Posts Tagged ‘usa’

The successor to Tim Cook has a clear path

October 10, 2011 - 10:31 am Comments Off

Everything is planned for the next five years. Even the price performance has been limited, rising 0.9% yesterday afternoon in the U.S., despite the death of the Wizard of Apple. Steve Jobs had prepared his succession to the millimeter. Six weeks ago, he had entrusted the keys of the company to Tim Cook, his loyal second, which made the group very profitable. He even left a road map for future innovations. "I think the list of products is stopped for three to five years ahead," said Pierre Peladeau, vice president of consulting firm Booz & Co.

The iPhone is growing at a second screen and payment functions, to become a real game console and an electronic purse. Most importantly, Apple will continue in his way, his real trademark, oversimplify the use of machines which become, therefore, luxury goods, high-margin.The speech recognition system "Siri", presented this week for the iPhone 4S by Tim Cook, should get on Macintosh computers and iPods the most advanced. Recognition of movements and even that of the user, as is the case for the Microsoft Xbox 360, should be to integrate other functions in future products. Shelves, computers and phones all have a camera that could be used to identify its owner.

"The strategy of" multiple monitors "will continue", provides an employee cash advance no faxing. After the computer and the telephone, television and its contents will be the next land to conquer. All television programs around the world could be available on future Apple-branded TVs, thanks to icloud, the system of cloud computing.As was the case for music, applications, newspapers and books, television programs are distributed by Apple. The company would then play a role of reseller and could strengthen in the business of advertising.

Demanding

The road map is drawn, the organization and working methods are arrested, men of valor are in place, including "designer" Jonathan Ive, and the director of marketing Phil Schiller, who "knows so intimately the competitive products, "said Carolina Milanesi of Gartner. In addition, "Tim Cook is as demanding as Steve," provide the employees of Apple. It has the same attention to detail and perfection "that are hallmarks of the group." But without Apple embodied the soul of Steve Jobs, the group may he continue to impose its laws to the content owners? It is not safe.In addition, the future is not written competitors, especially Google's married to Motorola. These competing strategies could encourage Apple to change the line to follow. The future would become uncertain.

Hot and cold blow on wages 2012

October 3, 2011 - 9:03 am Comments Off

"After three years of starvation wages, marked by wage freezes or increases in general very limited, 2012 could confirm the recovery that began this year," said Bruno Rocquemont, responsible for investigating compensation at Mercer France.

According to the survey (1) conducted by the consulting firm in human resources, business plan for most occupational categories increased by 3% (median) budget increase (collective and individual), against 2.5 % in 2011. The exceptions are the workers (+2.8%) and senior (2.9%). But in any case, it would exceed the average inflation of 1.7% in 2012 by the government.

End of the wage freeze

Two major trends. On the one hand an almost complete disappearance of the wage freeze, a measure widely implemented at the height of the crisis.However, 4% of companies plan to freeze the workers and managers.

In addition, the company forecasts reflected the "sacrosanct" rate increase of 3%, which was applied during the years before the crisis erupted instant credit report.

In addition, both groups seem to be emerging. First, the majority, has given the 3% salary increase. A second, more prudent, considering between 2.1% and 2.5%.

The survey was conducted between March and mid-July, ie before the great economic and financial events of the summer (crisis in the euro area, downward revision in growth for 2011 and 2012, falling stock markets …), Mercer, again, questioned 142 of the 329 companies in its original sample.

"Eight out of ten believe that these events will bring them to scale back their budgets for salary review.This reduction could be 0.5 point fall. In contrast, companies planning to date, a wage freeze, are still a small minority, said Bruno Rocquemont. In this context, we have to closely follow the mandatory annual negotiations (NAO), which launched just been given in some societies and that will continue into March. "

(1) survey of 329 companies, mostly French subsidiaries of multinational corporations.

UBS revises upwards its bill trader

September 18, 2011 - 8:04 pm Comments Off

UBS revises upwards the amount of losses incurred by its trader Kweku Adoboli: 2 billion dollars announced Thursday they will eventually reach $ 2.3 billion (1.66 billion euros) after further review of the operations in question . "We have now covered the risk from fraudulent transactions and activities of stock markets can function normally again," said the bank in a statement sent Sunday afternoon.

For the first time, the bank gives details of the operations that led to the arrest of Kweku Adoboli on the night of Wednesday to Thursday in the City of London. Investments trader's unauthorized focused on various funds speculating on the evolution of U.S. index futures S & P500, German Dax and European Eurostoxx in the last three months."The positions taken were within the normal course of business of a major investment bank and were part of a portfolio normally covered. But the real risk exposure has been distorted because the positions have been hidden in our system by fictitious positions taken on the future ETF (exchange traded funds) that the trader would have performed. These fictitious operations have hidden the fact that the forward positions on the indices violate the limits of risk of UBS, "said the Swiss bank.

The institution confirmed that the trader himself has revealed Wednesday its operations while it had received requests from the supervisory bodies of UBS. The board of directors of the bank has set up a special committee to conduct an independent inquiry into these frauds and failures of any internal control system.The bank repeated position that no customer was affected. Kweku Adoboli, 31, employee of UBS for nine years, was indicted for fraud and abuse of detained Friday by a judge in London.

Numericable breaks the price of the Internet at 4 euros per month

September 13, 2011 - 7:32 pm Comments Off

Numericable goes on the offensive. The cable operator will propose on Tuesday a new offer "triple play" (Internet, TV and phone) at competitive rates of 4 per month. This provides a high-speed of 2 megabytes (box included), access to 19 television channels and DTT 4 DTT channels in high definition, and a phone line to be called or to join emergency numbers, says Jerome Yomtov, general secretary of Numericable.

In total, 10 million cable households Numericable in France are concerned, knowing that this offer has already been tested to 400,000 of them. However, an individual can not support it on its own. Since this offer is "building managers and local communities" as well as trustees for the condominiums, said Jerome Yomtov."We sign contracts with social landlords, which reflected the 4 euros on charges of their renters or we respond to invitations to tender to local authorities, which we pay in proportion to the number of inhabitants," explains Secretary General.

According to Jerome Yomtov, the use of collective subscriptions would drastically reduce costs. "We will have only one bill to send to the community or the landlord," he argues. Confident, he says the group will sign on Thursday including a contract with the municipality of Sagnieu-Colombier, in the Rhone, with 2300 inhabitants.

A round table in Bercy

However, nothing says that communities will not raise taxes to offset this cost.On this point, Jerome Yomtov was evasive, citing for example the "rail investment, for regional trains" that some of them do not pass on their constituents. But in the clear, "they do what they want," he concludes.

According to information of Paris on Tuesday, Numericable and this offer is at a round table of telecom operators and Internet service providers under the same day at Bercy. Eric Besson, Minister of Industry, they must submit an agreement setting up a social tariff of the Internet (for people touching the RSA), they are free to offer or not. Then accept the heels "operator" whose name has not yet been revealed.Still, the rate envisaged by the agreement (23 euros, 3 euros for the rental of the box) remains much higher than that of Numericable, even if the services requested by the government are more complete.

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Wall Street continues its rebound

August 30, 2011 - 12:04 am Comments Off

Among the statistics expected Monday in Wall Street, the surprise came from consumer spending. The Americans have in fact spent more than expected in July. Up 0.8% on month, consumer spending across the Atlantic more than 0.3 percentage points the level expected by analysts. Because of inflation, which rose 0.4% from June, consumer spending rose 0.5% in real terms. Their progress is the highest since December 2009.

This increase serves as a good sign for U.S. growth in the third quarter. What mood enhancing buyer investors, who already showed optimism prior to publication. At the opening of the session on Monday in New York, the indices showed the green, and have strengthened their gains throughout the day.At the final bell, the Dow Jones advance of 2.26% at 11,539 points, the Nasdaq and Standard & Poor's 500 rising 3.32% respectively in 2562 and 2.83% points to 1210 points, the latter going over the bar of 1200 points, a first for two weeks.

The indices remained in the green while the IMF has revised down sharply its growth forecast for the U.S. this year and next, said Monday the Italian news agency Ansa, quoting a draft of the new economic forecasts Fund. According to the Italian agency, the IMF table than on a 1.6% growth this year in the United States, against a previous forecast of 2.5% published in June, and 2% next year against two , 7%.

Also, note that the promises of home sales fell 1.3% in July compared with June, as the market expected, according to figures released by the National Association of Realtors.They increased by 2.4% in June Over one year are up 14.4%.

The final impact less severe than expected from Hurricane Irene passed over New York yesterday, also contributes to investor optimism. Similarly, after being confused by the speech of Ben Bernanke, the Fed chairman, on Friday, market participants regain hope in a possible intervention by the Fed.

The Dow Jones above 11,000 points

According to analysts at Aurel BGC in fact, the announcement by Ben Bernanke, a two-day meeting in September to study in detail the possible deployment of new monetary tools, reassured. "Either the recovery of economic activity is growing, or the central bank will implement new support measures, they summarize.Under these conditions, the U.S. indices rebounded sharply after Bernanke's speech. "

In fact, dropped below the 11,000 points while the Fed chairman began to speak, the Dow finished at 11 284.5, up 1.2% on Friday night. A final increase, which encouraged European stock markets bounce back on Monday morning, except in London, closed due to holiday.

Another indicator which will be followed on Monday, the promises of home sales for July are expected down 0.1% from a consensus of analysts, against 2.4% rise previously.

The bank remained in the spotlight

No major publication is out of business side.

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 is expected to continue rising

August 23, 2011 - 11:16 am Comments Off

Sign that the markets are still very feverish, gold crossed for the first time in its history the bar in 1900 dollars an ounce to more than 1914 dollars exactly. However, according to analyst estimates, the Cac 40 should continue to rise, after gaining 1.14% to 3051.36 points on Monday. Wall Street closed Monday evening while a cautious rebound Asian stock markets advance slowly.

While awaiting the president's speech to the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke, Friday, and the publication of the second estimate of U.S. GDP in the second quarter, the same day, the markets are mindful of the situation in Libya where the prospect a regime change seems inevitable with the fall of Colonel Gaddafi after 42 years of reign.

Oil prices retreat slightly

As a result, oil prices were cautious on Tuesday morning.In morning trading, a barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery fell by 2 cents to 108.34 dollars, after losing 18 cents in early trade. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 27 cents 84.69 dollars.

On the macroeconomic front, the manufacturing PMI for France and the euro area will be published respectively in 9 hours and 10 hours. In the U.S., sales of new homes in July were attendures to 16 hours.

On the corporate side, the energy sector will follow when the regime of Colonel Gaddafi is expected to fall.

Carrefour announced Monday the appointment of Thierry Garnier, currently executive director of distribution group for growth markets, the Executive Director for China and Taiwan, replacing Eric Legros.

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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The State has always formed shareholder Ghosn

April 13, 2011 - 12:56 am Comments Off

Respect the rules of good governance at Renault while responding to questions about the French role in the company, without destabilizing it. It is the balancing act, politically dangerous and embarrassing that the state has since the collapse of the case. It may well be the largest shareholder of Renault, he is not alone in charge. If he holds 15% of the manufacturer, the state has two representatives on nineteen to the Board of Directors: Luc Rousseau, Director of the Directorate General of competitiveness and Industry at Bercy, and Alexis Kohler , Agency of State Holdings. It can not, in principle, to impose its views.

What it can do however is put the pressure. In both media and politics.When deemed necessary, it does not deprive it: Who does not remember the vitriolic statements of head of state, ignoring all rules of governance, demanding the resignation of Daniel Bouton after the affair Kerviel ?

"Everything has to be rebuilt"

Not so with the Renault affair, in which the Executive has been careful not to fan the embers. Although his handling of the crisis raises many critics, Carlos Ghosn is an internationally recognized industrial, away from the myth of "bad bank" that returned the boss of Societe Generale in full heart of the financial crisis. The CEO of Renault also plays "an important role in the Franco-Japanese alliance," said a government source, not to say that it is really unavoidable No teletrak payday loan.Finally, the company is a French industrial flagship, major employer.

The government had every reason not wanting to weaken and was careful from the beginning of the case not to attack frontally with his boss. "Our role is not to say this or that person is responsible," said Minister of Industry, Eric Besson … before adding yesterday that the audit conducted by Renault ended "to the conclusion that four people should be punished." As for the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde said she had "instructed state officials who sit on the board, support the recommendations of the report of the audit committee."

Hiding behind the investigation that he himself requested, the state got what he wanted without seeming too intrusive. The departure would have added a number one crisis to crisis.The sacrifice the number two avoids return the image of a state shareholder leaving everything. At Bercy, where Christine Lagarde knows well the operating companies to have been in his previous life as head of law firm Baker & McKenzie in Chicago, it is noted that "the solution to the problem has been properly found, in accordance with rules of governance "and that" everything is now to rebuild. "

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500,000 employees left "friendly" employer

March 24, 2011 - 6:20 pm Comments Off

Half a million! At last count conducted in late January, the number of broken treaty approved by the Ministry of Labour was 498,675. After three months of existence, the success of these amicable separation, introduced in the Labour Code in August 2008 following an agreement between the social partners (with the exception of the CGT), does not therefore be denied. The slight decrease of 17% in January compared to December 2010 is identical to that recorded a year earlier. "There is no reason to worry, an adviser confirms Xavier Bertrand, Minister of Labour. We are always on a rise of the device, according to a seasonality similar to that of previous years. " Without knowing why, the number of breaks conventional effect fluctuates during the year, giving the impression of playing with a yo-yo over the months. But the trend remains upward.In one year, separation amicably approved by the administration – which now represent 11% of the grounds of breach of CDI – still up 11.5% in 2010 and the refusal rate has dropped 2 points, stabilize at 7% of applications received.

None of the unions signatory to the January 2008 agreement does not deny his actions today. "The break helped secure conventional separations concluded an agreement which were not legally framed," says Gabrielle Simon, of the CFTC. Many of them were in fact disguised as dismissal for failure to allow the imaginary future ex-employee to receive unemployment benefits. "The best proof of this need for security is the low number of current use of industrial tribunals," considers Lawrence Berger, the CFDT on line pay day loans.Another way to approach is the decrease of 5000 in three years the number of entries monthly employment center following a resignation, a ground breaking CDI are not eligible for unemployment insurance. At least in the early months.

Preretirement disguised

Only drawback: separation amicably seem to be used by companies as an early retirement financed by collective Unedic. According to recent statistics, one in five unemployed entering employment center after a break treaty has over 50 years. Doubling of their other reasons for listing. But the fifties unemployed are entitled to compensation for three years if they have paid 36 months. And therefore receive an allowance until their retirement if they are over 58 years of age, at which the number of breaks conventional wings. The impact on the accounts would Unedic however minimal."Unemployment insurance has always been considered a case of early retirement for some companies," Lawrence Berger shade.

Some windfalls are not excluded. "Some companies multiply small packets of broken treaty to avoid having to implement a social plan," denounces Stéphane Lardy, FOR, which therefore calls for more guidance on approval procedures by the administration.

See also

"The conventional breaks hit record high

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