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Last Friday, a small twenty senior analysts from the rating agency Standard & Poor's had noted in their agenda a top secret conference call. In fact, they were about to make history: the meeting focused on the debt rating of the United States. After several hours of deliberations, the leading world power has lost its prestigious AAA. Not a word has filtered out of the meeting.

Rating agencies cultivate secrecy around these appointments called "rating committees." The heart of their power: analysts will decide the fate of nations by voting financial, away from the public on the future of the country note. No list of participants has not been released. However, the assessment can set the tone to the market.Law and internal regulations require many investors to buy or sell some of their shares according to the decisions of the trio of major Anglo-Saxon agencies Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch.

The theory and practice

At the beginning of the procedure leading to the convening of a committee must be an event that could have an impact on the rating of a country, a new government or the publication of statistics. That's the theory. In practice, agencies are not locked in their ivory towers. "The noise of the markets or the hype, the phenomena of modes outside the agency also cause internal discussions that may cause the reopening of cases," says a former senior analyst at Moody's.

To prepare for a summit meeting, the analyst in charge of the target country meets members of the tax administration.Once or twice a year in general, often in a crisis. He did not have access to more information than large investors also regularly received by the authorities. Following a strict methodology and specific to each agency, he wrote a memo and draft a proposal for the "conf call." On the day, it will have to convince between 4 and 20 of his colleagues, a figure which varies depending on the size of the country but also … each holiday, a former gliding.

One man, one vote

One man, one vote: in principle, democratic rule prevails in rating committees. In practice, less glorious. Clan wars and other struggles for influence can disrupt the debate. As in any large company. "It can heat from analysts," says Pierre Cailleteau, ex-head of sovereign ratings at Moody's, now adviser at Lazard.For example, he says, "we were very divided about Greece last year. We had some very important debates internally. "Moody's, which was the first to lower the rating of Athens in 2009, then sharply deteriorated four notches, out of season.

In case of disagreement, how to find a majority? Standard & Poor's has found the solution: the committees are always in odd numbers. Then the strict methodology of the agency under discussion. And, theoretically, the great leader is there to calm things down. "In some cases, the director may have a strong grip on the committee," says Norbert Gaillard, specialist rating agencies *. Analysts may come under pressure, admits to spell Pierre Cailleteau: "We arrived during the session to ask an analyst to reconsider its vote, given the dominant position on the committee."Moody's, the bylaws stipulates, however, to limit the pressure, the lowest in the hierarchy and a vote in the first analyst to appeal a decision.

Subjective criteria

Still, the year-end bonus are set by the Area Manager, at Moody's in particular. The criteria are multiple, subjective: the variable compensation of an analyst depends on the work of presenting and representing the firm on the outside, the frequency of updating of countries covered, or the level of the analyst. "There are good and less good," says Pierre Cailleteau, which concluded: "It is I who stood out on bonuses." Moody's says

The former analyst, who left his practice in 2008, said: "The reports became confrontational, the atmosphere would grow over the independence of opinion. This is one reason I left. "And asks: "Given the importance given to them, is it not problematic that the agencies do not communicate about the independence of their analysts?"

In the end, the committee's decision is published, with an argument, in a press release. But no mention of voting results, the agencies do not want to reveal internal divisions. We do not know if the note of the United States has been lowered with a broad consensus. Or with a voice apart.

Agencies to staff shortages

"Agencies do not have the resources corresponding to the importance of financial regulations and investors give them-and they give themselves," lamented a former Moody's. Standard & Poor's, the largest agency in the world, the Wall Street Journal has only 70 to 80 analysts, juniors and seniors, covering 126 countries.Result, "every senior analyst is responsible for an average of 6 to 10 countries, shows the former analyst. When I was at the International Monetary Fund, an economist focused exclusively on one country. "

Same thing during visits to the Ministries of Finance of the State. Former Moody's drives the point home: "At the IMF, the missions are conducted on site by five and last 15 days. Moody's, we were two, and the visit lasted two to three days. "In Fitch's rating committees collect a minimum of four analysts. At most, 20 people participated, but it is very rare. Contacted by lefigaro.fr, Moody's would not say how many senior analysts it employs.

Rating agencies could afford to recruit: profitability is very high. Moody's expects a gross margin between 38 and 40% in 2011.The past year, Fitch was more than half of revenues (58%) and the Standard & Poor's to 43% on the only first three months of 2011.

* Norbert Gaillard is the author of "The rating agencies", Éditions La Découverte, 2010

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In the wake of a decisive EU summit on the future of the euro area, the Paris market continues its march forward again on Friday, relieved by the solutions provided by the 17 member countries of the euro area to the Greek fire. A mid-term, the benchmark index in Paris frankly advance of 1.08% to 3857.94 points. Yesterday, the CAC 40 1.66% has already been awarded, going above the bar of 3800 points (3816.75 points), and welcoming the draft agreement the EU summit in Brussels which includes a longer the duration of loans in the euro area in need.The countries of the region have also yesterday on the table a new plan to help nearly 160 billion euros to save Greece and prevent contagion from the debt crisis, but at the risk of causing a default the country.

These extraordinary measures were immediately relieved markets, notably in Paris or the Paris index had won more than 9% since the beginning of July. The agreement on debt relief, Greek, amounting to 350 billion euros at present, is still today applauded by investors, as well as the involvement of private banks in the device, even if the modalities of this participation to be defined.

On other European markets, the relief is essential.In London, the FTSE-100 was up 1.10% to 5964.57 points while in Frankfurt the DAX index itself to a more timid step forward from 0.64% in 7336 , 51 points.

Japanese support

The announcement Friday by Yoshihiko Noda of possible support from Japan also supports the upward trend this morning. The Japanese Finance Minister has in fact said on Friday that his country was ready to buy more bonds from the European Financial Stability (EFSF) if necessary. Japan has invested some 2.5 billion euros in the first three issues launched by the Fund since January 2011, to help Ireland and Portugal.The minister said Japan is ready to continue "at the same rate, if it can help stabilize the economies of the European Union."

This global expansion of the Greek fire, which had once benefited the euro yesterday, has not had any lasting effect on the foreign exchange market. At mid session on European markets, the euro was worth 1.4412 dollars, against 1.4417 dollars on Thursday night. In the wake of the announcement of the plan, the euro reached a peak Thursday at 1.4443 dollar. In terms of oil, oil prices start rising, supported by a European, but also by the announcement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IEA), which has no plans to release a reserve again strategic. In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" took 28 cents to 99.41 dollars, after crossing at the meeting yesterday the 100 dollars.That of Brent North Sea took 23 cents to 117.74 dollars.

Macroeconomic side, some important indicators are expected on Friday. Orders to industry have increased more than expected, however, in May in the euro area, show the figures by Eurostat Friday. New orders rose 3.6% from one month to another in the 17 countries using the euro and 15.5% year on year. This morning, INSEE reported a sharp deterioration in the morale of French industry in July, the index fell from 110 to 105 a month. This announcement has not scared investors, the index remains above its long-term average (100 points), in which it had sunk in 2008 with the crisis do not exceed once again that the end of 2010 . Across the Atlantic, no major indicator is expected.

As for values.

In the forefront of best performance, the banking sector is surrounded by this Friday, the day after the adoption of the European plan for Greece. Crédit Agricole (3.42% to 9.62 euros), Société Générale (2.24% to 39.08 euros) and BNP Paribas (2.43% to 50.11 euros) in net rise. Axa (1.56% to 14.64 euros) and Natixis (1.60% to 3.41 euros) are also well oriented. 40 CAC Hors, Dexia wins 4.71%, to 2.15 euros.

The rating agency Standard and Poor's raised the rating a notch French TV group TF1 (0.99% to 12.80 euros), to BBB +, saying that despite the increase in sales shy , cost savings were being lead to greater profitability.

Accor (3.71% to 31.76 euros). The hotel group confirmed to be entered into exclusive negotiations with the catering giant Sodexo to give him the caterer Lenôtre.An enterprise value of € 75 million was used for the project.

Lafarge (2.11% to 40.58 euros). The French cement plaster will sell its operations in Australia in the group of German Knauf construction materials for 120 million euros. The operation, which will reduce its debt, expected to close before the end of the third quarter of 2011.

Sequana (-1.62% to 9.60 euros). The group announced half-year net income almost sixfold, to 35 million euros, against 6 million a year ago, and a turnover of 2 billion euros (+1.3% yoy pro forma), supported by higher selling prices last year. However, management has lowered its target EBITDA of "higher" to "close" to that of 2010.

Groupe Eurotunnel (-0.42% to 7.60 euros).The group has published interim accounts showing a net profit of 2 million euros over the first six months of the year against a loss a year earlier. Turnover increased 22% to 396 million euros. Management expects for 2011 an increase in EBITDA.

Air France-KLM (2.84% to 9.92 euros). The order of a hundred long-haul being prepared by the Franco-Dutch company will be shared equally between Airbus (EADS) and Boeing, La Tribune reported Friday. According to the newspaper, the board of directors of the Franco-Dutch company will review the draft July 27, before an announcement expected in September.

Schneider Electric (2.22% to 108.30 euros) announced a partnership with NVC Lighting, a small Chinese company which will take 9.2% of the capital, to strengthen in the Chinese cities of small size.Specialist solutions energy management also announced two acquisitions: that of certain assets in China Chongqing Enlin Electric, and of the Brazilian Steck, specializing in low voltage products.

France Telecom (1.40% to 14.47 euros). Orange has signed Thursday with Free (Iliad: + 1.46%, to 91.45 euros) an agreement to co-finance the fiber-optic networks to the Internet at very high speed, in about sixty cities located in sparsely populated areas and announced in active discussions with other operators.

Pierre & Vacances (stable at 58 euros). The group announced that its summer bookings for the quarter were ahead of last year on all its destinations, including the sea in France.

Bongrain (1.29%, to 65 euros).The food group has reported an increase of 13.2% of its turnover in the first half, but warned that the sharp rise of raw materials created tensions on consumption and margins.

Somfy (-0.01 to 207.98 euros). The roller shutters specialist reported Thursday a turnover up 13.9% to 501.2 million in the first half, up 8.7% on a comparable basis. The strong demand in Germany and France ontéclipsé Asia the impact of the disaster in Japan, Europe and North and South that of British and Greek economic difficulties.

Vivalis (4.50% to 7.89 euros). The biopharmaceutical company, announced in the first half, a product of the ordinary activities of € 4.7 million, up 165%, and consolidated cash of 36.0 million at June 30, 2011.

The Parliament finally approved the bill Wednesday Fourcade whose content had been aligned the day before. The text, originally filed on … October 26, retouching Bachelot law on hospital and health system (Law HPST) with a goal for the majority: to reconcile with the doctors.

It erases two measures passed two years ago and never used: the requirement for general dense areas to give a hand to their fellow country or suburban overworked, under penalty of a fine of 3000 euros per year, and the obligation to report their leave. There were two innovations in the fight against medical deserts. But Xavier Bertrand, the successor to the Health Roselyne Bachelot, has returned to the guideline that was set when he was … his predecessor: to encourage, yes, force, no.Besides these two points, the law includes various provisions, some of which have been amended, deleted and / or re-introduced.

• Transparency partial dentures

Dentists showing the origin of crowns or bridges they intend to ask the patient to know if the prosthesis was manufactured in Europe or China. Dentists will also include an estimate of the cost benefit and the sale price of the prosthesis. He freely establish this distinction: for a total of 1000 euros, it may feel that the prosthesis is 300 euros and 700 work, or that the prosthesis is 600 and delivery 400.

Associations rather wanted to be referred to the purchase price of the prosthesis.But the dentists, who are struggling to explain their expertise and time weigh more in price than the prosthesis, and they do not just do the "somersault" on a purchase-resale, managed to avoid it.

• Mutual: care networks "open"

Mutuals were given the opportunity, already available to insurers, to better pay their members when they are aimed at professionals with whom they have contracted. Except that these care networks should be "open" all the professionals can then join.This will not change much for the professions to insufficient numbers: what a mutual interest to "deprive" doctors scarce? But in the expanding fields, practice selection is a way to bring prices down.

• Liability specialties "at risk"

A public fund is created to cover all private health professionals sentenced to damages exceeding the ceiling of their insurance should be fixed statutorily around 8 million euros. Those who have gone out of business and are not insured are also covered. Are concerned primarily surgeons, anesthesiologists and obstetricians but all professionals (doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, podiatrists …) that will have everyone contribute.

Carrefour is a step forward to catch up on e-commerce. The group signed an agreement with Pixmania to develop a site selling non-food products in several European countries. Pixmania will be responsible, through its subsidiary e-merchant, to develop the site of the distributor. Some, or perhaps the entire catalog of Pixmania, which sells "everything" according to its CEO, but mainly electronic products, will also be sold under the Carrefour brand and sold in stores in the group.

If both partners remain discreet about the financial terms of the transaction, the aim is to bridge the gap of the distributor, outpaced by the site e-Commerce Casino, Cdiscount, the site recorded 6.8 million visitors Unique in France in May, according Médimétrie / NetRatings.At the same time, there were 7 guaranteed unsecured personal loan.4 million in Cdiscount and the two leading general commercial sites, Amazon and PriceMinister 8.9 and 7.8 million respectively.

"This new partnership is a major step in the development of Carrefour's multi-channel strategy," said Lars Olofsson, CEO of Carrefour, said in a statement. Jean-Emile Rosenblum, vice president and cofounder of Pixmania, the site of Carrefour should quickly catch up with the "technology platform and logistics products" of his group of e-commerce. "There are huge market share to conquer the Internet and that have in the physical world," he adds, citing for example the articles bazaar and sale of televisions.

More notoriety for Pixmania

Steve and Jean-Emile Rosenblum, founders of Pixmania. DR.

As announced in Le Figaro on Wednesday morning, it is Baroin which eventually succeeded in Christine Lagarde Minister of Economy. Valérie Pécresse was appointed to the Department of Budget and is also the holder parolat government. Bruno Le Maire remained in agriculture.

The combination has changed from what was planned Tuesday night after a political blackmail fully assumed by Baroin. The latter has resigned in the balance when he knew that the decision to appoint Bruno Mayor for Economic Affairs was in the process of being confirmed.

The Minister of Agriculture was preferred by Xavier Musca, the secretary general of the Elysee, but also that of Alain Juppe, which saw Nicolas Sarkozy about it this weekend. But it is ultimately a more logical policy that took her.The other entrants were the centrist UMP Marc-Philippe Daubresse for Research, Francois Sauvadet, the chairman of the New Centre in the National Assembly, which would become Secretary of State for Planning.

Other changes of this redesign, Laurent Wauquiez retrieves the portfolio Valérie Pécresse and became Minister of Higher Education and Research. He leaves European Affairs Jean Leonetti. The centrist Francois Sauvadet becomes him, Minister of Public Service while Thierry Mariani became Minister for Transport. Finally, David Douillet became Secretary of State of French nationals abroad (see the complete list of nominations of the new government).

"The president gives in to every whim"

This new combination of government will leave its mark in the quadrants of the majority.The mayor was outraged to find that enough of a nervous breakdown of his former friend Baroin to patterns established by the head of state to be thrown to the basket. Tuesday evening, he suddenly refused the ministry's budget that he proposed in François Fillon consolation prize, saying he had "no special skills to make on the job," says a close associate of Minister of Agriculture.

As for Baroin, he was forced Tuesday to discover his true ambition: to enter at all costs in the round of presidential candidates. This calculation has not escaped François Fillon, who sees as his advantage by supporting the budget minister, he knows he drives a wedge between two lifelong friends: Jean-Francois Cope and Baroin.One thing is certain in any case: the dinners of the quadrants, which gathered around the ambitious Cope from the right will be an opportunity to explain some friends or former friends. "It seems that the president gives in to every whim," says one familiar from the Elysee.

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It will still wait to see Renault to build a new high-end model. The next generation of the Laguna and Espace, which is currently working on the group, "come out from the end of 2014," said Jerome Stoll, the commercial director. Replacement of the Vel Satis, ie the launch of a large luxury sedan, however, is not expected at this time, unlike what was envisaged in the fall in 2 to 3 years.

Frozen during the crisis, the renewal of Renault's high-end drags on. Originally planned for 2010-2011, the output of the successor of the space has continued to be shifted. Last September, the group was a sale of this vehicle in 2013-2014.

Yet it is urgent. The manufacturer has stopped production of its Vel Satis end of 2009. Last year it sold just 53,700 17,000 Laguna 3 and 4 space, two models from 2007 to 2002."As a carmaker, it is vital for Renault to be present on the high end" in order to have an offer modern hotel located above the Scenic MPV, Jerome Stoll said. Another issue this type of product takes the image of the entire line up.

PSA on the offensive

The subject was presented recently to the agenda by the government, major shareholder of the manufacturer, who insists that Renault acquires a high-end product in France high quality business cards. The next Laguna and Espace, however, could also be manufactured abroad, to markets outside Europe, according to an internal source.

The weakness of Renault on the high end is more apparent than his rival PSA increases the offensive in this niche. Citroën has introduced the DS4, the second model in its distinctive range DS. And Peugeot marketed earlier this year its 508.Originality of the approach, the 508 and the future DS5 will be manufactured and sold in both Europe and China, to amortize development costs.

If he wants to go upmarket, Renault will be faced with the difficulty of having to do the splits. For the same time, the group intends to accelerate the development of its low-cost Dacia brand, to bring it to 2% market share in Europe in 2013. Counting models of this type sold under the Renault brand internationally, this range could be up to 30% of sales of the manufacturer in this horizon.

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Nearly two in three French (62%) want that France is phasing to operate its nuclear plants. By adding the 15% of the population favored a quick halt French nuclear program, 77% of the French population is now opposed to this energy source. That is what emerges from the last Ifop poll, conducted from June 1 to 3 of 1005 people aged 18 and over, for the Journal du Dimanche. Only 1% of the panel interviewed did not comment. Supporters of a soft stop is at 74% of supporters of the Socialist Party, the Greens 61% and 37% of the UMP.

The German example

The gradual change of mentality of the French would not only result from the shock wave caused by the nuclear disaster in Japan, but also that of the German decision to phase out nuclear energy by 2022.Last Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, under pressure from Germany's Green Party, announced his decision to close the 17 German plants, within 10 years.

What might convince a few more French, interviewed after the announcement, the possibility for a developed country to live without this source of energy. Still, the German and French positions are far from comparable, France still produces 73% of its electricity by nuclear power, against 25% in Germany.

Stating his position on this issue, François Hollande, Socialist Party MP and the Corrèze Socialist candidate primary, moved elsewhere, always in the JDD, reduced initially by 75% to 50% dependence on French nuclear. For its part, Europe Ecology-The Greens called for a total abandonment of the atom.Final lesson revealed by the survey on Sunday, if the government is opposed to nuclear stopping, the UMP adhere less to this position, 55% of them sharing the wishes of their fellow citizens. These supporters are nonetheless the most pro-nuclear, with 37% of them advocating the continuation of nuclear program, and construction of new plants.

The state park is also hexagonal become less important to the French. Surprisingly, the hostility to nuclear power is indeed associated with the expression of any concern on the part of the French against nuclear sites. In total, 55% report little or not at all concerned about nuclear power, while only 44% a month ago.

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The event that would trigger a financial calamity improbable was postponed a month. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, has de facto given up until August 2, 30 days longer in Congress to negotiate with the White House a compromise budget cutting public spending in exchange for a higher ceiling of public debt.

Without a vote of Congress to raise the maximum amount authorized in outstanding debt today of 1429 billion, the Treasury is indeed found quickly running out of ways to prevent America falling into default.Now this event would trigger a serious crisis of confidence as the global financial system based on the principle that Uncle Sam by definition always pays his debts.

In a letter to leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Tim Geithner said that in his view, there is an urgent need to raise the debt ceiling by May 16. Otherwise it is forced to take extraordinary measures to limit government bonds and earn a little time. The reason for the additional period of one month is estimated by the Treasury relatively good news: the fiscal revenues are higher than expected.

Republican obstruction

However, it is unlikely that Democrats and Republicans agree fall before May 16 on a package of budget savings.Tim Geithner is preparing to suspend certain loans made on behalf of local communities and states. The Treasury had already arrived at this end in 2006 and 2007. Even then, Congress was reluctant to raise the debt ceiling.

But at the time the Democrats were the resistance against President Bush. They called for higher taxes on the rich. Barack Obama, the Illinois senator, had even voted in 2006 against raising the ceiling. Today, it is the Republicans who are filibustering. Majority in the House of Representatives since January, they require substantial reductions of public expenditure.

Their leaders are conscious of playing with fire by letting approach the fateful date of a possible default.But they are equally sincere in saying that raising the ceiling systematic debt without cuts in spending has finally put the U.S. in an untenable financial situation. They are joined in their efforts, especially in the Senate, by many centrist Democrats. All were alarmed about the risk of loss by the U.S. of its AAA rating. That, however, three years that the U.S. budget deficit between 9 and 11% of gross domestic product (GDP). Worse, medium and long term, even with a return to sustainable growth, this deficit will not recede fast enough. At the direction of Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden will begin negotiations with Congress on Thursday. The White House wants them carried out independently of raising the debt ceiling. The Republicans did not intend it that way.

The title Accor drops nearly 4% on Thursday morning at the Paris Bourse, and displayed a laggard in the Cac 40, which he, ahead of 0.31% to 10 hours. Yet when the hotel group unveiled on Wednesday night after the market close in Paris, its turnover, no data emerged disappointing. Activity in the first quarter of 2011 accelerated by 5.8% to 1.35 billion euros, is fully in line with analysts' expectations, and all branches (upper and mid-range, and economic) are affected by this improvement.

For experts, Natixis Securities, "this publication is especially encouraging that the group will be able to sell at least 1.2 billion euros of property assets in 2011/2012, which should theoretically allow the group to have no debt net to end 2011 and facilitate a possible return to shareholders. "

Lack of visibility

In reality, the problem associated with this publication sales is the lack of visibility and tone of careful management. Accor has not given any figures on its outlook for the remainder of the year. Although in parts of the Middle East and Africa pertubées – the group expects a shortfall of 10 million euros – the activity remains strong, the international context, plus lacatastrophe Japan, the concern investors.

In addition, over the coming months, visibility is poorer than in the past as customers experience less than 30 days in advance against 40 to 50 before.

Since the beginning of the year, Accor has dropped as more than 9% and has hardly changed since a year. The broker Credit Suisse has estimated its opinion to "outperform" on the value, with a target cost of 39.8 euros.Natixis, it is said to cover the purchase and now 40 euros, against 41 euros previously, in a note published today. Same strategy at Barclays, which reduced its rate from 42.5 euros to 40 euros while qu'Oddo came back from 42 to 41 euros. Matthias Desmarais, an analyst at Exane down the track is related to the impact, greater than expected, events in the Middle East on the group's operating income.

At McDonald's, it's not just hamburgers that count. There are also teams, hundreds of thousands of men and women to whom the American fast food chain offers the possibility of a long and successful career.

That's certainly the message that McDonald's wants to go, decided to end the inglorious image of the "McJob" that sticks to the skin, considered the ultimate odd jobs, poorly paid and no future. To improve its image on the labor market, the fast food chain wants to create an event by changing its recruitment patterns for the summer.

On 19 April, she organizes the United States a day of unprecedented hiring, with 50,000 jobs in the key (seasonal jobs but also injecting drug users, crew positions, but also managers with higher responsibility) fast cash loans.

By striking hard and fast, McDonald hopes to convince that "a McJob is a job that offers career development and opportunities," says Ashlee Yingling, spokesman for the chain. Hiring 50,000 people a day, often at rates higher than 8 dollars an hour, McDonalds will increase once its U.S. workforce by 7.7% to bring them to 700,000.

But McDonald's does not take risks. Each year, in fact, in anticipation of peak summer activity, the chain is expanding its teams in such proportions. "The number of contracts is similar to those of past years, provides Ashlee Yingling. But recruit 50,000 people in one day is unique. "It's certainly a good shot of the pub, but not necessarily more.