package 2 free issues heures39, € 90 per month with 2 hours of unlimited communication moisSMS 24 h/24 and 7 / 7 to all e-mails and opérateursInternet unlimited 24 h/24 and 7 j/7L user also receives 5 numbers Unlimited calls to all operators with the Divine plan Collector

• For pro superactive

Superactive, between work and the demands of family life, it's time to move on to the iPhone to manage its e-mails, calls, locate themselves with GPS, download applications.It is best to have an iPhone plan.

The proposal of Figaro: Orange Origami Star for iPhone heures69 5 € per month for 5 hours of calls and unlimited calls from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 and the whole weekend to all mobile and fixed numbers métropolitains3 unlimited calls to all operators 7 / 7 and 24 h/24 in calls and SMS (unlimited shared between the three of you if they are Orange customers) SMS and MMS to all opérateursInternet + e-mails (including BlackBerry) unlimited 24 h/24 and 7 j/720 unlimited TV channels (3G + speed limit in excess of 2 GB per month)

The alternative: SFR Square 5 hours € 65 Web Unlimited 20 hours to 8 hours and weekend calls to all operators or operators all five numbers and unlimited 24 h/24 and 7 j/7SMS MMSInternet, e-mails illimitéL'usage Internet and e-mail is included in the formula up to 2 GB, beyond the flow is reduced.

The use of frames still resists

October 19, 2011 - 1:51 pm Comments Off

The job market managers resist. The latest memo on the economy of the APEC (Association for the use of frames), the hiring intentions of companies in the fourth quarter continued to grow: 53% of them plan to recruit at least one part by the end of the year, up 4 percentage points higher compared to the previous year.

But at the same time, uncertainty is palpable among the companies planning to recruit, 69% are "certain" to do so, a drop of 9 points from the previous quarter."Is this a sign of an early reversal? "Asked Pierre Lamblin, director of studies and research.

Side areas, drive continues for the time in IT, engineering, R & D, consulting and auditing, while the bancassurance and construction are down.

Managers faced with the more long-term unemployment

Another notable fact, if managers are still less affected by unemployment than the general population (3.9% against 9.3%), the long-term unemployment is rising (14% between June 2010 and June 2011). Among these long-term unemployed, half over 50 years.

"I want to focus on those most vulnerable by a yoyo economy," said Marie-Françoise Leflon, the new President of ACOA.

Already hiring intentions graduates are down 41% of companies looking to hire in Q4 target young graduates, a drop of 6 points in one year. In the present context, profiles confirmed directly operational have more popular with recruiters.

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The PagesJaunes sanctioned by the CNIL

September 22, 2011 - 9:52 pm Comments Off

Red card. CNIL, which met Wednesday, has decided to award a public warning to PagesJaunes that had indexed 25 million profiles gleaned from the web and presented them on their site, under the phone numbers. Le Figaro was able to consult the decision made Thursday to the company. The information posted on social networking sites like Facebook, Buddies before, LinkedIn, Twitter, Trombi were collected without the knowledge of Internet and presented when you typed their name (or near) the PagesBlanches. Was discovered and pictures, names, pseudonyms, schools, employers, occupation and geographic location of a person. The French placed on red list were not spared. While their number was not revealed, but absolutely all other personal information collected on networks were disclosed. The directory included minors in the service of "webcrawler".A public considered particularly sensitive by the CNIL, as often little concerned about protecting his privacy. Those not wishing to appear on the site could oppose it. But a posteriori, by completing a very complicated and attaching a scan of their ID card … had to repeat the process for each of the social networks shown on the page. A procedure considered too complex by the CNIL. And often failed because they have provided all the required documents.

Two complaints last year

In addition, the profiles presented by PagesBlanches were not automatically updated business card. So that those who deserted Facebook saw months later, still exhibited their picture in the online directory …

Two people alerted the CNIL and filed a complaint last year. In June 2010, the Data Protection Commission has carried out inspections.The PagesJaunes had then argued that the collection was lawful. Because users choose to deliver the information on social networks and have the opportunity to limit access to their profiles. If they do not, they accept, in a way that their data public Internet, called the directory.

An argument rejected by the CNIL, which estimates that this information is public course on the Net, but that does not allow "a third party to conduct a massive collection, repetitive and undifferentiated data without informing the persons concerned" . Especially adding the lawyers of the CNIL, the PagesJaunes are not "search engine". These can aggregate data from the Web.Google also displays the Facebook profiles are not protected, that people have not always aware of this exhibition.

After months of training, and although the book has meanwhile suspended the service, the CNIL, which has changed its chairman, has finally decided to punish the PagesJaunes. "Given the sensitivity of the service (…) the number of people involved in the service in question." And also to warn users of the possible fate of their data on the Net.

"A turnaround takes shape"

September 8, 2011 - 5:16 pm Comments Off

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Vallourec reinforces its Brazilian base

September 3, 2011 - 2:12 am Comments Off

His first steel pipes have started to go out there four months. But the new Brazilian plant of the French group Vallourec (Japanese partner Sumitomo is 44%) had Thursday's first critical success: President Rousseff came to inaugurate Jeceaba, a hundred kilometers from Belo Horizonte , the capital of rich state of Minas Gerais.

"This is a very special event for me," confessed Rousseff, born in Belo Horizonte and whose father worked for Mannesmann, the ancestor of Vallourec in Brazil since the French group bought in 2000 the activities of the German inventor of the technology of seamless tube in the nineteenth century. Dilma Rousseff's visit is a nod to the French-Japanese investment of 2 billion euros, thanks to which, in his view, the added value derived from the iron ore Minas Gerais is one of the leading producers a reality at last."Brazil does not want to be considered as a raw material supplier to the world," said Philippe Crouzet, the CEO of Vallourec. The French group has made Brazil a strategic basis. It has the distinction of being integrated with its own raw materials as it has its own iron ore mine and a huge plantation of eucalyptus trees whose rapid growth provides power to the steel coal wood.

Vallourec already produces a quarter of his hits in Brazil and there will soon employ 7,700 people. Plant Jeceaba increase its total production capacity by 10%. The site – 250 acres and about 2 km in length of the blast furnace to finishing shops – is a measure of the target market: VSB will be dedicated to the export of products for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons payday loan lenders.However, investment by oil and gas companies have never been higher. And their needs are ever more technical, as it must look deeper black gold, or in extreme conditions. The new plant should therefore take place in the South-South trade, serving clients in West Africa and the Middle East.

Petroleum potential

Its commissioning will enable the existing plant, VMB, focusing on the Brazilian domestic market: infrastructure, especially as we approach the World Cup and the Olympics, mechanical, automobile Vallourec … but mostly gets in the wheel Petrobras, client history. "Our investment decision in March 2007, spoke before Petrobras does not reveal the end of 2007, the discovery of its giant fields présalifères. At the time, this discovery was often met with skepticism.Today, Petrobras is thought able to produce 5 to 6 million barrels per day by 2020, "said Philippe Crouzet. The potential 50 billion barrels of black gold hidden away Petrobras offshore Brazil, within 7 to 8 km of water, rock, and especially salt. An obvious market for pipes and joints upscale Vallourec, tested by the extraordinary conditions of pressure and temperature.

"Petrobras is planning to invest 224 billion dollars in the coming years, more than any staff" has stressed Rousseff. The rise of Brazil as a major oil producer is an opportunity for Vallourec. As is the U.S. energy revolution: the group is building a U.S. factory dedicated to market exploitation of shale gas and go into production in late 2012.

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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The Cac 40 in lowest since almost a year

August 3, 2011 - 2:24 am Comments Off

After a week marked by the beginning of a very nervous investors, the Paris stock market is still under pressure on Tuesday, still confused about how to react against the agreement reached Sunday night in the United States on raising the ceiling of the debt. The CAC 40 was down at the opening of 0.52% to 3569.26 points before giving further 0.45% to 3571.86 points in mid-session.

The benchmark index of the Paris this morning reached a new session low of the year at 3553.54 points. Yesterday, he finished in a very sharp decline (-2.27%), despite an optimistic start of the session after Barack Obama announced that a compromise was finally reached between Republicans and Democrats on the measures to be taken to reduce 'U.S. debt, after weeks of negotiations.The House of Representatives has also tonight approved the agreement, which will, from this Tuesday evening, subject to the U.S. Senate.

The Cac 40 was finished on Monday, under the 3600 points, to 3588.05 points, the lowest since August 2010. In addition to the uncertainty on the adoption by Congress of a plan considered "a minima", investors were frightened by the publication of an indicator of U.S. industrial activity is very disappointing. What revived fears about the strength of the growth of world's largest economy.

Therefore account for these concerns again the minds of investors on Tuesday, while voting in the night by the House of Representatives from the increased ceiling of U.S. debt relieves some of the final adoption of the plan.The Senate vote, expected on Tuesday to 18 hours, should not influence the market today.

In addition, rating agencies have not yet given their opinion on the common ground found in extremis by the elected Democrats and Republicans, especially regarding proposed budget cuts to reduce the deficit (2.5 trillion dollars over 10 years) . This raises the specter of a possible degradation of the maximum always assigned to the U.S. sovereign debt (AAA).

Elsewhere in Europe these concerns also influence the trend. In London, the FTSE 100 was down 0.56% to 5742.24 points while in Frankfurt the Dax moves ever in the 7000 points mark, after the results poorly received by the market.Metro disappointed.

The long-awaited economic figures

Beyond the issue of debt, new macroeconomic indicators are expected across the Atlantic on Tuesday and could more severely curb the trend. At 14:30 will be unveiled including the revenues and expenditures of U.S. households for the month of June while vehicle sales for the month of July should be reported late this evening.

Meanwhile, in Europe, producer prices remained stable in June, having increased by almost 6% year on year, according to data released Tuesday by the EU statistics office Eurostat. In May, prices fell 0.2% after 19 months of consecutive increases (5.9% increase).

On the currency front, the markets vary little, still mixed on how to deal with an agreement reached in the snatch.The euro was virtually unchanged against the dollar on Tuesday morning after its decline yesterday, and while the vote on raising the debt ceiling is expected in the U.S. Senate. In mid-session, the European currency was worth 1.42 dollars, a slight decline of 0.36%.

The side of the barrel, and the day after a volatile session marked by swings of the agreement on U.S. oil prices rose slightly off again Tuesday morning in electronic trading in Asia. In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in September yielded 0.85% to 94.08 dollars.

As for values ​​to follow

Alcatel-Lucent rebounds strongly, leading the CAC 40 in mid-session (1.56% to 2.66 euros), while Schneider Electric last displayed index (-4.05% to 96 euros) .

Early publications of the banks, BNP bounces in mid-session

The pace of publication of results of companies this week is calmer. Note, however, launched the quarterly publications of the major banks, with BNP Paribas, which reported this morning results below expectations. The first French bank missed the consensus in the second quarter due to supply and charges (560 million) related to the background of aid to Greece and a weaker than expected growth in income.Consequence of this disappointment, the stock has fallen sharply this morning, before recovering in mid-term: shortly after noon, BNP Paribas 0.56% clawing at 43.92 euros, Societe Generale advance of 1.35% to 33.75 euros (bank accounts will detail on Wednesday), Natixis wins 0.48%, to 3.12 euros, but sells Axa 0.51% to 12.74% (results on Thursday).

NYSE-Euronext (-0.89% at 22, 75 euros). The exchange operator has issued Tuesday a quarterly net profit down 16% to $ 154 million (106.83 million euros), reflecting a decline in trading volumes in equity markets and derivatives markets in New York and Europe.

Schneider Electric (-4.13% to 95.092 euros) announced Tuesday the resignation of Anand Mahindra's term as a member of the Supervisory Board due to potential conflicts of interest between the French and Indian group Mahindra & Mahindra.These conflicts could "arise from the development of these two groups in the distribution business in India," said in a statement the French specialist of electrical equipment.

The specialty chemical Arkema (-3.18% to 64.19 euros) should be very surrounded on Tuesday after the group announced an increase of 33% of its EBITDA (EBITDA) quarterly, which reaches a record 320 million euros.Thierry group provides the Hénaff for 2011 an increase of about 30% of its EBITDA.

EADS (-1.71% to 23.54 euros), despite having a large cash flow, it does not squander his money by overpaying their prey, said Monday its director of acquisitions in an interview to Reuters, after announcing a fourth acquisition this year for the European aerospace giant.

HSBC (2.01% to 7.09 euros) the British bank, one of the first in Europe, will hire 15,000 people in emerging markets over the next three years, said a spokesman Tuesday, the day after the announcement of the removal of 30 000 jobs worldwide.

Gameloft (-0.21% to 4.74 euros) confirmed late Monday its growth targets in sales and margins in 2011 after a consolidated turnover up 11% to 37.4 million euros the second quarter.The weak dollar has had a negative impact on sales, said the publisher of mobile games.

Note that DnxCorp (ex-Dreamnex, -1.99% to 19.75 euros) will unveil its after market sales for the second quarter.