Posts Tagged ‘finance’

November 30, 2011 - 2:00 am Comments Off

The drachma, lira and other marks will they soon return to their distributors? Among the patrons, many do not want to believe, but the taboo has fallen in recent weeks, the crisis of sovereign debt has indeed reached the heart of the monetary union. "We're not there, and policies must absolutely do everything to avoid it, demonstrates a pattern of CAC 40. But never the uncertainties have been greater, and in the circles of European bosses, the topic is everywhere. "

Within groups – especially multinationals – the challenge now is to consider this assumption is not quite school, building plans for the "case". A subject on which, not surprisingly, more people start to speak outside the euro area and within it. Across the Channel, Constable British banks have their very formally requested to develop crisis plans ad hoc.In New York and London, in turn, several large financial platforms (CLS Bank, ICMA, Thomson Reuters or FXall) that run from bank to bank transactions, including foreign exchange, have informed their customers that they were preparing. For those operators who brew massive amounts of transactions, it is to ensure full and prompt treatment, even if the name change money.

The offenses of the leaders of Dexia

October 21, 2011 - 7:12 pm Comments Off

The fall was accelerated by Dexia irregularities. A document written by the supervisory authority in 2010 reported several violations of the Franco-Belgian bank, reported Liberation.

The body responsible for regulating the banking sector would have directly challenged the previous management but also the leaders still in office. The report was quoted as saying, "number of findings concerning mechanisms for managing derivative positions are likely to contravene the regulations." Regulators cite "in 2007 and until 2008, the disclosure of Dexia Credit Local has remained evasive about the increasing risks, including the CEO and directors were aware. She ignored the violations of regulations and monitoring liquidity risk. "And the report says "the information to the public was not accurate, precise and sincere."

These omissions or falsehoods for the purchase of a portfolio of bonds and speculative securities amounting to 100 billion euros, an "illogical financing local government, the report quoted by Liberation. Regulators also suggest a failure on the part of the Dexia value of this portfolio of assets, both at the time of purchase as to resale. Worse, the leadership in place deliberately magnified the value of assets. The "overvaluation is estimated at at least 2 billion euros." Auditors such as Deloitte and Mazars have closed their eyes, the report said.

Loans to shareholders to purchase securities

The management team in place is also not spared.In a letter dated September 4, 2009, the report stresses that "the director of the institution has provided an underestimation of the volume of transactions."

Meanwhile, the Financial Timesaffirme that Dexia has paid 1.5 billion euros in its first two institutional shareholders before 2008 so that they carry out acquisitions of securities of the Franco-Belgian bank. But Dexia would, at the time, not breaking the law then in effect. The question is whether the court will examine the case Dexia.

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The New York Stock Exchange paused

October 19, 2011 - 7:08 pm Comments Off

After his recovery in the day Wall Street takes a break. The Dow Jones falling by 0.25% to 11,549 points and the Nasdaq 0.70% to 2639 points. Investors should indeed play the card of caution before the release, after closing, the beige book of the U.S. central bank. This snapshot report on the health of the U.S. economy is still highly anticipated by the markets.

Meanwhile investors remain focused on company results and the problems of sovereign debt in Europe. After the warning on the sovereign rating of France, Moody's downgraded by two notches on Tuesday night the note of Spain. This goes from A1 to Aa2 with negative outlook. The rating agency believes that the country remains vulnerable to difficulties in credit markets.In addition, Moody's does not exclude a further reduction if the crisis worsens in the euro area.

Paris and Berlin would be willing to strengthen the stability fund

Rumors press reported an agreement between France and Germany to increase the capacity of European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) to 2000 billion. But European officials have denied the existence of a formal agreement. This issue should be at the heart of the EU summit on Sunday. Yesterday, however, German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated that the top of Sunday should be an "important step" but that the crisis can not be resolved "in a single peak."

At the macroeconomic level, housing starts in the U.S. rebounded strongly in September (15%), driven by the community housing sector, according to figures released Wednesday in Washington by the Department of Commerce.The consumer prices increased in September (0.3%) for the third consecutive month, continuing to erode the purchasing power of households. Investors will also monitor the weekly report on Wednesday oil stocks.

On the foreign exchange market, the European currency climbed to 0.60% in mid-session 1.3825 dollars against 1.3752 dollars late Tuesday.Oil, however, is more mixed.

The barrel of "light sweet crude" for November delivery lost four hundred, to 88.30 dollars a barrel while Brent North Sea crude for December delivery was appreciating by 13 cents to 111.28 dollars.

Mixed results

• Morgan Stanley (2.77% to 17.09 dollars)

The bank on Wednesday reported a profit of $ 2.2 billion in the third quarter against a loss a year earlier, along with a sales increase, both worn by an accounting adjustment.

• AMR (-7.80% to 2.60 dollars)

The parent of the airline American Airlines, announced Wednesday a net loss of $ 162 million for the third quarter, stronger than expected, partly attributed to rising fuel prices no fax payday advances.

• United Technologies (-0.39% to 73.83 dollars)

Technology Group has announced a 10.5% increase in profit to 1.32 billion in the third quarter and raised its forecast for annual results.

• Abbott Laboratories (4.50% to 54.80 dollars)

The health group will split into two listed companies, one centered on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical drugs, the other on medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional supplements and generic drugs, announced the laboratory management.

After the close of Wall Street, Tuesday, several big names from the coast, including three technology giants Apple, Intel and Yahoo! have announced their quarterly results.

• Apple (-5.17% to 400.41 dollars)

The company issued a apple annual net profit up 85% to 25.22 billion dollars but less than market expectations, with a fourth quarter hit by the slowdown in sales of iPhones. The turnover stood at $ 28.3 billion against $ 29.6 billion expected. The firm at the apple has sold 17 million iPhones during the quarter (as against 20 million expected), 4.89 million Mac computers (4.4 million expected) and 11.12 million iPads. For the current quarter, the group of Cupertino expects earnings per share of 9.3 dollars against 9.02 dollars estimated by analysts.

• Intel (4.40% to 24.43 dollars)

Micoprocesseurs a giant in the third quarter against a BPAD $ 0.65 $ 0.61 expected and $ 0.52 last year.The turnover stood at 14.23 billion against $ 13.87 billion a year earlier. The group also increased the amount of its share repurchase program to $ 10 billion.

• Yahoo! (4.46% to 16.16 dollars)

The engine iinternet published for the third quarter EPS of $ 0.21 against $ 0.17 expected. The revenue excluding traffic acquisition costs amounted to $ 1.07 billion, as expected. For the current quarter, the company expects a turnover of 1.13 billion dollars against 1.24 billion expected by analysts.

• Cree (-8.17% to 25.52 dollars) has reported a turnover of 269 million dollars in the first quarter of 2011/2012, stable over one year. Net income fell 58% to 28 million.For the current quarter, Cree expects a net profit of 29-33 million.

• CSX (1.63% to 21.05 dollars)

The group of small electrical equipment achieved a turnover up 11% to $ 2.96 billion. Net income was $ 464 million against $ 414 million a year earlier.

After the close American Express and eBay announce their figures.

Energy: simplified access to social tariffs

October 18, 2011 - 11:28 am Comments Off

Avoid the brake of the form. The Minister of Industry and Energy, Eric Besson to file on Monday an order to simplify the procedures for access to social tariffs for electricity and gas, announced Europe 1.

These rates are for beneficiaries of the Universal Health Coverage (CMU) or any person whose monthly income is less than 634 euros per month (for a single person). To request the application of these rates, you must obtain and complete an administrative form. Exercise inherently complicated for the target populations, not used to write. Worse, most of the time, people who could benefit do not even know they exist!

Effective in 15 days

The decree, in preparation since last year is expected to overcome these obstacles by automating access to these rates.Now, energy suppliers will receive a file directly from the CMU and will identify the affected customers. They will inform them they automatically assign the preferential tariff within 15 days guaranteed pay day loans. The new procedure should apply from the publication of the decree. EDF has already announced that its computer systems were ready.

The social tariff saves on the electricity bill of around 90 euros per year and 142 euros for the gas bill. A helping hand needed for 13% of households suffering from fuel poverty is to say that spends more than 10% of their budgets to cover their energy needs. Some 600,000 households currently receive social tariffs. The decree could raise the total to 1.5 million.

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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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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.

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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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.

S & P: Berlusconi denounced political pressure and media

September 21, 2011 - 1:24 am Comments Off

"Il Cavaliere" did not like to see the note in his country degraded by Standard & Poor's. "The ratings of Standard & Poor's seem more driven by stories in the newspapers as the reality and they seem to have been negatively influenced by political considerations," said Silvio Berlusconi in a statement. The Italian prime minister said that the country has already approved measures to balance its budget in 2013 and Italy in adopting new ones to stimulate growth. The austerity plan of 54.2 billion euros adopted on September 14 does not seem to have convinced the rating agency which doubted the credibility of the government and the Italian president.

Without having published a press release responding directly to the attack of the Italian President, Standard & Poor's is fighting back."The sovereign ratings by S & P ratings are apolitical, based on the evolution of" credit risk, provided to investors, "says one in the U.S. rating agency.

Moody's and soon …

S & P also ensures that its assessment is based on "independent analysis and detailed economic and fiscal outlook in Italy and on assumptions about the expected evolution of the debt.""The ratings indicate how the various policy initiatives may impact on the financial reliability and to hear any suggestions on policies that a government should or should not continue," said the rating agency.

Entangled in new revelations about his private life, Silvio Berlusconi is aware that the decision of S & P is a blow to the country, as Moody's may degrade the note of Italy in October that had never been lowered since the beginning of the debt crisis.

Player Figaro BFM

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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