Posts Tagged ‘opinions’

November 2, 2011 - 2:04 pm Comments Off

Doubt continue to settle on Asian financial markets. Investors fear that the referendum in Greece announced Monday by Prime Minister George Papandreou.

After losing 1.70% yesterday, the Tokyo Stock Exchange Wednesday morning unscrewed at the close of 2.21% to 8640.42 points. Same atmosphere on Chinese stock markets: the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.92% to 19,192.70 points and the CSI 300 Index of Shanghai fell by 0.63% to 2680.49 points. "The Greek opinion is not favorable at the European level that includes austerity measures. Optimism prevailed before the G20 summit has faded, "said Fumiyuki Nakanishi, a broker at SMBC Friend Securities.The euro fell by 0.07% to 107.20 yen and the dollar fell by 0.32% to 78.12 yen.

Oil retreats

Oil prices were down Wednesday in Asia after the announcement of a referendum in Greece that could jeopardize the settlement of the debt crisis in Europe, said the courtiers.Le barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in December lost 74 cents to 91.45 dollars in early electronic trading. Barrel of Brent North Sea crude for December delivery gave up 59 cents to 108.95 dollars.

November 1, 2011 - 11:00 am Comments Off

Asian markets see red on Tuesday, like their American and European counterparts. After a brief period of optimism following the European Agreement on the debt control, "the market's attention is focused on implementing the plan, wondering when banks will be recapitalized and if additional funds can be allocated to the European financial stability, "said Kazuhiro Takahashi, broker at Daiwa Securities, quoted by Dow Jones Newswires.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange and ended the session down sharply from 1.70% to 8835.52 points. The broader Topix index has in turn yielded 1.25% to 754.50 points. In Japan, the export sector still suffers from a weak yen against the dollar only after direct intervention from the Japanese government on the foreign exchange market to weaken the outbreak of the currency.On Tuesday, the dollar stood at just above 78 yen and the euro around 108 yen, well below their value on Monday. "We are engaged in a war of nerves" with speculators, said Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi at a press conference.

Toyota lost 1.82%, Mitsubishi and Nissan Motor 1.90%. The automotive sector has not benefited from the announcement of an increase of 28.3% of new vehicle sales in October. TDK has, however increased by 3.67%, even after the publication of a net profit, down to $ 56.6 million in the third quarter. Toshiba has gained 1.43% despite announcing a 19% drop in quarterly profits. Other value of the day in Tokyo: Panasonic, which has lost 5.07%.The rating agency Moody's said it may lower the rating of long-term debt of the Japanese electronics giant, because of the poor profitability of its TV and semiconductor and high costs of Restructuring.

Oil down

Moreover, time is also reduced. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively, losing 1.97% and 0.11%. The Korean Kospi is in equilibrium, an increase of 0.03%, the S & P lost 1.52% Australian and Indian Sensex drops 0.80%. In Sydney, the mining sector was battered in the wake of the raw materials: BHP Billiton lost 2.72% and 2.98% Rio Tinto. Same thing in Hong Kong where Aluminum Corp. 4.38% loose.

Oil prices were down after the announcement of the bankruptcy of U.S. broker MF Global Fund and new fears about the debt crisis in the euro area.

October 29, 2011 - 4:24 pm Comments Off

After five years of modest harvest, France regains its position as the leading European producer of wine. Harvest forecasts for the entire French vineyards have reported 50 million hectoliters (hl) harvested in 2011, up 11% from 2010.

Latest estimates from the European Commission, the great Italian rival, the only one that can steal the top spot of the podium in France, saw its production drop by 17% to 42 Mhl. The proliferation of uprooting explains much of this performance-cons. Spain, meanwhile, was down 9% to 36.5 Mhl.Last year, at the same time, the cooperative had requested an increase of "at least 10%" rates, while the treasury operations were nearly 80% in the red paperless payday loans. This objective was met or exceeded. "The producers have done well: the price of wine out of the property, that is to say, those paid to producers have risen to 15% and even 20%," says Denis Verdier. It is mostly entry-level wines that benefited from the largest increases. Consumer side, "the increases were controlled by large retailers who had not passed on the cuts in previous years," said Denis Verdier.

In the difficult years should succeed to catch up needed for producers who can smile again after three years of crisis.

The CAC 40 is good despite the fear of a recession

October 25, 2011 - 6:56 am Comments Off

Optimism is more than up to the Paris Stock Exchange on Monday. After increasing by 0.61% at the opening in the wake of the Asian markets, up sharply, the CAC 40 is pressed into the red after the release of poor figures on economic activity in the euro area, dropping 0, 31% to 3162.59 points shortly before 14 hours.

Private activity has accelerated its decline in October in the euro area, the PMI reaching 47.2 against 49.1 in September when he was dropped below 50 points for the first time in two years, indicating a decline in activity. France is no exception to this trend, since the firm Markit PMI index fell to lowest in 29 months, to 46.8 points against 50.2 in September.Note that in France, business failures showed a sharp rise of 19.4% in May, a month after three consecutive monthly declines, said Monday the National Institute of Statistics.

The prospect of a solution to the debt crisis in the euro zone after the EU summit this weekend has not been sufficient to support the CAC 40. Meeting in Brussels, Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel Sunday near their positions on the key issue of European bailout fund and its clout in the marketplace. However, on request of Germany, the final decision will be taken until the night of Wednesday to Thursday, after another conclave of crisis. Considering the situation "very complex", Nicolas Sarkozy has sought reassurance "negotiations progress on the issue of banks on the issue of Greece, things are progressing," he said.Selun President of the Republic, "a broad agreement is emerging on strengthening the EFSF."

For its part, Angela Merkel added that the proposed model does not imply the ECB, as advocated by France. Clearly, the European bailout fund (EFSF) leverage its resources, but no new States' contribution of the euro, or use means unlimited in principle of the ECB. With leverage, the EFSF-today with $ 440 billion, and could see his strike force raised in 1000 or € 1500 billion.

In addition, the euro area is considering creating a special fund that could be echoed by emerging countries to stem the debt crisis. China has expressed particular the possibility of financial support.Still, this idea is controversial, some states are reluctant to explicitly request the help of Beijing, according to diplomatic sources cited by AFP.

Tensions within the 27 Member States

Until particularly critical of the slow pace until the European Union to manage the crisis, the International Monetary Fund, through its Executive Director Christine Lagarde, immediately praised the "very good progress" Sunday . "It was really an effective meeting, and I hope it is really in the right direction for Wednesday," she insisted.

However, the rising discontent among the ten states of the European Union not members of the euro area, Britain in the lead, complaining of the increasing willingness of states using the common currency to make decisions without consulting them."The crisis in the euro area affects all our economies, including that of Great Britain", insisted the British Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday. Of tit for tat, Nicolas Sarkozy replied: "We are tired of hearing you criticize us and tell us what we have to do," the French president would have dropped according to the Daily Telegraph and The Guardian, quoting diplomatic sources .

Another measure expected: the Atlantic, Barack Obama will unveil this week a series of initiatives to support the economy and that will not require congressional approval, said an official of the White House.The U.S. president will announce such a measure to facilitate the refinancing of mortgages for Americans own their homes bad credit payday loans.

Activity contracted in France in October

On the macroeconomic front, Markit publishes this morning the Flash PMI in October measuring the level of activity in the private sector in several European countries. In France, the composite index fell to 46.8 from 50.2 in September, falling below 50 which separates growth and contraction. In other words, the activity in the private sector in France shrank in October for the first time since mid-2009, through reducing the risk of recession.In Germany, private sector activity in October also falls in the area of ​​decline, with a composite index stood at 48.9, while analysts expected a growth in activity across the Rhine over the month.

Orders to industry in the euro area will be published early in the afternoon.

For its part, the ECB will publish its report weekly purchases sovereign debt at 15.30.

Oil prices were up in early trade Monday morning in electronic trading in the morning, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for December delivery gained 8 cents to 87.48 dollars on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Hand currency, the euro is stable against the dollar on Monday, the single currency displayed in the balance dollars 1.389 (-0.02%).

Bank stocks on Monday surrounded by very

The list of the progressions in the CAC 40 is dominated by the Monday morning increases of bank stocks, buoyed by hopes of an early solution to the debt crisis in Europe. Thus, BNP Paribas gained 0.25% to 31.86 euros. Allows itself Societe Generale 2.87% to 19.50 euros and Credit Agricole advance of 1.26% to 4.90 euros.

Outside the CAC 40, Faurecia (4.38% to 18.36 euros) stands up.The French automotive supplier controlled by PSA Peugeot Citroen, saw a 16% increase in sales in the third quarter to 3.8 billion euros, and confirmed its annual forecast.

The values ​​next to the lowest market-oriented Paris on Monday morning located Peugeot (-1.89% to 16.62 euros), Yellow Pages (-1.57% to 3.01 euros) and Mercyalis (-1 , 83% to 26.28 euros).

The land in the spotlight

• Gecina (0, 82% to 68.84 euros)

The land identified for the first nine months of a recurring profit of 239.8 million euros, down 8.5%, according to a statement. At six months, the decline of this indicator management was limited to 7.8%. The group does not publish its net profit for the period. He cashed for 476.5 million euros in gross rents on these nine nine months, up 2.9% over the same period in 2010.Gecina confirms its forecast of a recurring profit down 7% for the entire year.

• Icade (-1.08% to 64.30 euros)

The group released Monday property sales up 11% in the first nine months of 2011, thanks in particular to the full-year effect of the acquisition of Compagnie la Lucette. Its sales reached 1,065.8 million at September 30.

• Renault (0.40% to 27.63 euros)

The automaker expects to see its sales volumes grow in the range of 2 to 8% this year, said Carlos Tavares, the deputy CEO of the automaker, in an interview published by Automotive News.

• Sanofi (1.06% to 51.51 euros)

The pharmaceutical company announced that Lemtrada, a drug to fight against multiple sclerosis, was more effective in preventing relapse than medication legacy developed by Germany's Merck.

• April Group (3.15% to 11.95 euros) and Seb (2.36% to 59.95 euros) will also publish their turnover in the third quarter. While STMicroelectronics (0.34% to 5.33 euros) will report its third quarter results.

Banks are once again back the CAC 40

October 4, 2011 - 4:44 am Comments Off

The atmosphere is dull on the Bourse de Paris. The CAC 40 has started the last quarter of 2011 in very bad auspices. It lost 1.85% to 2926.83 points in trading volume reduced by about 2.5 billion euros. In the third quarter, the index in Paris had already sold nearly a quarter of its value. Since the beginning of the year, the CAC 40 listed companies have fallen dramatically. Some of them are worth less than their enBourse assets.

The debt crisis in Europe and fears of more and more vivid on the strength of global growth continue to weigh on equity markets. Elsewhere in Europe, London has also fallen by 1.03% and 2.28% in Frankfurt.

Wall Street also continued to brood despite two indicators of good quality. The ISM manufacturing index rose unexpectedly in September and construction spending rebounded in August.Sitting in the Dow retreated, however, and the Nasdaq 0.81% from 0.66%.

Greece shower markets

Greece literally showered the markets by announcing Sunday night that it would lack its budget deficit targets. The news comes particularly ill at a time when the country is in discussions with the Troika of its creditors, which brings together the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund – and while the finance ministers of the euro area meet Tuesday in Luxembourg and those of the entire European Union, in order to advance the implementation of secondary debt to Greece business cards.

Athens puts out all the stops, however, multiplying the austerity measures to obtain payment by October 8 billion euros in loans promised in the first part of its rescue plan.Without this money, Greece may be in default in the coming weeks.

Banks are feeling the pinch

Brunt of fears in the eurozone, banking stocks always accused the coup, like BNP Paribas (-4.64% to 28.65 euros), Credit Agricole (-3.84% to 5.03 euros) and Society General (-5.15% to 18.97 euros). For its part, Dexia plunged nearly 9%. Moody's threatened to degrade the Franco-Belgian bank. The rating agency is concerned mainly financing conditions of the group in a very difficult market environment, in turmoil for French banks.

Cyclical stocks were affected by their side signs of slowing global economic growth. Technip has lost 6.39%, 2.37% and STMicroelectronics Schneider Electric 2.76%.Even the titles of the car manufacturers have suffered while registrations leveled off in September. Renault finished on down 2.93%, 3.97% of Michelin and Peugeot SA dropped to 2.10%.

Alcatel Lucent (-11.61%) registered the largest decline in the CAC 40, Nomura has damaged the entire industry.

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

New black day for the ACC losing more than 4.7%

September 5, 2011 - 9:24 pm Comments Off

The CAC 40 plunges into the red Monday. The benchmark index of the Paris Stock Exchange, which closed Friday on the day of a severe fall of 3.6%, falling more than 4.73% to close below 3000 points to 2999.54 points, after a opened down 2.41% to 3072.51 points. The movement is the same in the rest of Europe in London, the FTSE-100 index lost 3.58%, in Frankfurt the Dax was down 3.94%. Madrid and Milan unleash respectively 3.38% and 3.97%.

The health of European banks up to the center of attention. The President of the French Banking Federation (FBF), François Perol, recognizes this Monday, in an interview with Les Echos, that if "bank liquidity in euro is not a problem," "the dollar is more refinancing tense. "Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, in turn repeats, in an interview published Monday in Germany, criticized the request of a European bank recapitalization. "We think in general it is necessary to recapitalize European banks so that they are strong enough to withstand the risks associated with the debt crisis and low growth," she told the weekly Der Spiegel.

The chief executive of Deutsche Bank, Josef Ackermann, in turn, poured oil on the fire by saying that some European banks would not survive if they were to reassess the sovereign debt of their accounts at market price.Recapitalization forced the European banking sector could in turn send the wrong signal to markets, in this case the loss of faith on the part of authorities in the ability of measures to succeed, however, said Josef Ackermann .

Societe Generale lost 8.75% to 20.25 euros (largest decrease in the ACC). The bank is also penalized by the U.S. federal agency oversight of mortgage that has filed a complaint Friday against 17 major international financial institutions which include the French bank, for a total loss of $ 41 billion in bonds linked to subprime .

In its wake, BNP Paribas lost 7.33% to 30.97 euros, Crédit Agricole 6.22% to 5.80 euros and 4.85% at Axa 10.01 euros. Natixis lost 5.05% to 2.57 euros.The aerospace equipment Safran (-2.78% to 26.25 euros) will make its entry into the CAC 40 index, while the bank Natixis is about to leave, said Friday the Scientific Council of the indices of NYSE Euronext. The changes take effect Sept. 19.

Bad signals on growth

In addition to banking problems, the first global economy has fueled fears of a global slowdown by announcing Friday it had no jobs created in August. Following this announcement, Wall Street closed on a sharp drop of more than 2%. U.S. markets will do on Monday with European stock any procedure they will remain closed for Labor Day (Labor Day observed every first Monday of September)."Wall Street remains closed doors, it seems unlikely that operators take the slightest risk," said Chris Weston, an analyst at IG Markets.

In China, HSBC index of purchasing managers in the Chinese sector services slowed to an unprecedented low in August. Seasonally adjusted and calculated by the Institute Markit, it fell to 50.6 after 53.5 in July

No other indicator may move the indices are expected on Monday. One highlight of the week will be the release of the Beige Book Fed on Wednesday night, which will be the summary of economic conditions in regions in the United States payday loans direct lenders.

No recession expected in Europe

The side of the euro area, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, has tried to reassure investors.Traveling in Australia, he said that the European economy would experience in the coming months a "moderate growth" without going into recession. "We do not anticipate a recession in Europe. The latest forecasts from the European Commission show that the growth will be at the meeting, although this growth will be moderate, it is true, "he said in Sydney.

Markit, the company that carries out the PMI, however, said on Monday that growth in private activity in the euro area slowed more than expected in August, falling to its lowest level in two years, reinforcing fears of a return to recession by the end of 2011. The composite index, which summarizes the activity in the service sector and manufacturing fell to 50.7 points against 51.1 points in July, according to a second estimate.

For his part, Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the European Central Bank said it is "imperative" to implement the decisions taken by Heads of State and Government of the euro zone in July to resolve the debt crisis.

The euro fell to 1.4127 dollars, its lowest level in three weeks. For their part, oil prices were down in electronic trading in Asia, depressed by the poor figures on employment in the United States. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October lost 59 cents to 85.86 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery 74 cents to 111.59 dollars.Saft takes off

EDF: -2.77% to 20.37 euros

The Italian Minister of Industry, Paolo Romani, said Sunday he would meet Monday Proglio about the power company Edison.

ArcelorMittal: -4.67% to 13.46 euros

Peabody Energy and ArcelorMittal announced Monday it had extended until September 27, the period during which the short bid for $ 5 billion (3.53 billion euros) on the Australian Macarthur Coal.

Zodiac: -1.94% to 54.05 euros

The group said it had completed the acquisition of the American Heath Tecna and have reached an agreement with its banks to raise 300 million euros the amount of an existing credit line.

Schneider Electric: -6.01% to 41.35 euros

The French government intervened with the company to freeze a plan for the removal of one.000 temporary positions, the daily Liberation in its Monday edition, but the group has firmly denied to AFP such a plan.

Saft: 4.81% to 22.87 euros (largest increase in the SBF 120)

The American automotive supplier Johnson Controls will pay $ 145 million (102 million euros) to the French specialist in batteries as part of an amicable agreement ending their joint venture in the automotive industry, announced Friday the two groups in a joint statement.

Alstom: -5.16% to 29.21 euros

The group signed a 66 million euros with Iraq to build a power plant in the province of Nineveh in the north, said the Iraqi Minister of Electricity.

France Telecom: -1.67% to 12.36 euros

TPSA its Polish subsidiary has announced to contest the fine of 128 million euros that inflicted the European Commission.

After market, environment and Dried Assystem unveil their first-half results.

Indecision for Wall Street

August 26, 2011 - 5:52 am Comments Off

Shortly before the start of the session in New York, the index futures Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 declined by 0.26% to 1169 points and 0.77% at 2122.50 points. The Dow Jones was approached for its small down from 0.13% to 11,253 points.

After aligning the day before a third consecutive session, the U.S. stock markets may experience a more mixed session on Thursday. As of Wednesday evening, the title of Apple, the Apple brand famous plunged 7% in electronic trading after the close of trading in reaction to the departure of the group's founder, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook replaced by .

So that investors may enclose the value seriously, now, from the beginning of the session. The stakes are high for Apple.On 9 August, Apple had a happy time oil giant Exxon Mobil's first-place capitalization in the world in full trading day before falling on the second step of the podium.

Unemployment menu

In terms of macroeconomic indicators, the weekly jobless claims, which will be published before the start of the U.S. session at 2:30 p.m., will also be monitored. A consensus of analysts expected a slight decline to 405,000, against 408,000 previously.

Wednesday night, orders for durable goods in the United States had rebounded in July, prompting stock markets to rise, on both sides of the Atlantic. "But the indicator of business spending showed the U.S. economy remains fragile," do, however, keep stock analysts from Barclays.In a context marked by the end of the indicators is misguided, or worse in reality than it seems, investors are on their defense.

Meanwhile Jackson Hole

Especially since tomorrow is Friday that Ben Bernanke will speak from Jackson Hole this Friday at 16:00. We will then know whether a possible third last monetary easing, on which markets have been speculation this week, will be decided. Alternatively, investors can look forward to continued low interest rates likely. The second estimate of U.S. GDP for the second quarter will also be unveiled.

The growth rate of the world's largest economy in the spring, which had greatly disappointed a month ago, could then be revised down 0.2 percentage point to 1.1%.

The rebound continues on the Cac 40

August 10, 2011 - 3:08 pm Comments Off

Like Wall Street Tuesday night, which has rebounded strongly, and Asian markets Wednesday morning, that show – more moderate – from green, the Paris remains well in positive territory. At the opening at 9 am the Cac 40 rising 1.27% to still 3216.59 points. In London, the FTSE s lead of more than 1.7% in early trade, while the Dax in Frankfurt climbed 2.09% to 5040.68 points.

Investors are relieved by the outcome of the Fed, which ensured that it would extend its monetary policy ultra-accommodating while maintaining zero interest rates until at least mid-2012 and exploring other measures to support economy U.S.. The Fed confirmed that the U.S. economy is in trouble, especially since the deterioration in the debt rating of American long-term.

But the French side, poor statistical stopping the rebound came as the Paris Bourse was trying to afford.French industrial production has displayed sharp decline in June, -1.6% compared to May after a significant increase of 1.9% the previous month, said Wednesday the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) . In the only manufacturing industry, which excludes mining and construction, production was also significantly decreased in volume compared to May (-1.9%), according to INSEE. She was up sharply in the previous month (+1.4%).

Now that the mood calmed down on the front of the U.S. economy, more eyes turn to Europe, a somewhat forgotten during the American episode, but continues to skate on the issue of debt. But the urgency is "crucial to restore market confidence," stressed the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy.But disagreements between countries are delaying the implementation of the rescue plan agreed in June

U.S. oil stocks on the radar screen

From a macroeconomic point of view, in France, the current account deficit narrowed in June to 3.4 billion euros against 5 Payday advance.5 billion in May, mainly due to a significant decline in the deficit of trade in goods, said Wednesday the Bank of France. The deficit of trade in goods reached 5.8 billion euros (7.5 billion after May) while the surplus in services trade has shown an increase ($ 1.5 billion from $ 0.8 billion) .

This is especially the United States the figures are viewed. Weekly crude inventories will be closely monitored while the oil has again depreciated sharply: Oil prices ended Tuesday to its lowest level since September 29, 2010, yielding about 2.5% in New York under the $ 80.At 20 hours, will be published the figures of budget execution in July.

GDF Suez profits down 23%

Values ​​on the forehead, the only value of the Paris stock to remain in Sanofi ke deckhouse is: -0.06% to 47.23 euros.

Note that GDF Suez (3.40% to 20.70 euros) issued a net profit down 23% to 2.74 billion euros in the first half of 2011. Mestrallet, interviewed by Le Figaro on Wednesday that his group believes in the process of deleveraging, which has signed a strategic partnership with China, is well equipped to benefit from growth in emerging markets.

Bourbon (5.90% to 23.34 euros) Wednesday reported a sharp increase in sales in the first half thanks to the continued improvement in the utilization of its fleet of bottom of market recovery.

Scor (3.16% to 15.81 euros) announced in a statement that it has completed the acquisition of the mortality of Transamerica Re, a division of AEGON, and it took effect from Wednesday. The amount of the transaction announced April 26 totaled 912.5 million dollars, said Scor.

Atari (17.69% to 1.73 euro) said Tuesday it has completed the sale of development studio at Cryptic Studios games Chinese Perfect World, listed in the U.S., for gross proceeds of approximately 35 million euros.

High wages: tax withheld by employers

June 30, 2011 - 6:08 pm Comments Off

The French Association of Private Enterprises (Afep), which includes very large groups, will this evening at dinner Xavier Bertrand. Labour Minister and his guests have something to talk about everything found: the taxation of the remuneration of top managers.

Xavier Bertrand Tuesday reiterated the government's intention, not to establish a "maximum wage", but to increase the levies on companies' pay extravagant wages "- which in his view, means" several million euros. " The idea was initiated by a part of the majority in the debate on the alleviation of the ISF and the end of the tax shield. The Left had also seen a way to feel good after a "gift to the rich" … The measure should be passed in the fall.It could take two forms: a new tax or the inability to deduct the payments of the tax base of companies. "I favor the latter possibility," the minister said Tuesday.

"Branding a category»

Neither of the two formulas, in any case not suitable for Afep. Its chairman, Maurice Levy (Publicis Groupe), found the need to "be bad enough faith to consider that there is a problem together" on the compensation of top managers of French companies. Based on a study Aon Hewitt, he assured that they are on average paid less than their counterparts at the head of U.S. companies, Swiss, British, Spanish or German. "It's not healthy to attack a general executive compensation. This leads to stigmatize a category, "says Maurice Levy."I'm not at all support the idea that decides what should be the compensation of one or the other, in a total abstraction of what the company," he says. As to subject executive compensation to the general meeting of shareholders, rather than the board or a special committee, the president of the Afep sees "no need to submit to such AG decision over another ", saying that there is already" in the company a democracy that works very well. " Annual reports, accessible, detailed executive compensation.

"Personally," Maurice Levy, however, sees "no objection" that the persons whose total income is high "contribute more in difficult times," as an "element of solidarity."

See also:

"Chérèque does not believe in a maximum salary