Archive for the ‘resources’ Category

Ireland is on track but still needs work

October 15, 2011 - 4:20 am Comments Off

On track, continuous effort. This is essentially the OECD verdict on Ireland, engaged for three years in a drastic recovery program of its public finances. After a decade of strong growth on an annual rate of 7%, which has risen to fourth in the OECD in terms of GDP per capita, the former Celtic Tiger has suffered a banking crisis and an unprecedented three years of recession. The deficit exploded in 2010 to over 32% of GDP if we include the expensive bank recapitalization and debt exceeded 100% of the national wealth.Distrust of markets has forced the authorities to use the end of 2010 with the IMF, the EU and the ECB.

In his study, presented Friday, experts from the Muette emphasize the competitive advantages of Ireland on Portugal and Greece, the other two countries under international supervision, "export sector a more developed and more high-tech"-the Exports account for 100% of GDP against 31% in Portugal and 21% in Greece, "a workforce more skilled, more favorable conditions for businesses, a more efficient tax system based in particular on corporate taxes low and stable and well-regulated markets and more flexible, both for products that work."

The conservation plan will represent 2.2% in 2012

Despite the recession, Ireland continued to attract significant foreign direct investment and the country, supported by the engine of exports and improving cost competitiveness, has returned this year with growth, while Portugal and Greece will experience another year of recession pay day loan lenders.

On the fiscal side, Dublin's goal is to bring the deficit below 3% of GDP in 2015. Before the intervention of the Troika, the authorities had imposed a cure equivalent to 9% of GDP. The economic plan of 2012 is still 2.2%.

If these efforts "are starting to bear fruit" requires further consolidation, the report of the organization of the Muette, in the perspective of a "global growth lower than expected."The OECD recommends including "broaden the tax base" and "focus more on consolidating spending cuts" -60% recovery, "by improving the efficiency of the public sector, reform of social protection and lower infrastructure projects. " Another priority should be the fight against unemployment from 4.6% in 2007 to 14.2% in the second quarter of 2011.

Among other tracks, it is necessary to improve employment services, training programs adapted to market needs, encourage job search, extend some cuts in employers' contributions … Finally, Dublin to pursue the restructuring of the banking sector and further improve competitiveness to promote exports.

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Asian markets reassured by the euro area

October 13, 2011 - 11:04 am Comments Off

Morale is looking good again this Thursday on the Asian markets. After being cooled by the Slovak parliament not the strengthening of the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF), investors in the region are now reassured by the statements of European leaders to end the debt crisis. They have shown their approval for an urgent recapitalization of banks in the euro area. Analysts see it as an important change: the euro area is now considered a default of Greece as an option.

Operators also appreciate the position of the European Commission called for a strike force increased EFSF. In this regard, the Slovak government promises a new vote in Parliament no later than tomorrow, Friday. These news had boosted European and U.S. markets to new heights yesterday.

A weaker yen

Direct impact on the markets, the euro is rising again.It is 1.3801 dollar and is trading around 106.30 yen this morning sharply higher against the Japanese currency. In Japan, the Nikkei is relieved by the weakening of the currency. One hour of closing, he climbed 0.86% to 8814 points. Export values, hit recently by concerns over the global economy is picking up. TDK Corp jumped 4.17%, 2.96% Sharp and Citizen Holdings 3.05%. The automotive sector is also up to the image of Mazda Motor (4.49%) and Hyundai (2.7%).

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively earn 18,680 points to 1.91% and 0.50% to 2432 points. As for ads, the trade surplus of China has contracted to 14.51 billion dollars last month with a slower growth of exports.They rose in September by 17.1% year on year to reach 169.7 billion dollars, slower than imports jumped 20.9% to $ 155.2 billion dollars.

The Korean Kospi advance of 1.11% to 1829 points and the S & P Australian 0.85% to 4240 points, relieved by the authorization granted by the competition authorities Virgin Australia (1.59%) for an alliance Singapore Airlines (1.52%).

Oil markets more cautious

The oil was however down Thursday in Asia, where the market wait before the publication of figures on weekly petroleum reserves in the United States. In electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for November delivery lost 86 cents to 84.71 dollars. Barrel of Brent North Sea crude for November delivery yielded nine cents to 111.27 dollars for the last trading day of the deadline.

BlackBerry accumulated failures

October 12, 2011 - 4:28 pm Comments Off

Second failure in two days for users of BlackBerry. Just hours after suffering a first stop on its servers Monday, the Canadian was again faced with a similar problem yesterday. Virtually all countries are affected. Consequence: the sending or receiving mail on BlackBerry were disrupted and access to the Internet. The explanations provided by the group are at least succinct: "We are working to restore service and apologize for the inconvenience." The breakdown would originate from a server malfunctions in Europe, according to sources.

These blackouts are more embarrassing for BlackBerry, which had the reliability of its services is signed. Aimed primarily at business users, the brand can not afford such failures.Especially since it is increasingly challenged, including the professional market, including smartphones from Apple and Samsung faxless cash advance.

Rumors of sale to Vodafone and Microsoft

In addition, these incidents are still undermining the leadership of the group which faces a shareholder revolt led by investment funds. They call for a change of management or the sale of the company. Since the beginning of the week, rumors have multiplied. The Wall Street Journal referred to a sale of the Vodafone brand. Others imagine a takeover by Microsoft, but it already has a partnership with Nokia.

These rumors have helped support the stock price. On Wall Street, on Tuesday, shortly after 20 hours (French time), the action Research in Motion (the maker of BlackBerry) was the same upward trend, gaining 3.63% to 24.07 dollars.

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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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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.

The Paris Bourse paid by banks

September 26, 2011 - 1:28 pm Comments Off

The Paris Bourse tries to continue the registered slight rebound on Friday. The CAC 40, which opened sharply lower did an about face in the morning. Around 11:00 he advances from 1.86% to 2863.9 points, pulled up by the banking sector. On Monday, Asian stock markets were grinding still black, still concerned about the problems of economic downturn worldwide. "The main problem is that neither the U.S. nor Europe has many options to address their concerns," said Masayoshi Yano, a broker at Meiwa Securities, quoted by Dow Jones Newswires.Investors include much more than expected joint statement of finance ministers and central bankers from the G20 at the end of the meeting in Washington Thursday.

Other major European markets are evolving in a piecemeal, Frankfurt ahead of 1.25% but London always yields 0.84%.

Moreover, the concern surrounding the problems of sovereign debt in Europe remains strong, especially as we enter a crucial week for Greece. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that a delegation will travel to Athens this week to determine whether or not the country can benefit from the sixth round of eight billion euros, it vital to avoid bankruptcy. Moreover, Germany will vote Thursday the agreement for the expansion of the scope of the relief fund of the zone (EFSF). Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed confidence the outcome of the vote.Evangelos Venizelos, Greek Minister of Finance, for his part spoke with Jean-Claude Trichet, head of the ECB, a debt restructuring Greek.

In an effort to reassure global markets, finance ministers of the euro area are committed in a common text, to "do everything necessary to solve the crisis of debt and financial stability of the area in whole and its Member States. "The idea of ​​taking office faster than expected EFSF has also been raised by Germany this weekend.

EU Commissioner Olli Rehn himself has said that Europeans reflected to provide the EFSF additional instruments, beyond those agreed in July to give "more power" in an interview with Die Welt newspaper.

The Ifo index better than expected

The Ifo index of business climate in Germany has brought a little balm in the heart of investors. Ila recorded in September a decrease less than expected payday loans.However, this is its third consecutive decline, which seems to suggest that the activity of the first euro zone economy is slowing.

Program from the rest of the week are particularly, the index of investor confidence and U.S. consumers (Tuesday), the final reading of French GDP in the second quarter (Wednesday) and U.S. (Thursday) and retail sales in Germany (Friday).

As for currencies, the euro still appears under the $ 1.35 this morning at 1.3407 dollar. Oil prices, however, went up the slope in morning trading, amid hopes of an agreement to increase the reserve fund for the eurozone.A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in November gained 18 cents to 81.04 dollars a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for November delivery took 42 cents to 104.39 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

• Banking

The banking sector led the trend. By late morning, returning 7.7% BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale 7.3% 4.54%.

Rumors are still running on a recapitalization by the state of all French banks. The Journal Sunday this weekend evoked an injection of 10 or 15 billion euros.

In addition, the Deposit, the Postal Bank and Dexia negotiate the creation of a new public to fund local governments, according to Le Figaro.In addition, the Franco-Belgian bank could increase its program to sell its toxic assets, housed in bonds, 20 billion euros, according to Les Echos.

• LVMH (-2.23% to 103.10 euros)

The group announced Friday now hold almost all the shares of the Italian jeweler Bulgari, the luxury giant announced the takeover in March.

• France Telecom (-0.91% to 11.40 euros) Iliad (-0.70% to 84.80 euros), Vivendi (-1.29% to 14.57 euros), Bouygues (-1.89 % 24.43 euros).

The state is on track to win his bet on the financial 4G mobile frequencies after a first series of which reported more than budgeted and, according to experts, suggests an aggressive posture in the second round by operators who have not had the expected number of lots.

Note that the IPO of Groupama, long anticipated, was again postponed and is now expected "more towards 2015," said its director general, Jean Azema, in an interview with Les Echos.

Further increases in cigarette prices to

September 25, 2011 - 2:56 am Comments Off

It's already Christmas in the "civet"! The government has made on Friday, a nice gift for tobacconists. Their pay on each pack of cigarettes will increase from 6.5% to 6.9% of the selling price. This increase will begin in January 2012 and will be spread over five years, the duration of the new "future contract" signed between Valérie Pécresse, Minister of Budget and Pascal Montredon, president of the Confederation of tobacconists. This is in addition to various support measures for tobacco shops located near the border and in rural areas, estimated at 320 million euros.

The increase in compensation benefits, it at all tobacco shops alike. Paradoxical, because "the sale of tobacco as aids have allowed your average income increase by 57% between 2002 and 2010," as recalled by Valerie Pécresse to tobacconists, who held their annual conference in Paris Friday."In total, more than 1 billion euros that came with your support and profession, which has also benefited, for many of you, the effects of the reduction in VAT in catering."

"At least 10 cents more per pack"

In early 2003, a sharp rise in prices had collapsed sales and forced the closure of nearly 5,000 retailers. There remains 28,000. But since 2004, the price increase regular, moderate (6% per year since 2009) did not in fact impact on the number of cigarettes sold in tobacconists, to the dismay of supporters of tobacco control and Department of Health. As a result, sales of tobacco outlets rose year after year at the rate of inflation of cigarettes for their benefit as for that of tobacco, and especially of the state, who pocketed 80% of price of a pack, which brings in each year over 10 billion euros Business Card Holders.

While the additional gift to tobacconists would have no direct impact on government accounts. In all likelihood, the increase will be offset in compensation not to lower fees charged by Bercy, which closely monitors its accounts, but rather by a decrease in compensation of the tobacco industry, as was the case in the previous contract for the future.

To the extent that tobacco companies have no intention of making less money, they will offset the decline in their pay on each packet by an increase in their prices. "To erase an annual decline of 0.1% of our earnings should be increased by at least 10 cents the price of a package," says one manufacturer. "It's a vicious cycle that will strengthen the cause of the difficulties of cross-border tobacco shops," adds another.

Tobacco companies can increase their prices at the beginning of each quarter.Their next rate adjustment will occur not necessarily next January, to the extent that prices will rise by 6% already on Monday, October 17 or 10, as decided by the government. The pack of Marlboro will then 5.90 to 6.20 euros.

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Job creation slowed employees

September 9, 2011 - 5:52 am Comments Off

Despite zero growth in the second quarter, the French economy continues to create jobs, but at a slower pace. Payroll employment grew by 0.2% in the second quarter, according to INSEE and employment center, and 0.3%, according to ACOSS. This low growth follows the sharp rise in the previous quarter (0.3% employment center, and even 0.5% or INSEE ACOSS).

Depending on whether one considers the figures released by the three institutions, which use slightly different methods of calculation but that publish their data at the same time Thursday morning, it was 33,000 to 55,000 jobs were created during the second quarter . The French economy finds a job creation rate closer to that of 2010.

Fewer jobs created in the tertiary sector, the most promising

The tertiary sector is once again benefiting the most from this dynamic.By itself, it carries the bulk of net job creations. Payroll employment rose to 0.3% (0.4% according to ACOSS), although note that INSEE has created half the jobs in the previous quarter (69,200 to 32,100 jobs against first quarter) fast cash advance loan.

Employment in industry also continues to stabilize. After ten years of bleeding, loss of this sector had continued to widen in the first quarter. Again, the industry recorded a near-stability of its workforce, with 300 stations destroyed in the second quarter as employment center, a flat evolution, also observed by ACOSS. Perhaps a sign that the adjustment of long-term employment in the sector is nearing its end.

Finally, the interim, a leading indicator of employment, is down sharply, however. After two years of steady increase, temporary employment drops to 0.5% over the quarter.A change in both positive and negative, in part due to a higher reactivity of the interim depressed economic conditions, and another part in more sustainable employment creation by firms.

Skirmish between the IMF and the Europeans

September 1, 2011 - 9:32 am Comments Off

New twist in the controversy over the health of European banks which opposes the IMF to European officials. The new CEO of the Fund, Christine Lagarde Wednesday held the first meeting of its Board of Directors of European banks. On this occasion, the Fund's economists presented their calculations indicate a probable equity gap of around 200 billion euros for all European institutions, the Financial Times. While European banks inscribed on their balance sheet obligations of States in the euro area market value, their tangible equity would fall from 10% to 12%, said the newspaper.

The newspaper stresses, however, that the amount shown in the "Report on the global financial stability", the traditional semi-annual report due on 21 September, is not final.These figures are obviously equivalent to those that led Christine Lagarde Saturday to encourage Europeans to recapitalize banks on the continent.

Analysis strongly opposed by European leaders. "The vision of the IMF is biased," said the Spanish Finance Minister, Elena Salgado, the FT, explaining that the Fund was wrong not to take into account potential losses without regard to assets Bunds, which saw During their ride. Wednesday, the Minister of Economy, Baroin, has in turn ensured that the French banking sector did not raise "no worries".Statements in line with those of the governor of the Banque de France Christian Noyer and the president of MEDEF Laurence Parisot, who had followed the lead of European leaders as the Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Olli Rehn.

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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.