Archive for the ‘life’ Category

Nobel: Beijing takes it out on Norwegian salmon

October 8, 2011 - 8:52 pm Comments Off

The award, last year's Nobel Peace jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was an unexpected victim: salmon from Norway, host of the committee awarding the famous distinctions.

Furious at the sudden media exposure of Liu – they consider a "criminal" – Chinese authorities have in fact increased the veterinary strengthened against Norwegian salmon. The AFP ensures that the health tests are so extensive that these fish end up rotting in warehouses.

Result, exports of Norwegian salmon in China have fallen by half during the first eight months of 2011, Oslo hoped an increase of at least 30%. Three figures sum up the confusion of Scandinavian fishermen. December 2010, the date of the ceremony: 1000 tons sold. January 2011: 315 tonnes. February 2011, 75 tonnes.Norwegian exporters have tried to go through Hong Kong, but this shortcut stale quickly resulted in an impasse.

The operation antisaumon is very symbolic, since the other Chinese imports from Norway were up by 16% because of higher commodity prices. It is true that to meet their urgent needs of the Chinese energy resources are much less fussy.

Of French investors affected by the rise of the Swiss franc

October 7, 2011 - 8:16 am Comments Off

The rise of the Swiss franc does not penalize only the inhabitants of the Helvetic Confederation. It also makes havoc among bank customers. The French Association of bank users (AFUB) has already received nearly a hundred and fifty complaints from individuals who have subscribed to loans indexed to the Swiss currency. "But according to our estimates, at least fifteen thousand people were involved across France," Serge evaluates Master, managing director of the association. Financial products attractive at first sight, but which have proved extremely costly since the flight of the franc.

Almost all the loans that AFUB is aware have been contracted in 2008 or 2009 with Crédit Agricole and BNP Paribas. In one third of cases, these loans were to finance the purchase of a principal residence, the others having been made in the context of a rental investment."It's BNP Paribas has been the most offensive. 70% of the loans we have studied have also been contracted to her. These banks were dangling their customers better rates, while ensuring that the franc would remain stable, "said Serge Master.

A law in Hungary

This analysis proved wrong. Safe haven in the crisis, the Swiss franc has appreciated almost 25% between early January and late summer, causing an extra cost of the same magnitude for the subscribers. With money borrowed in the range of 200,000 euros to 300,000 euros, the difference is significant.

If the monthly payments have not changed, the duration of loans as the amount still outstanding has increased drastically. On a forum, a client of BNP Paribas complains, for example, seeing his outstanding capital increase from 133,000 euros to 162,000 euros in the space of a year and a half.

Solutions seem possible, however, in each case. "For three cases, the banks agreed to enter into an agreement with their client. They could exchange their loans indexed to the Swiss franc against a loan in euros. But the whole point of the negotiations is who supports the additional costs of increasing the currency of Switzerland. Banks have sometimes agreed to take half their dependents, "said Serge Master.

In Hungary, where the phenomenon took on a different scale – two thirds of the loans are currently denominated in Swiss francs – the government took drastic measures. A recent law forced banks to exchange the loans against loans in forints, with a fixed preferential 25% below the current market rate. For banks, this measure will cost. Austrian institutions, highly established in Hungary, could include losing the order of 6 billion euros.Furious, the sector has entered the Hungarian Constitutional Court, without success. But the EU could declare the process illegal.

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"Hundreds of cities on the verge of bankruptcy

The Paris Bourse tries to rebound

October 5, 2011 - 2:40 pm Comments Off

European stock markets resumed a little height on Wednesday morning, after the statements of Olli Rehn. In Paris the CAC 40 2.59% advance to 2924.50 points. London ahead of 2.30% and 2.39% in Frankfurt. European Commissioner for Economic Affairs has indeed mentioned in an interview with the Financial Times, a European plan to recapitalize banks. Reassuring news while the Franco-Belgian bank Dexia, the first victim of the debt crisis must be dismantled. "We share a growing opinion that we need a concerted, coordinated in Europe," he said, "the capital of European banks should be strengthened to give them a safety margin and so reduce uncertainty "in markets.

Wall Street has offered a nice rebound late in the session after the publication of these declarations, against a background of technical rebound.Europe should follow the trend, despite the announcement of the degradation of the Italian note by Moody's. In Paris on Tuesday after completing a sharp drop of 2.61%, the CAC 40 is trying to bounce back. Asia is more mixed, however, shows Wednesday morning, the Nikkei declining more than 1% to less than half an hour of closing.

In terms of macroeconomic indicators, two figures for the euro area will be published on Wednesday: the retail trade for August and the second estimate of GDP in the second quarter.In the U.S., the ISM index of activity in services is expected in September to 16 hours and the weekly crude oil inventories at 16:30.

Oil markets, fell sharply Tuesday after the courses are starting to rebound on Wednesday morning in Asian electronic trading: the Brent North Sea crude for November delivery gained 1.67 dollars to 101.46 dollars. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in November was appreciating his side of 1.91 dollars to 77.58 dollars.

The banking sector up

Following statements by Olli Rehn, the banking sector will be particularly followed on Wednesday. In particular, Dexia remains a key concern when it was dismantled has been approved. The Franco-Belgian bank has confirmed the creation of a "bad bank" combining its risk assets.The European Banking Authority (EBA) also discuss the situation of the bank on Wednesday.

Investors engaged in an intense hunt for bargains in the banking sector free instant credit score. BNP Paribas advance of 6.20%, 5.38% of Societe Generale and Credit Agricole of 6.34%, despite the deterioration of recommendation from Goldman Sachs on the sector.

In addition, Goldman Sachs on Tuesday lowered its price targets of several French banks: it is reduced from 68 to 58 euros to BNP Paribas for 9.70 euros to 6.90 euros and Credit Agricole 3.60 to 2 , 80 Natixis. Societe Generale is seen removed from the list of réfence European bank, which reduces its recommendation on the title of "buy" from "neutral."The price target is reduced from 45 to 32 euros.

The energy sector will also be monitored: the CGT federation of energy called because the employees of the gas and electricity in a strike on October 11 as part of a national day of mobilization under five French unions .

Axa (2.39% to 9.20 euros) indicated that the depressed stock market could affect its objectives in 2015 but ensures that its balance sheet remains strong at the end of September.The insurer says remain "fully engaged" in achieving its objectives and it reiterates its policy of dividend distribution

In addition, U.S. funds TPG and KKR and the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec have submitted preliminary offers for the acquisition of Axa Privaty Equity (AXA PE), the division of equity sold by Axa, according to La Tribune.

The reinsurer Scor (0.93% to 15.78 euros) also confirmed the financial goals of its strategic plan by 2013, especially a return on equity of 10% above the risk-free rate and credit rating Level "AA".Scor still expects a gross premium volume amounted to over EUR 10 billion in 2013, an annual growth rate of 14% between 2010 and 2013 as against 9% previously.

Gecina (-3.05% to 61.05 euros) announced thanking its general manager, Christophe Clamageran, because of differences over priorities in the implementation of the strategy of the real estate group. Bernard Michel, Chairman, is CEO of the company.

Wendel (4.48% to 45.05 euros) said Tuesday it has completed the acquisition of Mecatherm, the global leader in equipment for the bakery industry valued at around 170 million euros as part of the operation.

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"Europe stands ready to rescue its banks

Banks are once again back the CAC 40

October 4, 2011 - 4:44 am Comments Off

The atmosphere is dull on the Bourse de Paris. The CAC 40 has started the last quarter of 2011 in very bad auspices. It lost 1.85% to 2926.83 points in trading volume reduced by about 2.5 billion euros. In the third quarter, the index in Paris had already sold nearly a quarter of its value. Since the beginning of the year, the CAC 40 listed companies have fallen dramatically. Some of them are worth less than their enBourse assets.

The debt crisis in Europe and fears of more and more vivid on the strength of global growth continue to weigh on equity markets. Elsewhere in Europe, London has also fallen by 1.03% and 2.28% in Frankfurt.

Wall Street also continued to brood despite two indicators of good quality. The ISM manufacturing index rose unexpectedly in September and construction spending rebounded in August.Sitting in the Dow retreated, however, and the Nasdaq 0.81% from 0.66%.

Greece shower markets

Greece literally showered the markets by announcing Sunday night that it would lack its budget deficit targets. The news comes particularly ill at a time when the country is in discussions with the Troika of its creditors, which brings together the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund – and while the finance ministers of the euro area meet Tuesday in Luxembourg and those of the entire European Union, in order to advance the implementation of secondary debt to Greece business cards.

Athens puts out all the stops, however, multiplying the austerity measures to obtain payment by October 8 billion euros in loans promised in the first part of its rescue plan.Without this money, Greece may be in default in the coming weeks.

Banks are feeling the pinch

Brunt of fears in the eurozone, banking stocks always accused the coup, like BNP Paribas (-4.64% to 28.65 euros), Credit Agricole (-3.84% to 5.03 euros) and Society General (-5.15% to 18.97 euros). For its part, Dexia plunged nearly 9%. Moody's threatened to degrade the Franco-Belgian bank. The rating agency is concerned mainly financing conditions of the group in a very difficult market environment, in turmoil for French banks.

Cyclical stocks were affected by their side signs of slowing global economic growth. Technip has lost 6.39%, 2.37% and STMicroelectronics Schneider Electric 2.76%.Even the titles of the car manufacturers have suffered while registrations leveled off in September. Renault finished on down 2.93%, 3.97% of Michelin and Peugeot SA dropped to 2.10%.

Alcatel Lucent (-11.61%) registered the largest decline in the CAC 40, Nomura has damaged the entire industry.

France refuses definitely shale gas

October 1, 2011 - 2:00 pm Comments Off

Shale gas are not likely to be exploited in France. This was decided by the government, according to our information, is about to repeal the three exploration permits in possession of the American Schuepbach respectively (in the Ardèche and the Larzac) and French Total (near Montelimar) . The decision should be formalized at the start of next week. It comes close a file full of controversy.

Under the legislation July 13 that prohibits the controversial technique of hydraulic fracturing to exploit shale gas, licensees had to put the government in September a report in which they detail their exploration techniques. Sixty-four reports have been well reviewed by the Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC).Most relate to conventional deposits and are not a problem.

In its report, stressed Schuepbach did not give up hydraulic fracturing, considered the only available technique to extract oil trapped in narrow fissures of shale payday loan. The operator is therefore logical to withdraw his license by the government.

However, Total indicated on September 12 to do without this process. "We do not take for granted the release of Total, we will use the report" had then told the BBC the Minister for Ecology Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet. According to a source familiar with the matter, the experts found the report of the French group in accordance with law. Unless last-minute turnaround, it was not enough to prevent the decision to revoke the license of Montelimar."Nobody would have understood that we the American differences and not the French," said an industry expert.

Junction box at a French household life

September 23, 2011 - 8:12 pm Comments Off

There was a time when, in the provincial lotteries, it earned only an alarm clock, a bottle of wine or a pig … Since then, cars and sunny vacations have become more valuable lots. Carrefour decided to go much further escalation in the promotion that leads its competitors.

To bring the house down, the dealer puts in. .. Phoenix house worth up to 240,000 euros. Even better, the winner will also receive a check for 70,000 euros to help it acquire the land at the place of his choice. To be housed for life by Carrefour, just shopping in one of the hypermarkets of the sign. At checkout, you get a scratch ticket. It should then save the code on the site Carrefour.fr.The draw will take place October 31.

To attract as many customers as possible in its hypermarkets, Carrefour promises that the value of the jackpot will increase the number of participants small personal loans. If they are few, it will be a modest house of 82 square meters, valued at 150,000 euros. But if the lottery wins the success hoped for, it will be an opulent house of 132 square meters, estimated at 240,000 euros.

Never in Leclerc and Auchan

With this operation, the successor to back promotions and wine fair, the retailer hopes to make its customers wait until November. To fulfill its stores, Carrefour will then be discounted to Christmas, with many offers for meals and gifts.

The winner of the lottery the moment will have to wait 2012 to celebrate the holidays in his house Carrefour, surrounded or not by products from the distributor.But the brand hopes that the proud owner never will buy at Auchan or Leclerc, and that he will remain faithful.

The euro struck by the possible failure of Greece

September 12, 2011 - 5:08 pm Comments Off

While the euro was more resilient to the debt crisis since the beginning of the year, the European currency on Monday found the lowest level since mid-February against the dollar, under $ 1.36, and for ten years against the yen. Around 10 am (Paris time), the euro was quoted at 104.23 yen against 105.92 yen Friday and 1.3562 dollars against 1.3651 on weekends.

But more than the strength of the euro is the weakness of the dollar that kept so far the exchange rate high. Since Friday and the arrival of a new wave of panic on the stock exchanges in Europe and America, the single currency is strong baisse.Si we consider the last two sessions, the euro lost 4.69 % relative to the yen and 3.83% vis-à-vis the greenback.

"There are more ways to save Greece"

The explanation is simple: "Investors act a failure of Greece, says Andrea Tueni, an analyst at Saxo Bank.With the statements of German officials to prepare a plan to deal with a lack of Greece, they have the impression that Germany surrendered and there are more solutions to avoid bankruptcy in Greece. Europe seems to think more to save its banks. " In other words, to avoid a contagion effect to Spain or Italy. "The situation is serious and everyone is wondering how this will end," said an analyst in the currency market. New economies announced Sunday by Greece have not reassured the markets.

After flirting with $ 1.40 in recent weeks, the euro plunged below $ 1.36.

The station is expected to increase its prices

August 27, 2011 - 9:00 pm Comments Off

It is a small revolution for the station and its customers: under a decree published this summer in a discreet and identified by Challenges.fr, the railway company could now set its prices much more freely. Gone are the peak and normal periods, the timing was officially recorded in advance and who presided over the setting of tariffs.

"The decree allows to adjust the price cap to the station for the gradual opening to competition of the railway market," says the text. Clearly, to boost the attractiveness and profitability of the public entity within the opening to competition of the European network, SNCF should be able to offer its customers a range of rates much larger, developed based on supply and demand.

Rate increases on the crowded trains

The gain to consumers is mixed.On some busy routes, these new capabilities would enable the public body to go beyond the current full price of the second class in rush hour fast cash without a hassle. Holidaymakers taking TGV lines busy for example will be expected to pay more. However, for trains shunned by customers, the SNCF would be allowed to go below rates currently charged to attract new passengers.

Such liberalization was requested by the SNCF to the government at the end of last year, in return for the introduction of a tax to finance inter-deficient lines. Neither station nor the government have so far expressed on the subject.Signatory to the decree, the Minister of Transport, Thierry Mariani, was at the time held that freedom of the SNCF tariff should remain regulated, "in that competition does not really exist."

According to Challenges, consumer groups such as FNAUT will be formally consulted before the application of the decree, "probably in the fall."

HP in the footsteps of IBM

August 20, 2011 - 2:40 am Comments Off

Duly noted. The world of PC has failed to develop at the same time dedicated to business activities and those aimed at individuals. Léo Apotheker has decided to separate from its computers, tablets and smartphones, "knocked out Apple "in the words of one U.S. analyst.

The stock has also lost more than 20% at the opening of Wall Street on Friday.A heavy penalty for a major strategic shift and two ads that markets generally enjoy little HP is preparing to spend 10 billion dollars for the purchase of Autonomy, the UK's leading software, and provided that the split of its business PC would cost one billion dollars in restructuring costs.

Just like what IBM has done six years ago, HP has chosen to focus on the activities dedicated to businesses (services, servers, data storage, network), while maintaining the imaging and printing. This focus on the professional world seems "logical" in light of the past of its CEO. Léo Apotheker has spent over twenty years with the German software company SAP, which he directed for eight years. These are businesses that generate margins sharply higher than in hardware sales.In 2010, business services have made 57 billion dollars in sales with in the key, 8.7 billion of operating income. Opposite, the PC division, tablet and phone posted a turnover of 40 billion turnover, but only 2 billion loss payday loan lenders.

By refocusing on activities "business," Leo Apotheker also takes the bet that he will develop the activities of data storage and servers. HP boss set including data analysis and cloud computing (computer services remotely) to raise. Competitors will be renamed the IBM, Oracle, Cisco and not Apple.

Consecration of the failure

The future of the PC division, mobile and tablet (PSG) remains uncertain. All scenarios are possible.A split, with a possible initial public offering that would make an independent business, but competition to apply. Redemption, we know the ambitions of China's Lenovo, which has already bought the PC division of IBM and wants to become world number one. Finally, pure and simple abandonment is also not excluded. This scenario is the worst, while HP has spent $ 25 billion a decade ago to buy Compaq and 1.8 billion last year for Palm. The group also invested in the revitalization of its software WebOS, and in the manufacture of tablets and smartphones with touchpad that just marketing. "In this area, not a sprint, it's a marathon," said Leo Apotheker, in an interview with Le Figaro, in late June. It seems that the runner will be out of breath from the first kilometer.

Bad mood on the stock exchange in Asia

August 18, 2011 - 8:44 am Comments Off

Asian stock markets are in a bad mood on Thursday. Investors in the region are not reassured Wall Street that ended Wednesday in the balance after a volatile session. Fears of an economic slowdown in the world come to the fore.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange sets the tone with an opening in the red, down 0.42% for the Nikkei. The Japanese benchmark index widened its losses in the morning to show a decline of 1.24% to 8944 points at a time of closing. A new mixed indicators on the front disrupted operators: Japan reported in a July trade surplus, four months after the earthquake of March 11, but the surplus has shrunk by more than 90% because of lower exports and a surge in energy costs.The third largest economy last month generated a trading profit of 72.5 billion yen (650 million), confirming a recovery in economic activity, but its exports fell by 3.3%.

Tokyo is hit by a rise in the yen against the dollar, which traded below 77 yen again this morning values ​​exporters are under pressure, in the image of Mazda Motor (-5.65%), Fuji Heavy Industries (-5 , 16%), Nissan (-2.96%). The electronics sector is hit by the fall of Dell in the U.S. markets. Toshiba lost 4.45% and 2.34% Panasonic.

Hong Kong is the perfect balance while in Shanghai, the stock market unscrews from 0.34%. The Korean Kospi lost 2.95%, the S & P Australian loose 1.40% and the Indian Sensex was down 0.73%.

Oil off again down

Oil prices were down Thursday morning in electronic trading in Asia as investors await key U.S. economic indicators, the first consumer of black gold in the world. On the menu, including: the weekly jobless claims, the index of leading indicators and consumer prices.

In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for September delivery lost 33 cents to 87.25 dollars. That of Brent North Sea crude for September delivery yielded 30 cents to 110.30 dollars.