Archive for the ‘news’ Category

Premiums below expectations of government

Posted in Uncategorized, business, news, people, publications by admin on October 5th, 2011 | Comments Off

Many companies have awarded the famous "dividend premium against" backwards. And in fact, the amounts paid are far from the expectations of the government, says a study by Deloitte from the first returns of negotiations in companies. As Labour Minister, Xavier Bertrand, was on the table before the payment of a premium of 700 euros per employee in companies that have paid dividends on the rise, the real turn around more than 300 euros. As for the maximum amount paid, it tops out at 600 euros.

Two reasons. The first is that the premium desired by Nicolas Sarkozy to "restore the purchasing power of employees in times of recovery," has been perceived by most companies as an additional constraint than an opportunity to motivate their troops.The premium has indeed added to the devices sharing the existing value, such as profit-sharing, mandatory for companies with over 50 employees who make a profit. "This is even more disturbing that the incentive for the prisoner has recently been tightened," says Emmanuelle Rivez-Domont, a lawyer in employment law at the firm Jones Day.

The other factor is the economic context. "Uncertainty room makes companies cautious," says Philippe Burger, a partner at Deloitte. The evolution of the economic situation is also evident throughout the negotiations. "Before the trouble was and he threw in the financial markets, companies thought given bonuses of around 500-600 euros. Today, the discussions revolve more around 150 euros to 200 euros per employee, "says Philip Burger.The crisis reduced the premium to a trickle.

Wage increases slightly affected

Some companies, such as Rhodia, were more generous than others. But it should not enjoy these raw numbers, without putting them in connection with the incentive policy, participation or wage increase of the company, the consultant warns. "Some companies had the tools to share value added very generous, and that worked well. Explain what they have paid premiums less important, "said he.

The study also brings its share of surprises. The dividend premium against does not seem to negatively impacted as wages were concerned that the trade unions. While most companies recognize that its influence is not neutral, only 10% of them say they have reduced the envelope increases the amount of the premium.And they are more than 60% to estimate its impact on wages has been small.

Companies have until 31 October to agree on the amount of the premium, or they are liable to criminal sanction. Evidence that firms do not rush, only one in two has already ended its negotiations on the subject. "Given the mandatory nature of these discussions, and urgency, companies are simple, says the consultant. They also generally a fixed amount equal to each employee. But if the premium is sustained, they could eventually refine their criteria for distribution. "

Air France will wait for his new boss

Posted in economic, finance, news, opinions, special by admin on September 21st, 2011 | Comments Off

There is electricity in the air when it comes to the estate of Pierre-Henri Gourgeon at the head of Air France. The future boss of the Air France-KLM in 2014, must initially be appointed head of the only Air France. The Board of Directors of the Company held Wednesday will not be an opportunity to put an end to the war of suitors. The four directors who comprise the Nominating Committee decided to take their time. It is only in the coming weeks as the quartet will present its recommendation, hoping to bring some calm and find a consensus on the board.

The "wise men" are aware that the candidate will also appeal to the state, which supports the candidacy of Alexander Juniac, adviser to the Minister of Economy, Baroin instant personal loans guaranteed.Pierre-Henri Gourgeon is on the same line, but not Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Group Chairman, a supporter of the appointment of a "pro" for a business sector heckled by the TGV, the low-cost, companies of Gulf and Asian competition.

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ISF: last day to alleviate his note

Posted in Uncategorized, business, news, opinions, resources by admin on September 18th, 2011 | Comments Off

Until September 30, nothing is lost! There is still time to reduce the amount of the check to the Treasury for the ISF. To do this, most taxpayers will simply altruistic donation to an association of public utility, a research institution or higher education or artistic (non-profit and community service), or to a foundation academic example. They will benefit from an ISF reduction equal to 75% of the amount of their generosity (the gift is included in the limit of 45,000 euros). Their main concern in the coming days is to choose the institution they most want to help.

Other taxpayers prefer to invest in developing their heritage. To alleviate the ISF, they will be willing to take risks. For their salvation will come from SMEs.Taking an investment in an unlisted (eg during a capital increase), they are entitled to a tax reduction equal to 50% of their bets, capped at 45,000 euros. "For the first time this year, this tax benefit is granted subject to maintain this participation decade. The minimum period of detention was until 2010 only five years, "says Didier Orens, Director of Private Banking Palatine.

New deal to invest in SMEs

Unless you're used to playing the angel, or to have in its relations to an entrepreneur confidence eager to welcome new shareholders, it is very difficult to choose oneself society adequately. But sometimes private banks épaulent their clients in this process.Banque Palatine, for example, proposes to support film production, investing in a small business designed with the specialist who already operates its Sofica (companies that finance the film industry and provides a tax advantage for income tax) .

Last year, it was still possible to diversify risks and build on a number of SMEs both through a holding company that was responsible for selecting them. But the new rules imposed on these structures this year has had a dramatic effect: it creates it virtually over. Investors can not expect to reduce their ISF through them no fax cash advance.

To receive a turnkey management and a diversified investment must subscribe for units of FCPI (mutual funds in innovation) or FIP (local investment funds).If the fund is committed to devoting 100% of its portfolio in SME financing, the taxpayer is granted relief on ISF 50% of the amount subscribed. If the fund is content to place in non-listed 80% of its assets (the remainder is invested in money market investments in listed shares, bonds …), the tax benefit is "only" 50% × 80% 40% of the bet. In all cases, the economy of ISF is capped at 18,000 euros. The subscriber must keep its shares five years, but the actual duration of the investment is longer, sometimes over a decade … because you have to allow time for the manager to sell the participations in the capital of companies (with another fund, another group leaders.) and to reimburse the taxpayers as well. The new trend? Some FCPI FIP and invest in convertible bonds (non-listed course) issued by SMEs in obtaining financing."This is a solution increasingly demanded by business leaders because it prevents them from being diluted by new shareholders," said Fabrice Imbault, associate director at A Plus Finance. Another advantage: the FIP or FCPI know more precisely what date it will be refunded.

Among the FCIC that matured (ie, generally between seven and ten years after the purchase), some showing heavy losses. Others have preserved capital or even offered a capital gain of 10% to 50% throughout the period (excluding tax benefit and entrance fees). How to sort the wheat from the chaff? "The most important is that the manager has a sufficient deal flow, that is to say that SMEs seek the spontaneously when accessing finance. This implies that it is known entrepreneurs or intermediaries who advise them, "said Fabrice Imbault.Because for the money, good "records" of investments are not so numerous. And they are coveted.

Week at high risk for banks

Posted in Uncategorized, features, news, people, publications by admin on September 12th, 2011 | Comments Off

During the weekend, Moody's and the three banks involved have declined to make any comment.

The Perfect Storm market, this change of note, even anticipated, will be a blow to those banks seeking to reassure investors about their ability to refinance. The climate is harmful: the action of Societe Generale, the most attacked by the markets, has lost 56% since January 1, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and 37%, 43%. The European banking index at the same time dropped by 35%.

Troika in Athens

The tension is escalated Friday when the very orthodox chief economist at the European Central Bank (ECB), the German Jürgen Stark, resigned to show his disagreement with the assistance provided by the Mint of the fragile the euro area, including Italy and Spain, as a redemption of their bonds on the market.To make matters worse, banks are reluctant to lend to each other. Deposits from day to day banking in the euro area with the European Central Bank (ECB) are at record levels.

This week, representatives of the troika (EU, IMF and ECB), to oversee the accounts of Greece, it will return. They had left unexpectedly in early September, saying that Athens had not fulfilled its promises in terms of privatization and economic reforms. The Greek government has given additional pledges Sunday and EU Commissioner Olli Rehn said he was confident in the prospect of an agreement by the end of the month. Time is short indeed: Greece is in dire need of approval from the troika to receive a new tranche of EUR 8 billion taken from the first aid plan in 2010. A refusal would mean the default.Banks that have lent money, would suffer, while heavy losses.

In this context, the debate rages about whether European banks, which hold their balance sheets in packages of loans to countries in fragile states in the euro area are adequately capitalized.

August 27, Christine Lagarde, the executive director of the IMF, had felt it was "urgent" that the European financial institutions reinforce with new capital. Saturday, it reduced his remarks, adding that the figure of 200 billion euro recapitalization needs of European banks was only a preliminary estimate "under discussion" …

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Goldman Sachs: the new lawyer worries

Posted in Uncategorized, life, news, publications, resources by admin on August 24th, 2011 | Comments Off

While many criminal investigations are underway in the United States against Goldman Sachs, the management of the investment bank is taking the lead. Concordant sources, its chief executive, Lloyd Blankfein, has hired Reid Weingarten, a lawyer outside the company. The establishment said that such recruitment is not exceptional. Thus, a spokesman for the group stated that: "As is common in such situations, Lloyd Blankfein and other members of society must be heard as part of an investigation by the Justice Department U.S. response to the issues raised by a report (of a commission of inquiry of the Senate) have hired a lawyer. "

But in exchange, the reaction was particularly violent: the title of the bank plunged 4.7% to 106.51 dollars on Monday.The action that had opened up a hook at the very end of the session in the wake of the announcement by Reuters, the recruitment of Reid Weingarten. The decline then continued as in trade after the market fell to 105.45 dollars. The markets are worried because of legal troubles that will face the bank and could affect the company and its future profits.

Profile Reid Weingarten feeds the fears of Wall Street

The profile of the chosen lawyer, Reid Weingarten, fueling fears of investors. The latter is one of the most renowned lawyers in the defense of white collar crimes. He has defended the former CEO of WorldCom, Bernard Ebbers and former CFO of Enron, Richard Causey credit reports free. Both men are currently incarcerated for fraud.Reid Weingarten recently said to be "used to defend difficult cases where my clients are hated by all." He has also defended including the former legal adviser to the U.S. energy broker Tyco, former executive director of classifieds site Monster.com employment and CEOs of U.S. Neteller online banking and the reinsurer Gen Re . All suspected fraud, tax or other.

After being hired by executives of Goldman Sachs, some are asking: "Why hire someone like that?" And for them, "it means only one thing: they take the matter seriously."

Goldman Sachs is not his first brush with the law. Accused of misleading its customers at the height of the crisis, the bank had paid $ 550 million in June 2010 to settle a complaint by the U.S. authority to regulate stock exchanges (SEC).And recently, the U.S. Senate issued a 650-page report very critical of the bank for its handling of the subprime crisis. The Justice Department is also continuing its investigation into Goldman Sachs and questions about its activities and its role in financial crisis. The bank is particularly accused of misleading its customers shortly before the outbreak of the financial crisis. She also denies two years of accusations of fraud and conflict of interest.

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Despite sluggish growth, employment improves

Posted in Uncategorized, features, international, news, resources by admin on August 14th, 2011 | Comments Off

It's the only bright spot in the dark landscape cyclical French: the labor market continued to regain strength. In the second quarter, 68,300 jobs were created in the nonprofit sector. This is 10,000 more than in the first quarter.

The tertiary sector contributes almost exclusively to these creations (57,200 jobs), the industry confirms his recovery: 6600 jobs were created in this sector, according to Insee. This is his second consecutive quarter of growth. "This sector lost jobs every quarter since 2001," says INSEE.

Only government minister to be able to celebrate yesterday, Xavier Bertrand (Labour, Employment, Health) welcomed that "210,600 jobs a year (have) been created." He sees "a positive signal about the vitality of the real economy." This movement is all the more surprising that growth has been sluggish in recent months.

"You have to look at the figure of 0% over the period issued yesterday: considering the annual growth and relating to the last four quarters, we see that the quarterly growth rate is invariably French 0.4%, says Frédéric Gonand, associate professor of economics at Paris Dauphine. This shows that even with 1.6% annual rate, which corresponds to its potential growth, France is creating jobs. "

According to Dares, the index of the basic monthly wage (SMB) increased by 0.6% in the second quarter, representing an increase of 2.1% over one year. This significant increase of basic wages does not mean a sharp increase in the purchasing power of households. In the second quarter, prices rose 0.5% year on year and they operate around 2%.The purchasing power has improved very little, which explains the weakness of consumption in recent months.

Disinflation energy

But-and this is another rare good news in the farm figures released yesterday, according to Insee, the consumer prices fell by 0.4% in July. A decline mainly due balances but also by the expansion of energy prices. Under these conditions, if the job market continues to grow at the same pace as earlier this year, the disposable income of households could improve a little.

"Disinflation energy currently underway should provide some support the purchasing power of households," say economists at Natixis.The main pillar of the French economy will be a little stronger in the second half, provided that the fiscal savings provided by the government do not result in a tax grab too much, the experts continue to Natixis.

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The consequences of lowering the American note

Posted in Uncategorized, business, news, people, top news by admin on August 8th, 2011 | Comments Off

For the United States

"The direct consequence of the loss of" AAA "rating is going to be the most difficult to borrow, says Dominique Roux, professor of economics at Paris Dauphine. Interest rates will therefore rise. "The movement may be modest, however: despite the rumors of degradation rates of long-term interest Americans were still very low Friday. "The rating agencies do not set interest rates, although they may have an influence," Augustin Landier tempers, professor at the Toulouse School of Economics. In April 2002, Japan lost its rating "AAA" and the impact remained limited. Above all, the United States remains a country apart. "Today, the U.S. Treasury issues debt, which was bought by the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank.It is therefore run the printing press, "says François Chaulet, associate director at Montsegur Finance. Another consequence, some bond managers could be forced to sell U.S. debt because they are forbidden to hold securities other than "AAA".

For European states

Europe has its own concerns of public debt, particularly in Spain and Italy. However, some might find of interest. "There is a" AAA "less and there could be a technical delay of the remaining debts still having this notation," Judge Francis Soler, credit manager at Edmond de Rothschild IM. This is the case of Germany, but also of France.And S & P affirmed the ratings for France online payday loans.

For financial markets

"Markets do not expect the decisions of rating agencies to react," said François Chaulet. The deterioration of the American note was expected, which partly explains the decline in recent days. "It is the accumulation of bad news, especially the concern about future economic growth in the United States, which led to a drop of this magnitude of global exchanges, said Jerome Vineria, an analyst at IG Markets Markets. These elements are still there, implying that markets should remain volatile in the coming weeks. "But the bad news today all seem familiar. And a real international coordination could change the movement."If Monday's session can still be difficult, I think, however, that the balance of the week in Paris could be positive," Jerome Vineria ventures.

For households and businesses

For U.S. households, the main risk would be higher interest rates. Companies will also be affected by the rising cost of credit, but they could also benefit by acting as a hedge against weak states. "Today, many companies appear financially stronger than the most fragile states," Francis Soler edge.

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Of giant towers grow in emerging markets

Posted in events, international, news, people, special by admin on August 4th, 2011 | Comments Off

It's a real competition gigatisme. After the announcement by Prince al-Walid to build a tower more than a thousand feet high, the Burj Dubai skyscraper almost seem "small." Yet, this tower, which rises to 828 meters currently holds the record for the tallest tower in the world. And the number of buildings approaching that height now record, will increase in coming years.

The popularity of the towers is very strong especially in emerging countries, which will soon appear three new skyscrapers lying in a range in height from 500 to 800 meters. Symbols of modernity and economic development, they show by their names prosperity of their city or country. The Makkah Clock Royal Tower (601 m) should be opened in Saudi Arabia at the end of this year.The draft Jakarta Tower (588 m) in Indonesia, launched in 1997, should finally set up in 2012. As for the tallest tower in China, the Shanghai Tower (632m), with completion scheduled for 2014.

United States, where the tallest buildings are just above half a mile, top of a building 541mètres should dominate the sky in 2013. This is a skyscraper built on the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Cac 40: Greek and American debt burden

Posted in international, life, news, technology, top news by admin on July 26th, 2011 | Comments Off

Back in the red for the Paris Bourse. At closing, the Cac 40 drops 0.77% to 3812.97 points. Investors are concerned about the United States. The elected representatives of the U.S. Congress again tried Sunday to reach an agreement on raising the debt ceiling, but without success. While the Speaker of the House John Boehner had slammed the door to negotiations with the White House on Friday night, they have continued behind the scenes throughout the weekend between the Democratic allies of President Barack Obama, the Senate majority and their opponents Republicans, who control the House of Representatives. But John Boehner told his troops on Sunday night that no breakthrough had yet been obtained.

The situation becomes very tense nine days of the deadline mentioned by the Treasury before a U.S. default.This morning, this concern has led to a relapse of the Asian markets. For their part, the U.S. markets, which had already ended Friday without direction, changing declined Monday. According to the IMF, the United States may suffer a "severe shock" if the debt ceiling of the federal state was not found in time.

Greece is also in the news: Moody's today lowered the country's sovereign rating of "Caa1" from "It" with a development, saying the country was still facing major challenges medium-term credit.

Oil down

On the currency side, the euro declined slightly against the greenback at 1.4347 dollar dollar in late afternoon. Oil is also down.To 17.30 U.S. a barrel fell by 0.542% to 99.35 dollars, while the gold, he goes back to 0.84% ​​and is trading at 1615 dollars an ounce.

The banking sector in heavy losses

Dexia lost 8.09% to 1.95 euros, Crédit Agricole 5.44% to 8.92 euros, BNP Paribas 4.47% to 46.63 euros and Societe Generale 4.70% to 36.28 euros. Bank stocks suffer after degradation of the note of Greece by Moody's.

Axa (-4.26% to 13.72 euros), while welcoming the agreement reached by EU leaders on Greece, the insurers of the French Federation of Insurance Companies (FFSA) said they consider favorably participation in the project initiative of private investors, as part of the options.

Values ​​to follow

Areva: 0.10% to 25.37 euros, EDF: -0.28% to 27.09 euros

The new president of Areva, Luc Oursel, who succeeded Anne Lauvergeon end of June, will make his first official Monday by hosting one of its plants in the CEO of EDF, Henri Proglio, showing the warming of relations between the two groups. EDF and Areva have signed an agreement at that time technically and commercially, prior to a more ambitious partnership to be signed in September.

JCDecaux: -3 pay day loans.87% to 20.24 euros

JCDecaux was down sharply, after seeing the recommendation on its way down to "hold" against "buy" before, by Citigroup.

Alstom: -0.16% to 39.42 euros

RATP has ordered 66 additional subway trains for more than 300 million euros, of which 200 million will fall into the hands of Alstom Transport, Alstom said in a statement.

Score: -0.59% to 18.44 euros

The reinsurer Scor reveals a growth of 22% at constant exchange rates, the treaty renewals in non-life and specialties of the 320 million of premiums up for renewal in mid-year.

Saint-Gobain: -1.26% to 41.94 euros

The group will buy the British network Build Center and French Brossette in Wolseley, which is the world leader in the distribution of equipment, plumbing and heating.He will spend 145 million pounds (165 million) to Build Center and 186 million euros for Brossette. "These two acquisitions (…) represent a contribution of over one billion euros in sales," says Pierre-André de Chalendar, CEO of Saint-Gobain, said in a statement.

Unibail-Rodamco: -3.44% to 143.88 euros; Klépierre: 0.88% to 27.41 euros

HSBC has initiated coverage of Unibail-Rodamco to "overweight" with a target price of 175 euros and raised its recommendation on Klépierre to "underweight" to "neutral."

LVMH: 1.01% to 130.55 euros

Consob is considering a complaint from an investment fund over the price offered to pay the French to buy the balance of Bulgari, confirmed Sunday a spokesman for the Italian stock market.

Total: -0.48% to 39.26 euros

The oil amounts to ten billion dollars (seven billion euros) of investment needed to develop the oil field north of Moho Bilondo off the coast of the Republic of Congo, said its CEO, Christophe de Margerie.

Valeo: 0.05% to 47.32 euros

The group announced Friday that its U.S. subsidiary Valeo Inc., based in Troy, Michigan, had received a request for information from the U.S. court as part of an antitrust investigation.

Fimalac: 0.07% to 27.84 euros

The group announced a sales increase of 11.9% on a comparable basis to 515.8 million euros in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010-2011.Its subsidiary, the rating agency Fitch Ratings has led to an increase of 11.7% of its turnover over the same period to 401.5 million euros.

After market, Seb and Klépierre publish their half year results, April Group will announce its earnings for the second quarter, Faiveley the first quarter. Mercialys and STMicroelectronics will publish their results for the second quarter.

Piracy costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per boat

Posted in economics, features, news, publications, special by admin on July 20th, 2011 | Comments Off

In launching his new business tuna in the Indian Ocean in 2007, Yannick Lauri, president of Sapmer rubbed to a less pleasing to fishing in Seychelles waters: the fight against piracy. Used to fight against illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean, its historical business, the second French fishing vessel owner must now deal with direct attacks against ships, conducted off the coast of Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. "A real paramilitary organization," also describes the leader, the tuna-freezer Franche-Terre foiled a pirate attack in 2010.

To avoid being faced with demands for ransom of up to tens of millions of euros, the group has had to adapt.After the first fishing season in September 2009 carried out without any protection, fleet Sapmer has adopted a "for the protection of its crews, under the strong incentive of the state," explains Yannick Lauri. The measures are rather restrictive and expensive …. The obligation to "binômage" (navigation of ships by two, alternating with fishing time) in effect reduces the effective time fishing and limits the free movement of ships. "Especially since we had to navigate a given speed, which has a significant effect on fuel consumption." This obligation has been reduced on June 1, but could be reconsidered in case of renewed attacks.

Insurers ship their bets

But the effect on fishing in itself is a first illustration of the additional costs incurred by piracy.Faced with these increased risks, insurers have been quick to react. "The coverage of these risks represent 10% of our insurance for our tuna fleet, about 75,000 euros for our fleet of three tuna," said Yannick Lauri.

Finally, a report by the Institute of Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) which participated Sapmer, released in June, estimates that several hundred thousand euros a year ship the additional security measures.

This cost may seem exorbitant, but due to the requirement for owners to use the personal protection of their ships. Cost is in addition to the measures on navigation, and insurance-costs. For example, Arnoult Gauthier, president of sales VNavy benefits of private military companies (PMCs) from 4000 to 9000 dollars (2800 to 6200 euros) per day per boat.For the heavier the device includes boarding protection teams on boats.

Armed men on board for the protection of marine

For shipowners flying the French flag as Sapmer, these are men from the bodies of state (marine commandos, marines, etc.). Who come to protect the crew. Five armed men complement the 33 sailors present on each of the three tuna of the group. Considering that their vigilance decreases after six weeks, the state imposes, by that time, a return to earth for five days of rest before returning to sea This is not consistent with the ten weeks during a campaign fishing, and induced costs of accommodation and logistics for tracking weapons.

If the teams are state bodies, is financially Sapmer "put to work" for the care of these men.Yannick Lauri, which does not specify the percentage of participation, while acknowledging the nature of effective protection measures by professionals.

To a use of private protection?

As for use of private companies, "this device is not yet approved for vessels under the French flag, although discussions are ongoing, and there is some legal uncertainty on the issue." Currently, MPI experiments with private companies to protect the devices that need to be as effective as the protection of embedded military teams, but technically lighter. But for now, no alternative "has not yet developed," says Yannick Lauri.

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