Posts Tagged ‘global’

Trichet supports a review of the European Treaties

October 16, 2011 - 3:00 pm Comments Off

As his term ends at the head of the European Central Bank (ECB) October 31, it is not a Jean-Claude Trichet to lecture who spoke Sunday at the Grand Rendez-Vous on Europe 1 / Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui en France / i> Télé, to discuss the crisis at the moment Europe.

With his experience of eight years at the head of the institution, who was also governor of the Banque de France, has recommended that Europeans hear the messages addressed to them. His advice? First, be "extra vigilant" with regard to public finances. Rejecting the idea that the euro area and its currency are "threatened" by the crisis, it nevertheless stated that "all countries without exception must be extremely careful." "Protect yourself rather than cure," he summarized, adding that "it depends on us that we can have the least slower growth."

Then you have to "think about the future," stressed the President of the ECB. "Tomorrow, I think we need to change the treaty to be able to prevent a member of the euro area to roam and create problems for everyone else," he said, referring to the Greek crisis that Europe in a hard to control. He called for a reform that would make the European Council "able to impose decisions" in a country slide, with "possible sanctions".

It includes some of the "outraged"

"We must strengthen the management and governance of globalization in all fields," he also said in reacting to the movement of indignation that spreads in several major cities."There are obviously a number of lessons from the crisis that the lessons are harsh: it is not possible to leave a financial system and consequently a global economic system that is as fragile." This does not mean "demolish" the banks, he insisted, recalling that "pay three-quarters of the economy."

That he referred to as de-globalization theme is in vogue right now, as advocated by the Socialist-Arnaud Montebourg, and one can imagine Jean-Claude Trichet tense in his chair … and find that it is a call to strengthening of global economic governance.

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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The euro struck by the possible failure of Greece

September 12, 2011 - 5:08 pm Comments Off

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

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

"There are more ways to save Greece"

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

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

Numericable: unlimited mobile abroad

September 3, 2011 - 2:48 pm Comments Off

After launching its offer in May with mobile calls, text messages and unlimited internet for 24.90 euros monthly subscribers to its box (and 49.90 euro for non-subscribers), Numericable goes further. Reportedly, the operator will now enable call abroad from the mobile unlimited. An option to pay 10 euros per month, which will be available as of September 19 for all.

"This is a world first, exclusive service and unprecedented," enthuses Jerome Yomtov, general secretary of Numericable. "We want to bring all the mobile services already on the box at home, at home or abroad called unlimited," he says. Over 100 countries are included in this offer, including most major destinations throughout Europe, the DOM, the United States, Canada, Asia.It is extended to calls to Morocco and Algeria for Numericable subscribers who have subscribed to the "Maghreb More" on the NCbox.

This new offering "world" not only to make calls to landlines abroad, but also to the Chinese mobile, U.S. and Canada fast payday loan. And supply expected to be enriched in the coming months. "You can call the U.S. since its unlimited mobile to 34.90 euros a month. United States, to call a mobile to mobile unlimited is $ 70. In short, it will be cheaper to call the U.S. from France, than to be there! "Said Jérôme Yomtov.

Numericable says the offer will be profitable.While the cost of communications decline in Europe and the world, he found a business model by negotiating agreements with major international operators such as Verizon, Telefonica, Cable and Wireless, Tata Communications.

One way to cut the grass under the feet of Free which means lower prices but also change the mobile uses. "This is the mobile revolution continues," trumpets for days on Numericable Tweeter … which led to his being sued by Free, which considers the term as its slogan identity. Atmosphere!

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Pain: an ATM in Paris

August 13, 2011 - 12:04 am Comments Off

In recent weeks, a new generation of vending machines first appeared in Paris. Located near the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the machine offers, 24 and 24 hours seven days a week, fresh bread, sold a euro baguette. One hundred and twenty rods craft, pre-cooked for ten minutes, are placed for maximum seventy-two hours in the refrigerated dispenser. The end of the cooking is done at the pace of demand for ten more minutes. They can then be kept for more than five hours, to ensure consumers of warm bread.

The origin of this world first, as original as vending machines swimwear and sunglasses located at the entrance to the pools, is Jean-Louis Hecht.The baker was able to marry fifties vending, mainly industrial and bakery.

"Small steps slowly"

It all began in 2001 when the contractor completed the first prototype of its distributor, together with a technical school in Moselle. He suggested "small steps small steps" toward a machine patented by the company and assembly of industrial equipment Mecondielle Portuguese. The investment is huge for this baker without the cost of the assembly, the machine comes already at 30,000 euros. Then you would need two hundred and fifty hours of assembly.

The machine, the first of which is in commercial service since January in Moselle, in the other bakery owned by Jean-Louis Hecht, naturally allows to inflate sales, thanks to its opening hours."It is also a strong vehicle for promoting that is not gray at the bakery, says Jean-Louis Hecht. On the contrary, this innovation is a service that complements the baker's trade but do not replace. "

He said it will become indispensable in France and abroad, because of the quality of the product offered and the economic viability extraordinary profits are 30% higher than the store, according to the contractor.

A solution for villages without trade

In Paris, the distributor already sells 80 sticks a day, and Jean-Louis Hecht look forward to go further. The entrepreneur wants to "make the most of" his idea and does not sell his patent. He thinks big and would like to extend it by buying several bakeries and industrial equipment, backed by the facade.

The baker has other ambitions for his vending machine.A consulting firm located in Portugal working on a version independent of any trade, which would be installed in remote locations such as villages, tourist resorts or passage.

With the unmistakable design of his machine, Jean-Louis Hecht even considering creating a string, which spread in the desert regions of all trade, to allow each person to have its traditional fresh baguette every day. He finally claims that his invention has international potential, in Europe or the United States, where consumers are fond of "French baguette."

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The Paris Bourse drops below 3000 points

August 11, 2011 - 4:40 pm Comments Off

After the storm that plunged all the stock exchanges, the European stock exchanges succeed they stay in the green on Thursday? In Paris, after opening up 2.96% to 3092.16 points, the CAC 40 went back down just before noon and sank below the threshold of 3000 points, already briefly reached Tuesday. At midday, it loses 0.69% to 2983.16 points. In Frankfurt, the Dax is in the green at 5688.28 points, up 1.33%. In London, the FTSE 100 edged up 0.17% to 5015.86 points.

The concerns are far from being dissipated, particularly those relating to the slowdown in the global economy and the issue of sovereign debt on both sides of the Atlantic.The overwhelming investor nervousness could therefore persist while no major indicator is the program on Thursday.

Wednesday, the markets were shaken by rumors of a deterioration in the rating of France, immediately denied by the rating agencies and the French government, and concerns about the health of the bank Societe Generale. And the CAC 40 plunged 5.45%, narrowly escaping the psychological threshold of 3000 points to 3002.99 points. Other European markets have suffered the same drop Frankfurt dropped 5.13%, 3.05% London. Madrid and Milan 5.49% 6.65%. In New York, the Dow fell 4.62% and 4.09% for the Nasdaq. However, on Thursday, appeasement was back on the Asian stock markets that are returned to the green or showed moderate declines.

Societe Generale attacked again

Gold continues, meanwhile, fly from record to record.The precious metal has crossed the threshold of 1800 dollars. It is this Thursday morning in 1790 dollars, after hitting a new record of 1815.50 dollars. However, oil resumed its decline in Asia. Yet he had resisted the panic the day before with the announcement of a dramatic and unexpected decline in crude inventories in the United States. In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" lost 79 cents to 82.10 dollars and that of Brent North Sea fell by 1.10 dollars to 105.58 dollars.

Among the values ​​to be followed, the bank that have been heavily tested yesterday. The Financial Markets Authority (AMF), the stock market regulator, announced that it will monitor developments in the securities sector.Shortly before noon, BNP Paribas (-5.88% to 33.515 euros), and Credit Agricole (-1.51% to 5.981 euros) and plunged into the red after yet open on a rebound.

The title is particularly battered Societe Generale: having lost 14 instant payday loans.74% Wednesday, it opened on a rebound of almost 9%. But again plunges 4.13% to 21.265 euros."The willingness of these attacks is to force the SG to a capital increase, which is the workhorse of some analysts and hedge funds in recent months," said an analyst based in Paris at the agency Reuters. "Their reasoning is that the group does not generate enough capital to cope with the capital ratio of over 9% in 2013." The bank, already shaken in 2008 by the Kerviel affair, only to find the investor confidence after several warnings about its results during the financial crisis.

For its part, the CEO of the bank, Frédéric Oudéa, denounced, in an interview with Le Figaro, "the series of attacks" against the French banking sector "sounds completely fantastic, I struggle with the utmost force, attacked Societe Generale, "he lamented. "We have no fear about our ability to raise capital," he added.SocGen has asked the AMF to investigate the origin of the rumors that have depressed its course Wednesday.

Veolia Environnement (4.61% to 10.55 euros) and STMicroelectronics (3.39% to 4.488 euros), especially titles attacked in recent days, return to the field.

In addition, EADS (1.66% to 20.24 euros), the parent company of Airbus, said Wednesday it will not achieve its objectives in the United States in 2020 without new acquisitions.

Title Alcatel-Lucent (2.11% to 2.324 euros) is expected to rise following the release of quarterly results from Cisco Systems, above the consensus of Wall Street.

L'Oreal (2.29% to 1.73 euros) should benefit from the decision by Goldman Sachs, which added its list of preferred European stocks to buy ("pan-Europe conviction buy list").

Saint-Gobain (1.11% to 31.775 euros) has announced the acquisition of Solar Gard, a subsidiary of Belgian group dedicated to Bekaert Specialty Films, as part of its strategy to accelerate its growth through acquisitions.

Maurel & Prom rose 4.22% to 12.35 euros after opening up over 8%. The oil company reported a surge of 123% of its revenue thanks to increased revenues in Gabon and Nigeria.

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China criticizes loud and the United States

August 6, 2011 - 11:12 pm Comments Off

The era of good times is over. China, which for years received lessons in economic policy by the United States, primarily relating to foreign exchange, takes revenge. While S & P has to sacrifice the triple A of the United States, Beijing, the largest holder of U.S. bonds in the world – by far, with 1,160 billion of U.S. Treasuries in the drawers according to figures from Washington published last May – now estimated to have "every right to require U.S. to address their structural problems of debt."

The Chinese government estimates that S & P has only confirmed a "horrible truth". One that was highlighted by the rating agency Dagong China, which has degraded the U.S. triple-A immediately after the agreement to raise the debt ceiling.She said "the days of Uncle Sam, crippled with debt, could easily squander endless amounts of borrowing from abroad seem numbered. (…) In order to treat his addiction to debt, the U.S. must restore the principle of common sense that we must live within its means. " For Dagong, the note of the United States increased from A + to A with, again, a negative outlook. According to the official Xinhua news agency, the adoption by Congress of a text to avoid a default of the United States failed to defuse "the bomb of debt." This failure to control U.S. borrowing could affect the "well-being of hundreds of millions of families in the United States and abroad," she lamented a few days ago.

In other countries, tempers

In France, Baroin, Minister of Economy, trying to reassure.First European official to respond to the thunder of the deterioration in the sovereign rating of the debt of the United States, he ensured that France "has full confidence in the strength of the U.S. economy and its fundamentals, and in the U.S. government's determination to implement the plan that was approved by Congress this week. "

Japan, the second creditor of the United States, said that its policy of buying U.S. bonds remained unchanged despite lowering their score. "Our confidence in U.S. Treasuries and their attractiveness as an investment will not change because of this action," said a Japanese government official told Dow Jones Newswires.Japan, which is trying by all means to curb a flight of its currency against the greenback, has no interest in selling its dollar assets for now since it would only strengthen the yen.

In South Korea, senior officials of the Ministry of Finance held an emergency meeting Saturday to analyze the consequences of the downgrade. But the government has warned against overreaction. "We need not be too worried about our economy and financial markets," said Deputy Finance Minister Yim Jong-yong. An Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has also called for calm markets. "At the same time, the other two major agencies, Moody's and Fitch continue to note the U.S. economy AAA. So I think people need to consider all the facts, "she said.In the Philippines, a spokesman for the Presidency said that the downgrade by S & P was "to some extent a wakeup call for the U.S. begin to seriously address their economic problems. We have confidence in their ability to do so. "

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Eighth meeting of consecutive decline for the CAC 40

August 4, 2011 - 3:52 am Comments Off

For the eighth consecutive time, the Paris Stock Exchange closed in the red. On Wednesday, the CAC 40 ended down sharply again: 1.93% to 3454.94 points. On only five days, the index lost nearly 8%. The Cac 40 was, however, limited its losses slightly in mid-session, down 0.40% to 3508.71 points. But it was not including the publication of reassuring indicator bit in the U.S..

On other European financial centers in London, the FTSE-100 ended down 2.34% to 5718.14 points, featuring Dax index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange lost 2.30% to 6640.59 Wednesday points. South exchanges, which had made a catch at mid-day, did not resist.The index featured the Milan Stock Exchange, the FTSE Eb, closed on a decline of 1.54% to 17,006 points and lindice Ibex-35 main values ​​of the Madrid Stock Exchange ended down 0.85% at 9037 , 7 points.

Italy and Spain under pressure

The European sovereign debt and U.S. continue to weigh heavily on the trend. Yield spreads between bonds to ten years Spanish and Italian over German bonds widen. They stood at 402 basis points respectively (13 bps) and 386 basis points (12 bps). Italy and Spain are again under pressure from the markets fear a contagion of debt. Their governments are mobilizing to stem the panic even if Brussels has ruled out any discussion of a bailout for those countries.The Italian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti and the leader of the euro zone, Jean-Claude Juncker, today concluded their discussion by considering that the reflection on the debt crisis was to continue "calmly." For its part, the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero on Wednesday convened a meeting on "market movements".

China increasingly perplexed vis-à-vis the dollar

Investors also remain worried about the strength of U.S. growth. And, although the Senate has ratified Tuesday the plan to raise the debt ceiling. Insufficient agreement by Moody's which could lower the rating of the country. The closing down sharply on Wall Street Tuesday night also confirms the markets in their choice to continue to withdraw.

China, for its part welcomed the adoption of very hard this plan.Beijing said it would continue to limit its dependence on the dollar, whereas the U.S. has failed to defuse "the bomb of debt." The rating agency Dagong China in the wake downgraded American. Wednesday morning, Asian stock markets, with the exception of Shanghai, changing all down sharply.

Still bad news in the U.S.

On the macroeconomic front, the growth of activity in the services sector continued to slow in July to register their slowest pace since March 2010.The PMI index reached 54.2 against 56.1 in June.

The same goes for the euro area and for Germany: the composite index stood at 52.5 against 56.3 respectively in June and 51.1 against 53.3 in June.

For the euro area, retail sales rebounded 0.9% in June compared to May, where they had fallen by 1.3%, said Wednesday the EU statistics office Eurostat. Eurostat revised down its initial estimate for the month of May, initially announced at 1.1%.

United States, at 14.15, the consulting firm HR ADP unveiled its traditional and highly anticipated monthly report on employment. Higher than the 100,000 new jobs expected by analysts, job creation in the U.S. private sector employment reached 114,000 in July.

In contrast, growth in the services sector in the United States recorded a surprise slowdown in July, according to the index of purchasing managers released Wednesday by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) payday loan. ISM non-manufacturing index stood at 52.7 last month, falling to its lowest level since February 2010, after 53.3 in June. Analysts on average expected a 53.6 index.

Orders for the industry fell 0.8% in June in the United States, driven down by gloom in the transport sector, said Wednesday the Commerce Department. Economists on average had expected a decline a little less strong, 0.7%. Orders were up 0.6% in May

Both have overshadowed the latest news on employment, including Wall Street, where markets remain frozen in red.

Bic flies, Societe Generale sinks

Societe Generale: -8.97% to 29.59 euros (red lantern CAC)

The bank chaired by Frédéric Oudéa posted net income down 31% to 747 million because of writedowns on loans Greek past. Greece forced Societe Generale has given up its goal of net profit of 6 billion euros in 2012.

Crédit Agricole: -6.57% to 7.47 euros

The bank said it had sold its commercial finance Eurofactor in Britain to GE Capital.

Overall, the whole banking sector has suffered: Natixis lost 3.15% to 2.92 euros, 2.98% to loose Axa 12.03 euros and BNP Paribas gives up 1.87% to 41.80 euros.

Air France-KLM: -3.21% to 7.57 euros

The airline plans to delays or cancellations of flights, from Paris, following a strike by technicians responsible for maintenance of its aircraft.

Total: -1.77% to 36.15 euros

The oil company and its CEO Christophe de Margerie were returned to correctional late July for "active corruption" in the investigation into the UN program "Oil against food" in Saddam Hussein's Iraq from 1996 to 2003 officials said a judicial source.

Danone: -0.37% to 49.32 euros

The dairy group has unveiled a proposed acquisition of 250 million euros in nutrition in India to expand into the Indian markets for infant nutrition and medical purposes.

Suez Environnement: 0.68% to 12.67 euros (largest increase in the ACC)

The group specializes in water management and waste released on Wednesday a net profit down 43% to 221 million euros in the first half. Suez Environnement, however, reaffirmed its financial targets for 2011-2013.

Bic: 3.61% to 63.72 euros (largest increase in the SBF 120)

Bic raised its growth target for the division of pens, lighters and disposable razors, to "greater than 5%" against up to 5%.Instead, the group anticipates a decline of about 10% growth for its advertising and promotional products division against 5% previously.

Hermes: -3.39% to 235.35 euros

The Association for the Defence of Minority Shareholders (Adam) wonders why the saddle spends as much to buy back its own shares, whose price has reached a new record this week, said Tuesday its president Colette Neuville.

Renault: -3.20% to 34.23 euros, Peugeot: -1.98% to 23.79 euros

American manufacturers have announced their sales figures on Tuesday night.Chrysler reported a 20% increase in sales of new cars in the U.S. in July, while Ford saw its own increase by 9%.

Accor: -2.03% to 28.23 euros

Accor announced the signing of the sale of catering group Lenôtre Sodexo following the favorable opinion of the works councils of both groups.

After-hours trading, Vilmorin and Cegedim should publish their annual turnover for the first and second quarters respectively.

Orange launches into the low-cost counter for Free

July 29, 2011 - 8:24 am Comments Off

After Bouygues Telecom and SFR, it is the turn of France Telecom to engage in the battle of the low-cost mobile phone with a new brand, Sosh. The announcement, made in conjunction with the presentation of interim results of the group, aims to address "the intensity of competition" and prepare "the arrival of the mobile Free," according to the admission of the CEO France Telecom, Stéphane Richard.

Sosh will mark "all digital", only sold on the Internet. If have to wait until September for details and more particularly the rates, Stéphane Richard said it would be a "soft offer, without commitment," which will decline "two kinds of attractive packages in price ", available with and without mobile terminal.Sosh, whose name is "a nod to the term" social network ", wants to build on social networks and user communities, said Stéphane Richard. It offers a low-cost but not low value. "

With this brand, France Telecom follows the lead of its competitors. SFR was the first to lead the way in June 2010 with its "economic advantage". The operator proposed a package on average 10 to 20% cheaper if the customer subscribing or purchasing retaining also his mobile. A year later, at the launch packages "Square", SFR explained that 15% of subscriptions were dry, that is to say without a telephone.

In early July, Bouygues Telecom has taken a step forward in the world of low-cost brand by launching the first low cost of a large operator.The two packages of "B & You" (our editions of July 5) are attractive, for example, 24.9 euros per month for calls, SMS, MMS and unlimited Wi-Fi 24/24, but that a terminal it is associated.

Reduce subsidies

The recent popularity of telecommunications operators for low-cost offers several origins and first of all the expected arrival of Free, renowned for its ability to break the established codes. Whereas in 2012, its competitors are afraid to see him land in October 2011, with rates very low, just like what he has done over the Internet, with the first offers to 29.99 euros. There is also growing competition from virtual operators (MVNO).Finally, the increase in the price of the terminals has also forced the operators to review their business model.

Until now, to lure new customers or retain old, operators put forward the phones heavily subsidized. But the development of smartphones has changed the situation, with the arrival on the market for phones with more than 600 euros 149 euros … sold by subscription.

If operators and manufacturers refuse to disclose the sale price of "professional" and therefore the exact amount of the grant, it is the secret that the cost of acquiring new customers is a clear tendency to increase.The development offers low-cost in telephony, which are essentially free subscription offers mobile, could however not be sufficient to reverse the trend.

Consumers, especially the French are, by the admission of Stéphane Richard, very attached to offers of renewal.