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Financial regulation in the United States is running. The most comprehensive reform in this area since the 1930s has been passed by the U.S. Senate by 60 votes against 39. A key legislative victory for Barack Obama after the reform of health coverage in March.The U.S. president did not hesitate to declare last May: "Wall Street has failed," referring to lobbyists who tried to prevent the adoption of this project.

New legislative victory for Obama

Obama can now enact this historic piece to prevent another financial crisis and economic such as the United States had known in autumn 2008.

"Today the Senate will take action and send the bill on the president's office, so that the country can finally feel the effects of reform on which we have discussed for so many months," said Thursday Senator Chris Dodd, one of the main authors of the text with the Representative Barney Frank.

The text of over 2300 pages of the law "Dodd-Frank", aims to extend regulatory control over whole sectors of finance, which escaped him.It thus provides for the creation of a consumer of financial products within the central bank and it prevents the rescue of large financial institutions at taxpayers' expense.

For regulators play now

Among other measures leading text include a provision for better control of the vast market of derivatives traded over the counter, these tools have been speculative in the heart of the recent financial crisis in the United States instant credit reports.The text finally contains a measure dubbed the "rule of Volcker," the name of Barack Obama's economic adviser, Paul Volcker, whose idea is to encourage commercial banks to focus on their lending activities and take fewer risks .

While most Democrats have supported this project, the Republicans have signaled their opposition to the text, notably in that it gives too much power to regulators who failed to prevent the recent financial crisis.

The Chairman of the Central Bank of the United States, Ben Bernanke on Thursday hailed an "important step" with the vote by the Senate of legislation to reform financial regulation, which gives them considerable powers of oversight at the institution.

The ball is now in the hands of regulators. "We will pay with meticulous application and our responsibilities under the new law," promises Ben Bernanke.Legislation passed by the Senate because the Fed responsible for regulating all major financial institutions in the country, more than 50 billion dollars in assets.

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Three months after British Airways and its Spanish partner, Iberia announced their marriage, the Commission gave its green light to the merger that will create the world's third largest airline. In a statement issued Wednesday, Brussels ruled that the merger would not impede competition in Europe. "The business of British Airways and Iberia overlap in the field of air transport of passengers and cargo and ground handling ASSISTRA and MRO," the statement said. He added: "Passengers will therefore have more choice of appropriate flight on these routes after this merger."

The merger between Iberia and British Airways which will see shareholders of British Airways take 55% of the new group should be completed by the end of the year.It is subject to approval by shareholders of both companies, who need to vote at general meetings scheduled for November.

The two companies will consolidate into a new holding company, which will be named Consolidated Airlines International Group SA, or International Airlines Group for short, and will be listed in London and Madrid.However, the two companies continue to operate independently and continue to operate under their existing brands.

Yes also for the alliance Iberia / BA / American Airlines

One remaining obstacles to the merger had been raised when Brritish Airways announced it had reached an agreement to cover the deficit of 3.7 billion pounds (4.4 billion euros) of its pension scheme.

The European Commission also approved the alliance as British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines want to build on the model of what makes Air France-KLM and Delta, recently associated with Alitalia."Today's decision will allow airlines to set up the transatlantic alliance to which they aspired for a long while allowing some 2.5 million passengers between London and New York as well as other relevant routes of continue to enjoy a range of frequencies and competitive prices, "commented Commissioner Joaquin Almunia competition.

A symbolic announcement just days before the opening of the G20 summit in Toronto. The People's Bank of China, the Chinese central bank, announced Saturday that it had decided to continue the reform of the mechanism of the exchange rate of the renminbi (yuan's other name) in order to "increase the flexibility .

"The world economy is recovering gradually. The recovery and rebound of the Chinese economy is increasingly confirmed, leading to greater economic stability, "argued the central bank in a statement published in English on its website. "It is therefore advisable to take the reform of RMB exchange rate."

Since summer 2008, the yuan has remained stuck at around 6.83 against the dollar, fluctuating within a very narrow margin vis-à-vis the greenback.A contentious issue between China and its trading partners, most notably the United States, who believe that the yuan is undervalued, allowing Beijing to sell its products for export at very competitive prices.

In a letter to heads of State and Government of the G20 on Friday, President Barack Obama had given the record of the yuan on the table, a reference to it. "I also want to stress that exchange rates determined by the market are essential to global economic vitality," he wrote in his letter.

China has always rejected international pressure. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Cui, had also insisted on Friday that the issue of the yuan would not be up for discussion G20 payday loan companies. "The renminbi is the currency of China.This is not something that the international community needs to discuss, "he told a joint press conference with Zhang Tao, head of international department of the Central Bank.

A move immediately welcomed

Announcing this on Saturday continued reform of the yuan, the central bank has focused on "China's efforts to encourage a global rebalancing. The institution has admitted that the "special policy" introduced by Beijing in the heart of the global financial crisis had perhaps more reason to be in a context of economic recovery, but recalled however that "the stability of the yuan has played a major role in mitigating the impact of the crisis, which has contributed significantly to the recovery in Asia and the world.On the other hand, the central bank has insisted that the gradual return to a flexible exchange rate of the currency does not mean "great changes or major changes, namely a re-evaluation.

The gesture was appreciated nonetheless. Timothy Geithner, U.S. Treasury Secretary, said in a statement that the reform of the yuan could make a "positive contribution" to global growth. "We welcome the decision by China to strengthen the flexibility of its exchange rate," he said. The Director General of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dominique Strauss-Kahn also found that Beijing's decision was "very encouraging".

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If it does not take the bull by the horns, Japan will end as Greece. The policy speech delivered yesterday by the new Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, before Parliament is clearly intended to create a shock.

"Like the problems in the euro area caused by Greece, there is a risk of collapse if we do nothing against the rising public debt and consequently lose the confidence of bond markets," Has he said. Japan's debt exceeds 200% because of GDP (gross domestic product) and threatens to reach 246% in 2014, according to the IMF.

In reality, there is no chance that the archipelago is found in the situation in Athens, since this debt is 95% owned by Nippon investors and long-term rates remain very low, but feared the reaction of Tokyo rating agencies.Last January, Standard and Poor's downgraded the rating of its long-term debt from "stable" to "negative".

Naoto Kan, who can count on the support of 61.5% of the population, according to a poll conducted Wednesday, draws a line over ten years of economic policy that has led the country to choke.

He wants to go fast and run a complete overhaul of the tax system by initiating a national debate beyond partisan barriers "to ensure the support of the opposition. The economic recovery of the archipelago, with an annualized growth of 5% in the first quarter, giving him the means.

Deflationary

But this reform is likely to be painful because it requires an increase in VAT, currently at 5%, one of the lowest in developed countries. Can not kill it in the bud the recovery of consumer confidence recorded in five months? "I do not think so.The VAT could double, but that should not weigh. When households are too indebted state, they are slowing their purchases. If they have a visibility they consume more, "said one investment banker in Tokyo. He added that such measures can help break the spiral of deflation, which, "by dint expect further declines in prices affects consumption."

The government, which wants to reduce unnecessary government spending, is preparing in parallel to reduce the corporate tax, which at 40%, is one of the highest of OECD countries. This would allow companies to offer cheaper products, thereby reducing the impact of the tax increase on consumption.

"It's courageous," says a French financial analyst living in Japan.And Naoto Kan, for once, can rely with confidence on the new Minister of Finance, Yoshihiko Noda, firm believer in fiscal discipline.

Only downside, the prime minister can not deny the social promises made during the campaign of his party. But they are expensive. The only allowance for children continuing their studies, launched in the spring and intended to fight against the declining birth rate, represents 45 billion euros per year. And the Minister of Social Affairs, Akira Nagatsuma suggests it could take another form as a cash payment to families. But "when we preach the rigor of educational way, the Japanese understand perfectly," decide the investment banker, who took the gamble that the revolution Kan prevail.

What a pleasant surprise! In March, the barometer of the moral frameworks (- 26) has won eight points from February, regaining its 2005 level. "This result is exceptional in scope and that ends the period of depression began in the fall of 2008, is a bundle of factors, both macro and micro," said Francois Miquet-Marty, president of ViaVoice.

Last month, the number of unemployed has increased by "only" 0.1% and the Prime Minister said that the unemployment curve "should be reversed" this year.

In this context, the pessimism fades frames. They are more than 23% against 28% a month earlier, suggests that the number of unemployed would "increase significantly" in the coming months. It's the same for the outlook for living standards. The frames provide a breakdown is no longer the majority (45% against 51% in February).

Occupational mobility

Moreover, two important indicators, as forming part of life, experiencing a frank improvement. Thus, 25% of executives (+ 7 points) believe that opportunities to advance their careers in the coming months "will be important" and 18% (+5 points) than their financial situation "will improve" easy payday loans.

Regional elections have also played a role in improving the morale of white-collar. "Their result has reassured the French left's ability to register their camp in a dynamic of conquest of power and those on the right on the determination of the President of the Republic to maintain focus and to pursue reforms, with the exception of the carbon tax, "said Francois Miquet-Marty.Asked about the place and role of higher education, executives claim, massively, more money for it. Eight out of ten consider, in fact, that France "does not invest enough" in this teaching.

On effectiveness, their opinion is also positive. Seven in ten "confidence" in higher education to deliver a broad general education and a narrow majority (52%), they also make it "trust" to prepare young people for the job.

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The news was confirmed by a spokesman for Total, following a central works council. The Dunkirk refinery has finally closed its doors Monday. As the oil group had promised the 370 employees keep their jobs by creating a depot, a training center, a technical center and reclassifications.

The logistics depot would employ 15 people, training centers and technical assistance in refining approximately 225. Employees will be offered 80 positions in other refineries, 30 positions in other structures of Total in France and 20 employees will be granted "for early career.

The proposed closure of the Dunkirk refinery is the source of the national strike in late February that poses the threat of a shortage of fuel.The refinery has 370 direct employees and 400 to 450 employees subcontractors.

Total promised to each employee in the establishment of Flanders' work at Total matching skills. Another promise: "no closure or sale" of French refineries will happen within five years.

Substitution project

Before the start of the meeting, Total has confirmed its participation in the construction of an LNG terminal by EDF in the port of Dunkirk. The agreement provides for "an equity Total capital 'of society, Dunkerque LNG, a subsidiary of EDF responsible for the construction of this terminal will terminal.Ce regasification capacity of between 10 and 13 billion cubic meters per year. The decision regarding its actual construction will be taken before the summer and could be put into service in 2014.It remains "conditioned on obtaining all regulatory approvals and the completion of commercial procedures and tenders for construction."

This project would mobilize up to 1,200 people during construction "and could generate" at least fifty direct jobs, which should add about 150 jobs indirectly "in the operating phase out the two groups. The Industry Minister Christian Estrosi had rightly warned that the Dunkirk refinery would reopen if there was "no real alternative project" to maintaining employment.

But this news should not necessarily good news for employees. The CGT and Sud believe that this project is too distant and "inadequate" to compensate for job losses.For 12 hours, the employees of Dunkirk appear before a seat of Total Defense.

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The outlines of the reform of business tax does not end up being redesigned. While the bill contains funds that the text is finally adopted this afternoon, the government has introduced yet another amendment.

Responding to a request by senators, Eric Woerth has indeed held to reintroduce an element of equalization in the distribution to local communities of the future contribution of value-added businesses (CVAE), which replaces, with the contribution of property, business tax . Specifically, one quarter of the proceeds received from this CVAE be taken in favor of an equalization fund, then transferred to regions and departments in accordance with economic and social.A measure designed to correct inequalities that may be caused by the territoriality of the contribution.

All these changes will not affect business leaders, set for some time about the nature of the contribution they must pay. The business tax, which will disappear in 2010, is in effect replaced by a double contribution: the contribution of corporate property, sitting on the rental value of land occupied buildings, and the famous contribution of value-added businesses, paid from 500.000 euros turnover.

Nothing seems easier than to hack Facebook. Hackers have thus taken control of nearly 300 community groups on the popular social networking site Facebook, in order to demonstrate how personal data is vulnerable on the Internet.

"Hello, we announce that we have officially turned your Facebook group, said CYI (Control Your Info). This means that we control some of your information on Facebook. If we wanted we could show you a way that could severely damage your image.For example, we could rename your group inappropriately as 'I support pedophilia'.

The aim of the operation is not to harm: "It's just one example that really shows the vulnerabilities of social networking sites," the group said in a message posted on its website controlyour.info, ensuring that his motives were honest and educational purpose.

Facebook groups are places of thematic discussions that followers of the social networking site can join to discuss with other people who share their interests. According CYI, these groups "have a major flaw," because "if the administrator of a group goes, anyone can register as a new director.CYI members say that after having obtained the status of administrator, it is easy to make any changes, including photos or group settings.

CYI has sent messages to groups infiltrated to warn them that they had been "hijacked" and promised to restore their original appearance after being heard on the subject. "Our main objective is to draw attention to issues of privacy on the Internet," indicate these cyber activists. "Some people have even lost their jobs because of content on Facebook. We wanted to do something about this subject, add-t they.

"The management of Eid is a real headache," says the manager of a transportation network. "Half of my bus drivers are Muslim. When they ask everyone to leave that day, how do you ensure 100% service? "

To anticipate these pressures, some companies now distribute a calendar of all religious festivals with their team leaders. While others repeatedly objected to "absences for religious reasons." "Each company designed a place for Allah. If employees are many Muslims, they dictate the standard. Otherwise, it's very random, "says anthropologist Dounia Bouzar, which today publishes the results of an extensive investigation into the working world. (Allah has a place in the company? Albin Michel).A textbook which we regret the anonymity of managers who tell on a daily basis, rising claims.

One third of French companies have expressed their concern, primarily in Ile-de-France, but also in the north-east and south-eastern France, in the areas of trade, services and construction, according to the results of Ifop poll of April 2008. "Can you dismiss an employee who gets to wear the headscarf?" Questioning often responsible when using Dounia Bouzar to conduct an audit. Or "the great festivals of Islam have to be considered holidays?". To guide companies, the High Authority against Discrimination and for Equality (Halde) had issued a notice last March. In essence: the religious claims can be denied only where they penalize the service.Rules of procedure shall be invalidated by the courts if the headscarf banned without real reason. Since the association IMS-Business for the city, who gathered around Claude Bebear very large companies, held, also, to illuminate the subject with a guide. For applications beyond the working class now. "In banking, where the number of frames is important, there is a rise of religious claims. And in the automotive and construction, the question wins the administrative headquarters, "says Benjamin Blavier, IMS. This new visibility fueling fears of an escalation. "Soon, everyone will arrive with skullcaps, crosses and display Christ around the office," predicts an HRD to Dounia Bouzar."If I tolerate any application, it will grow," worries he.

The scarf is very badly perceived

If the anxiety is widely shared, the rules applied in the field vary widely. Paradoxically, Ramadan, though very visible, "is rather well accepted in the business" where he is something of cultural tradition, and say Lylia Dounia Bouzar. In the construction sector, "the HRD are particularly concerned about the risk of accidents because employees who do not eat are weakest. They usually adjust schedules when their employees are many practitioners, "say the authors. In retail, "long breaks" are provided to break the fast and not at noon. "The restaurant business is open later and offers halal soup, milk and fruit, a kind of vital smic what 'reflects an official.However, some executives of North African origin regret communautarisation facies: "I am an atheist. Yet, I always offer to leave earlier, "protested Faycal. "It's like you said, today we commemorate the ascent of Jesus to heaven so we all end up to 15 hours."

If Ramadan is tolerated, prayer in the firm bristles, however most employees and managers. Symbolically, pray at work seems like an act of "proselytizing." "The prayer is at home," repeated most of the respondents. "There is no question he asks while others bossent, a senior judge. While elsewhere, ignites an employee: "Why do we let pray while I was refused a development schedule to pick up my child in the manger."

In large companies, prayer rooms have been created yet.Especially in the automotive industry. A French manufacturer has even built changing rooms. Conversely, a large Japanese brand "to the employee to sign an undertaking not to practice his religion on his place of work" in defiance of law, "said Dounia Bouzar.

As for the headscarf, it is still very poorly understood. Except for junior positions, companies would like the outlaw. But the case back "to the criteria of common law," says the anthropologist. "The mere contact with the customer does not prohibit the headscarf." We must demonstrate that it contradicts the rules of safety, it can hurt the convictions of the entourage that night or the performance or commercial interest.The general management rules, which apply to religious demands.

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