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The Budget Minister Francois Baroin announced in early July that families with student children should now choose between the additional half-share for tax return if the child lives at home, and if the housing allowance There is more. Before the outcry provoked by the announcement, the government would consider being able to control this by means test, said Tuesday the newspaper Les Echos on its site, without citing sources.

"The case study would be to prohibit the cumulative tax for homes within the last two brackets for the income tax (30% and 40%) families reporting more than 26,030 euros in annual income per share would then be involved, "explains the paper.In this scenario, smaller families would be spared as well.

The "vulnerable population" spared

Baroin said Monday that "vulnerable population" and that family policy would be "saved" by the "movement of the plane" of 10 billion euros will be given to fiscal and social niches in the fight against the deficit public.

The UNEF student union, promised in July 1 start of the academic "offensive and combative" if the government did not come back on its decision to prohibit the accumulation of housing subsidies and tax assistance.

More than 700,000 students currently benefit from the aid, and the half-tax share is a student spends 1.1 billion euros, "he then said.

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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.

"No, no, no, no. By repeating his answer, Nicolas Sarkozy has made to assert emphatically that the fate of Spain was absolutely no concern for him and for all European leaders, meeting in Brussels on Thursday. "No, there is no concern. We fully trust the Spanish authorities. There is no problem, "he said. The French president and wanted to put an end to rumors suggesting that the country of Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will soon get similar assistance to that granted to Greece.

The Spanish head of government has also dismissed the "unfounded rumors" about the fragility of the Spanish financial sector."There is nothing better than transparency to demonstrate creditworthiness, to give confidence," he said.

"This is an analysis that we have 27 to make, which is shared by the IMF, the European Central Bank and the European Commission, Nicolas Sarkozy repeated. "I prefer to make this short answer. Otherwise, I can already foresee the reaction of markets, "has entertained the head of state.

"Defining an Economic Strategy"

The president has focused instead on the organization and objectives of European economic government for which he pleads with Angela Merkel. "It is legitimate that the Heads of State to take decisions in that they have an interministerial allowing them to make decisions in matters of competitiveness," he says, while the Commission President José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission wants to have its say."The Commission has a prominent role but is not she who is in charge of such decisions," decided the President of the Republic.

"The idea of economic government does not only address budget. It will develop a strategy for competitiveness, covering topics such as research, law office, universities, a strong and sustainable growth, "said Nicolas Sarkozy. "We are only at the beginning of the concept. The words 'economic governance' were taboo still four months ago. But the idea is gaining ground, "he was glad.

The tax credit is gaining

In addition to this question, the president addressed a wide consensus about the tax credit. This will be applied in European countries, in order to "contribute towards a fund to ensure that taxpayers and investors that what happened will not happen again," said Nicolas Sarkozy.Regarding the tax on financial transactions or financial markets, "the issue is unresolved. We will make decisions based on the major players in the G20. The idea of a tax will indeed be defended by the European Union at the summit to be held late June in Toronto. "This is a major challenge, but the fee must be applied to the global scale for more efficient," said President of the Republic.

In the field of transparency, the Council also decided that the results of stress tests (stress test) will be issued, bank by bank, in all countries before the end of July. "And in order to avoid new psychodrama.

Strengthened sanctions in the euro area

Concerning the Stability Pact, the European Council decided that it should be strengthened for greater "financial stability"."There will be penalties for those who do not respect the commitments on debt. The fine is not the best solution. With Angela Merkel, we uphold the suspension of voting rights.

Not to mention consenus on this last point, the head of state has simply stated that "several countries have requested that the penalties are the same for all members." Nicolas Sarkozy also said that "sanctions and obligations must be more important for countries in the euro area. The European Council President Herman Van Rompuy should give more detail on this subject in October.

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Washington wants to reduce public expenditure

Barack Obama on Tuesday gave members of his Cabinet until Sept. 13 so they identify reductions of 5% of funds in their agencies and departments. That extra effort the White House to reduce spending in response to American concerns before the expected surge in debt to Uncle Sam more than 100% of GDP in 2012. However, the actual impact of this initiative looks marginal. It will only result in recommendations to Congress may be accepted for fiscal year 2012, not before. In addition, over 60% of federal spending by definition beyond these potential restrictions. These expenses called "automatic" which include debt service, expenses of the pension plan and those of public health systems.

In February, Bush has already requested a freeze for three years (after inflation) of many public spending "not automatic". But the categories have been added untouchable military spending, those relating to civilian security and international aid. But the Pentagon budget alone is $ 700 billion, or half of total discretionary spending. Moreover, the Congress, including Republicans, routinely refuses the few savings proposed by the White House in weapons programs. In point lead Barack Obama now threatening to veto the budget law drafted for the Pentagon by Congress.

Moscow is 20% of staff within

The ad has a taste for rigor, but it is not formally rigorous.Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday ordered his administration to make proposals to reduce by 20% the number of officials in the country. "It is obviously, a far too severe, which can not be made mechanically or on the basis of purely financial criteria. We are talking about the fate of people, "said the head of the Kremlin, which gave no further details. Already last week, during a cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin had discussed such a proposal would lead to the removal of 120 Guaranteed pay day loans.000 positions and would save 43 billion rubles (1.13 billion euros). In contrast, half of this allocation would serve to increase the salaries of other cadres of the public.Despite the beginnings of the European crisis that could hit Russia, the government continues to boast its program of social spending that benefits particularly to retirees. In the past, such cost-saving measures have already been proposed, without being acted upon.

Germany on the wagon

Monday is a detailed history of savings – 80 billion euros by 2014 – announced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In order of priority expenditures of the federal government. Number of allocations will be scaled down and almost 15,000 jobs disappear in the civil service by 2014.The removal of 40,000 soldiers in the Bundeswehr is also under consideration.

New sections in Hungary

After his rescue in late 2008 by the IMF, the World Bank and the European Union, Hungary had announced an initial dose of austerity with a wage freeze for two years in the public and the removal of the 13th month for pensioners. Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday a detailed budget which provides, in addition to creating a financial tax, further cuts in public spending to the tune of 425 million euros. The revenue cap leaders and the public is considered a strict examination of spending to purchase a car or phone service.

Elsewhere in Europe

It is not good to be official now in Europe.Down 5-15% of wages in Ireland, abolition of 13th and 14th month and down 7% in Greece pensions, freeze wages and non-replacement of a staff of two in Portugal, wage freeze in Italy, Spain, hiring freeze in Great Britain … Besides the cuts in operating expenses that are spreading.

A few days after the publication of a sales soaring and better than expected, Ghosn perfect its operation seduction. The CEO of the automaker, which suffered heavy losses last year with 3.1 billion euros of losses, it is one of the most important sector, pledged on Friday at the annual Shareholders' return in the green "no later than 2011.

A challenge for the "cost killer" at Nissan, the shareholders re-elected for four years without surprise at the head of the automaker. Five years after its accession to the presidency of the group, the economic conditions in 2010 should however be difficult. The scheduled shutdown of the scrappage scheme in particular, should not contribute to boost the profits of Renault, who anticipates a decline of 10% of the European market this year.

"The club small groups producing more than 7 million cars a year"

To find the flexibility brought by the loan of 6 billion euros granted by the state earlier this year, Ghosn has also committed to the shareholders to repay that money more quickly than expected, it ie before the year 2014 Guaranteed fast personal loans. "We will refund well before the deadline and we will refund if possible in concert with our friends at PSA," he said. The lion brand was in effect at the time assisted the same amount.

The manufacturer expects to have the freedom again to close and installing production units it wants to reduce its costs.One recalls the intervention of Nicolas Sarkozy to stop the entire production of the Clio in Turkey …

Carlos Gohn finally defended the recent alliance with Daimler, well received by analysts but with more caution by the shareholders of a German manufacturer of luxury cars. "With Daimler, we enter into the restricted club of groups producing more than 7 million cars a year," argued the head of the corporation.

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lefigaro.fr / jdf.com: carbon tax rejected, disagreements at the Copenhagen summit. These events would not they have a negative impact on Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)?

Alain Zeitouni: I think, however, that these cons-time advocate of SRI. They illustrate the inability of states to agree on what policy to adopt and highlight companies that have a real socially responsible approach. Investing in SRI is an investment in a well-run company with good governance and employability positive and more likely to see its share price appreciate.

AFG (French Association of Financial Management) will also require management companies by July 31, a code of ethics which they must answer a series of questions about their SRI policy.Management companies will therefore have an obligation to be transparent with investors in our case, we will put this code available to our customers on our website.

Why did you choose the multi *? How do you reconcile with SRI?

As a society, we believe it is more appropriate to rely on several topics related to SRI, rather than a team with SRI extra-financial analysis.It is well known that our SRI funds Alphastar Barclays profit pricing that allows investors to actively contribute to social awareness, with 20% management fee will be donated to support local civic projects through our structure Barclays Solidarity.

SRI funds are they more efficient than conventional investments?

It is difficult to measure but what is certain is that SRI is more resistant in the phases of market correction and presents a more defensive profile, if uptrend. In other words, there is an outperformance in the market phases. SRI is not a barrier to the market performance. Instead, he must give value added to the fund compared to a traditional investment.The management team should also bring in funds through the performance of traditional criteria such as the revaluation of securities and its prospects.

How do you select your values?

Our management approach is based on a "best in class", that is to say that we select the best titles in their class, whatever the category. In other words, we do not exclude sectors that initially do not appear to be consistent with the ISR, such as the automotive and oil industries, for example.

While values have a real socially responsible approach, we keep them. For example, some car values are investing heavily in R & D to reduce pollution from their vehicles or oil stocks investing in renewable energy. The purpose of a product is primarily SRI performance.We believe it is unnecessary to have a debate about whether a particular value or not SRI.

Why is it your portfolio as concentrated (Barclays Alphastar SRI consists of 13 funds, Ed)?

Our portfolio consists of only 13 funds, because we were not convinced of the other approaches SRI funds, and we believe this issue to make it more readable, it is not necessary to invest in more funds . Accordingly, we are heavily invested on each line, because we have strong convictions on certain themes (sustainable development, corporate governance) that we identify as a source of added value.

Amund and Natixis are historical actors of SRI investing in this topic for many years. They have a database of the oldest of the place.We also returned UFG shares Sarasin Euro Mid-Caps, while our investment universe is large caps. The idea is to identify mid-cap stocks that are concerned with the theme of SRI, but that hardly communicate, because they do not face the same pressure as the major media values.

What is the performance of your fund?

Our fund outperformed the MSCI Europe since its creation of 1.5 basis points (-19.18% against 20.73%) and the underperformed since the beginning of the year (2.98% against 3 57%). This reflects the fact that our portfolio is too concentrated on European values. Because of the difficulties of Greece, the euro has sharply d?sappr?ci? and our portfolio with him. Thus, more than one reason for the market for a reason related to the SRI we underestimate performons index.We therefore decided to refocus on Europe in integrating the England and Switzerland in our portfolio.

That is why we returned OFI leader who is a fund invested in European companies considered in a leadership role within their industry and their competitive universe. We also selected HS Europe, which is invested in European companies also meeting the constraints on environmental, social ethics and governance. We believe that given the pressures on the euro, the single currency will continue to depreciate.

* Multi-management is a technique that selects the most experienced managers and more effective and provide access to larger customer base through a single medium (CPF unit trust or life insurance contract).

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Wall Street starts the week with stability: the Dow Jones is quasi-equilibrium (+0.03%) in the first exchanges, the Nasdaq also (+0.06%). few minutes after the bell, the indices are moving a bit better: to 15.45, the Dox Jones up 0.17% at 11,016 points and the Nasdaq is 0.21%, to 2459 points. The S & P 500 wins he, 0.28%, to 1198 points.

The Nikkei closed up 0.42% to 11251.90 Monday lmatin points, supported by positive indicators published this weekend in the United States and by higher metal prices that has benefited the trading companies.

The U.S. stock markets have recently experienced six consecutive weeks of increases, an unprecedented series from the lowest 12 years and a half touchdowns in March 2009.On Friday, the Dow briefly crossed into the symbolic meeting of 11 000 points to finish at a cable that level at precisely 10 997.35 points. For its part, the Standard & Poor's 500 took 0.67% to 1 194.37 points and the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.71% to 2454.05 points. Since its low point of March 9, 2009, the S & P 500 has now increased by 75%.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro is rising against the dollar this morning after the announcement yesterday by the countries of the eurozone plan the details of aid to Greece.The European currency was trading at just below $ 1.37.

Indicators to monitor

On the macroeconomic front, the week will be marked by several important indicators, as the index of consumer prices, retail sales for the month of March, industrial production, housing starts and the first estimate of the confidence index Reuters / Michigan.

The markets will also follow the hearing of Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, the Congressional Joint Economic Committee on Wednesday and will monitor closely developments in the case of the Greek debt.

Alcoa will open the show publications

The week will be decisive for the U.S. markets. Investors will receive the first quarterly results of major listed companies.As usual, the aluminum giant Alcoa will kick off the season of publications, on Monday after the close of Wall Street. Analysts expected a return to profit, its first since a year.

Meanwhile, Alcoa shares are 1.53%, to 14.62 dollars.

The coming week will also be driven by quarterly results from Intel, Google, General Electric and JPMorgan Chase & Co. banks among others.

On the side of values, the oil industry runs the meeting. Friday Chevron (0.74%, to 80.1 dollars), without giving a figure, has announced an increase its refining margins in the first quarter. The group takes advantage of the rising oil prices and a possible improvement in its refining margins.The major U.S. must publish its accounts on April 30.

According to the press, the merger between United Airlines and U.S. Airways (2.73%, to 7.52 dollars) should be performed exclusively by exchange of shares.