Posts Tagged ‘world’

Air France: a union of three up in the strike notice

October 26, 2011 - 8:04 am Comments Off

The threat of a strike by cabin crew of Air France for the Thanksgiving holiday continues to weigh, despite progress in negotiations. One of the three unions, Unac, has indeed lifted its strike notice on Tuesday, after further management proposals. "Given the achievements and progress of these negotiations, delegates from the Unac consider that we should not miss this opportunity to meet our demands," said the union.

But two other unions, the SNPNC-FO and UNSA-Air, have maintained their parallel strike notice, which shall commence from 29 October for three to five days.

Negotiations break down including the number of crew members present on long flights, medium and short haul Air France would like to reduce.However, "this will place a serious case of the safety of passengers on flights of Air France," a judge of the unions representing flight attendants and stewards, the SNPNC-FO, in a statement.

Individualisation of pay

The unions also challenge the project management to change the evaluation system flight attendants. Air France would they be judged by their purser, rather than instructors, who are former cabin crew, as is the case.

But the unions, particularly the UNSA-Air, fear that this reform does not lead to an individualisation of pay in lieu of the automatic promotion today. They also fear that this new mission will turn the heads of cab "chefaillons.""After eight hours of negotiations, management has not provided a satisfactory response to our demands," summarized the SNPNC-FO cash advance today.

The social atmosphere is tense at Air France, then the group is setting up a savings plan which aims to restore its competitiveness. The priority of the airline is more than ever to fight against fierce competition from low cost airlines, said Jean-Cyril Spinetta, head Air France-KLM, in an interview to Le Monde dated Tuesday.

Restore competitiveness

To do this, Air France opened on October 2 its first regional base in Marseilles, to serve thirty destinations. Other bases are expected to follow in Toulouse, Nice and Bordeaux in 2012, after negotiations with the unions. The opening lines of low cost flights from Marseille had required a significant reorganization of work, to achieve lower costs by 15%.

If negotiations prove difficult, the group has little choice. Air France KLM has lost 40% of its market value in two and a half years, and suffered a loss of 197 million euros in the first quarter of fiscal 2011-2012. Just days after replacing unexpected Pierre-Henri Gourgeon Juniac by Alexander at the head of the group, Air France – KLM is also expected to issue a warning on its results for the period April to September, announced on Tuesday morning radio BFM Business. The company declined to comment on this information.

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Nobel: Beijing takes it out on Norwegian salmon

October 8, 2011 - 8:52 pm Comments Off

The award, last year's Nobel Peace jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was an unexpected victim: salmon from Norway, host of the committee awarding the famous distinctions.

Furious at the sudden media exposure of Liu – they consider a "criminal" – Chinese authorities have in fact increased the veterinary strengthened against Norwegian salmon. The AFP ensures that the health tests are so extensive that these fish end up rotting in warehouses.

Result, exports of Norwegian salmon in China have fallen by half during the first eight months of 2011, Oslo hoped an increase of at least 30%. Three figures sum up the confusion of Scandinavian fishermen. December 2010, the date of the ceremony: 1000 tons sold. January 2011: 315 tonnes. February 2011, 75 tonnes.Norwegian exporters have tried to go through Hong Kong, but this shortcut stale quickly resulted in an impasse.

The operation antisaumon is very symbolic, since the other Chinese imports from Norway were up by 16% because of higher commodity prices. It is true that to meet their urgent needs of the Chinese energy resources are much less fussy.

The Paris Bourse tries to rebound

October 5, 2011 - 2:40 pm Comments Off

European stock markets resumed a little height on Wednesday morning, after the statements of Olli Rehn. In Paris the CAC 40 2.59% advance to 2924.50 points. London ahead of 2.30% and 2.39% in Frankfurt. European Commissioner for Economic Affairs has indeed mentioned in an interview with the Financial Times, a European plan to recapitalize banks. Reassuring news while the Franco-Belgian bank Dexia, the first victim of the debt crisis must be dismantled. "We share a growing opinion that we need a concerted, coordinated in Europe," he said, "the capital of European banks should be strengthened to give them a safety margin and so reduce uncertainty "in markets.

Wall Street has offered a nice rebound late in the session after the publication of these declarations, against a background of technical rebound.Europe should follow the trend, despite the announcement of the degradation of the Italian note by Moody's. In Paris on Tuesday after completing a sharp drop of 2.61%, the CAC 40 is trying to bounce back. Asia is more mixed, however, shows Wednesday morning, the Nikkei declining more than 1% to less than half an hour of closing.

In terms of macroeconomic indicators, two figures for the euro area will be published on Wednesday: the retail trade for August and the second estimate of GDP in the second quarter.In the U.S., the ISM index of activity in services is expected in September to 16 hours and the weekly crude oil inventories at 16:30.

Oil markets, fell sharply Tuesday after the courses are starting to rebound on Wednesday morning in Asian electronic trading: the Brent North Sea crude for November delivery gained 1.67 dollars to 101.46 dollars. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in November was appreciating his side of 1.91 dollars to 77.58 dollars.

The banking sector up

Following statements by Olli Rehn, the banking sector will be particularly followed on Wednesday. In particular, Dexia remains a key concern when it was dismantled has been approved. The Franco-Belgian bank has confirmed the creation of a "bad bank" combining its risk assets.The European Banking Authority (EBA) also discuss the situation of the bank on Wednesday.

Investors engaged in an intense hunt for bargains in the banking sector free instant credit score. BNP Paribas advance of 6.20%, 5.38% of Societe Generale and Credit Agricole of 6.34%, despite the deterioration of recommendation from Goldman Sachs on the sector.

In addition, Goldman Sachs on Tuesday lowered its price targets of several French banks: it is reduced from 68 to 58 euros to BNP Paribas for 9.70 euros to 6.90 euros and Credit Agricole 3.60 to 2 , 80 Natixis. Societe Generale is seen removed from the list of réfence European bank, which reduces its recommendation on the title of "buy" from "neutral."The price target is reduced from 45 to 32 euros.

The energy sector will also be monitored: the CGT federation of energy called because the employees of the gas and electricity in a strike on October 11 as part of a national day of mobilization under five French unions .

Axa (2.39% to 9.20 euros) indicated that the depressed stock market could affect its objectives in 2015 but ensures that its balance sheet remains strong at the end of September.The insurer says remain "fully engaged" in achieving its objectives and it reiterates its policy of dividend distribution

In addition, U.S. funds TPG and KKR and the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec have submitted preliminary offers for the acquisition of Axa Privaty Equity (AXA PE), the division of equity sold by Axa, according to La Tribune.

The reinsurer Scor (0.93% to 15.78 euros) also confirmed the financial goals of its strategic plan by 2013, especially a return on equity of 10% above the risk-free rate and credit rating Level "AA".Scor still expects a gross premium volume amounted to over EUR 10 billion in 2013, an annual growth rate of 14% between 2010 and 2013 as against 9% previously.

Gecina (-3.05% to 61.05 euros) announced thanking its general manager, Christophe Clamageran, because of differences over priorities in the implementation of the strategy of the real estate group. Bernard Michel, Chairman, is CEO of the company.

Wendel (4.48% to 45.05 euros) said Tuesday it has completed the acquisition of Mecatherm, the global leader in equipment for the bakery industry valued at around 170 million euros as part of the operation.

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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.

Third session of consecutive increase for the CAC 40

September 16, 2011 - 12:20 am Comments Off

The Paris Bourse finally returns to the threshold of 3000 points. On Thursday, the CAC 40 closed up on 3.27% to 3045.62 points. Other European markets follow the same path: Milan ended up 3.56%, 2.11% from London, Frankfurt and Madrid from 3.15% to 3.63%. Wall Street was also in the green fence at the time in Europe.

Investors seem reassured by the willingness of European leaders to develop concrete actions to leave the eurozone its difficulties. Among them is the establishment of an agreement in principle to toughen the Stability Pact and fiscal discipline common in the EU, which provides for sanctions for countries that would leave too lax spinning their deficits. Another reassuring element: the willingness of German and French leaders to avoid an out of Greece in the euro area and the Greek government's determination to break the budget impasse.

Brazil and Russia have also said they were considering a support action. While international solidarity is organized to support Europe, Christine Lagarde since Washington recalled the need for world leaders to "common front" to avoid falling into a global recession will spare "person."

These statements on the euro area, combined with bargain hunting, did overshadow the release of mixed U.S. indicators (including the employment front) and European (growth on less-than-expected expected in the second half).

Side values, the banking sector was further illustrated by a sharp rise. Operators have particularly appreciated the decision taken by the central banks of the richest countries to take concerted action to expand the supply of banks in dollars.BNP Paribas is the largest increase in the ACC (13.38% to 30.50 euros). It is followed by Natixis (7.12% to 2.49 euros), Axa (6.49% to 9.89 euros), Credit Agricole (5.89% to 5.52 euros) and Societe Generale ( 5.44% to 18.33 euros). The area was not affected by the announcement of the massive fraud that hit UBS.

Another day value, LVMH, which climbed 3.44% to 115.65 euros after announcing choosing Jordi Constans, come to Danone, to succeed Yves Carcelle at the head of Louis Vuitton in 2013.

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Recovery, precision: United States and Europe differ

September 11, 2011 - 2:44 pm Comments Off

Pressure on Europe. Even before the G7, which met Friday night in Marseille finance ministers and central bank governors of the G7 (U.S., Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, UK), Christine Lagarde urged leaders of the Old Continent to "act now and boldly."

Executive Director of the IMF did not hesitate to dramatize the situation. "The world economy is in a period fraught with danger," she said in London, alongside the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, before flying to Marseille.She reiterated her concerns vis-à-vis European banks: "Faced with the rising risks and uncertainties and the need to convince the markets, some need to strengthen their capital." We explained to the IMF and the European economies are funded for three quarters by banks and only a quarter through the markets (the opposite in the U.S.) and are highly dependent on the health of their banking system.

Old friend of Christine Lagarde, the U.S. Treasury Secretary has also multiplied the statements at the Europeans. In an article in the Financial Times, Timothy Geithner asked "an unequivocal commitment to support the European financial system and ensure that states can borrow at interest rates as they adopt sustainable reforms."Then, Friday afternoon, he returned to the charge, live from the Old Port with Bloomberg TV in the rooms was sending a market enchanting image: "It is very important for the world that the Europeans do the right thing , he said. It is in the interest of the United States that the euro will survive. "

Tensions

The G7 meeting ended, Friday night, for a press conference Baroin, who chaired the proceedings. The central bankers have published "terms of reference" that mark a commitment to "strong" and "coordinated," said Baroin, on four themes: the challenges of the global economy, the balance between fiscal consolidation and recovery, pursuing monetary policies that allow banks to supply the necessary liquidity, and the reform of financial regulation.

The responses of the G7 remains limited.The possibility of an announcement of coordinated central bank for monetary policy even more generous seems unlikely, "I do not think we will see that," Geithner acknowledged. The IMF, whose services are exposed to a new state G7 encrypted in the world economy, called for a stimulus modulated, depending on the situation of each country, welcoming the passage the Obama plan for employment (see below below).

But Germany, the only G7 country whose public finances could provide room to maneuver, had refused in advance: "Combating the crisis with a debt even more pronounced, it would be the wrong path to take," said Wolfgang Schäuble, his finance minister. But that's another German who fed the conversations, Jürgen Stark, the chief economist of the ECB, resigned.

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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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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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The euro falls, a Greek default is "increasingly likely"

July 13, 2011 - 1:16 am Comments Off

Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier, the head of Saxo Bank

The BBC could eliminate 3000 jobs

July 10, 2011 - 7:04 pm Comments Off

BBC slashing its workforce. The Sunday Times, the group British public broadcasting might delete jobs by 3000 to five years, as part of a plan to reduce costs. This plan applies this fall, would provide a lower budget of around 20%.

The purpose of such savings is to deal with new budget information inherited from the British austerity plan: last October, the government has indeed frozen Cameron 2017 license fee received by the BBC, and forced the group to Broadcast new charges. It will include finance its broadcast services outside Great Britain, the BBC "World Service", formerly under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the installation of broadband lines in rural areas.In total, the amount of the bill amounted to 340 million pounds (385 million) for the BBC, 16% of its budget.

"Pure Speculation"

While 8,000 jobs were cut in the group since 2005, the BBC had already announced in January the elimination of 650 positions in the "world service", with the closure of some offices abroad. This time, the British group would separate about 20% of its 17,000 employees. A spokesman for the BBC, however, denied the claims of the Sunday Times on Sunday, calling it "pure speculation" the figure put forward by the newspaper.

According to the Sunday Times, the group should also make public this week a reduction in costs generated by management.For example, members of its board of directors were paid 2.7 million pounds last year (3 million), against 4.8 million the year before, said Sunday Times. A reminder that ordinary employees are not the only ones to bear the painful consequences of rigor.

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