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For the third consecutive month, foreign direct investment in China fell in January, dropping 0.3% over one year to 10 billion. "The situation in foreign investment is relatively poor," was concerned the spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Shen Danyang, during a press conference Thursday.

"The uncertainties surrounding the global economy continue to grow, the restructuring of global industry slows, and growth of foreign direct investment is low everywhere," he said adding that the slowdown Growth in China – to 8.4% in 2012, against 9.2% last year according to analysts – also had an impact on foreign investment in the country.

Other negative effects on investment: the multiplication of social conflicts in several factories in recent months and rising production costs, particularly related to higher wages. 

According to a study released Wednesday by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, over 90% of the 300 companies surveyed said that "rising costs of labor and materials are a serious blow to business and challenge the competitive advantages of China ".

Construction of Shanghai Disneyland

The vast majority of foreign direct investment in China come from East Asia-Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and ASEAN countries-, up 0 saving account payday loan.8% yoy, to $ 8.6 billion .

Investment from the U.S. rose 29% to $ 342 million – partly because "the arrival of capital for the construction of Shanghai Disneyland, whose work began last year," said Shen Danyang. 

Those from Europe for their part, fell sharply from 42.5% to $ 452 million, compared to January 2010, European companies, leaded by the debt crisis, have drastically reduced their spending.

According to Hervé Lievore, economist at AXA Investment Managers in Hong Kong, "the prudence of European companies is hardly surprising when financing conditions deteriorate in Europe." For Ting Lu, economist at Bank of America-Merrill Lynch in Hong Kong, this decline in investment should be temporary predicting "a massive return of investors attracted by the exceptional growth rates in China as soon as the global economy stabilizes" .

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Prices depending on age, date of departure, that of the reservation, but the filling ratio of the train. In the same car, travelers can find themselves with tickets whose prices vary up to threefold. Last July, a new decree was issued which could bring a little more blur for a few users already lost by removing the reference to dates. Pascal Frasnetti, journalist at The Monthly Individual, gives clues to understanding, but also a better choice, when booking a train ticket.

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The meeting of the Eurogroup does succeed to allay fears about the debt crisis, which saddled the Paris market? Yesterday, after long hesitation, the CAC 40 finished down 0.64% to 3103.60 points. On Tuesday, the index is expected to rise, thanks to a technical rebound, according to futures contracts for the month of December rose 0.5%.

Greece but also Italy crystallize the main concerns have increased as rumors of leaving the Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, immediately denied by the latter. Nevertheless, if the vote to be held tomorrow at the Chamber of Deputies on the budget is negative, the departure of Cavaliere seem inevitable.

At the same time, the finance ministers of the euro area gathered in Brussels last night stepped up their pressure on Athens and Rome to the two countries meet their commitments to reduce deficits.In the process, Wall Street ended on an optimistic note. This morning, Asian markets have proven uncertain and divided: while Tokyo closed down 1.27% to 8655.51 points, Hong Kong is the balance just before 8 am (Paris time) around 19,696 , 11 points.

In this context, oil prices were up this morning in early electronic trading. The barrel of "light sweet crude" for December delivery gained 8 cents to 95.60 dollars. Barrel of Brent North Sea crude for December delivery advanced on his side of 22 cents to 114.78 dollars.

In terms of macroeconomic indicators, the figures of foreign trade in value in September will be unveiled today at 8:45. INSEE also publish the price of oil and raw materials in October at noon.

Danièle Karniewicz chairs the board of the National Old Age Insurance (CNAV) for ten years. The CFE-CGC union, known for his outspokenness, will transfer his seat Friday to a representative of TF.

LE FIGARO. – How do you with a year follow-up the last pension reform?

Danièle Karniewicz. – It was inevitable to act on levers and short-term increase in the age of departure was the parameter most effective in lowering the stress deficits by 2018 payday loan. And we are already seeing the impact on the accounts of the general scheme: CNAV should reduce its deficit in half by 2012 and the flow of retirements begin to slow this year to produce 8.7 billion euros in savings in 2020.

The French have never been so pessimistic. A new study paints a bleak picture of the mindset of our citizens. A 88%, they are worried about the situation of their country. A 76%, they are also for their personal situation. "The opinion wins on several subjects, as if the French were more likely to want to stay out of the system," said Vincent Leclabart, head of the agency Australia and sponsor of a survey by TNS Sofres on the relationship between advertising and society.

"We are increasingly optimistic that the country itself," said Emmanuel Rivière, director of strategy at TNS Sofres opinion. But here, the curves converge dangerously pessimistic. The "pessimistic" and "pessimistic" for their personal circumstances have never been numerous. There have been two peaks in the past decade.In 2005, after the "no" to the referendum on the European Constitutional Treaty, and in 2008, due to post-election disillusionment. But after the fall of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, the financial crisis has clouded the picture further. This did not stop to think the French in 2009, consciously or not, the worst was over. They began to hope again. Only the current crisis of debt, at a time when unemployment rises and where growth vanishes, again plunging morale.

The study lists four stalls. In addition to the pessimism, the French won by a malaise that affects both their purchasing power and their relationship to politics and marketing. "The urge to spend is progressing, but the means are lacking, creating a frustration," said Vincent Leclabart. 56% of French people say and do not earn enough to live as they wish.Worse, four out of ten live hard and 27% admitted to frequently or permanently deprived for financial reasons.

63% indifferent and phobia

"These numbers are very important for a developed country, says Vincent Leclabart. A section of the population picks seriously. "This, in a few months of democratic maturity important for the country. But for the French political life is still boring to 42%. And they do not trust politicians to redress France.

In their world of consumption as the French drop. For the first time since the inception of the study eight years ago, the indifferent and opposed to the model "consummatory" the majority (63%). If love remains stable for brands, consumers believe that companies run to them and not their customers."It's about relationship, not product quality," says Vincent Leclabart. The French judge brands more invasive and less entertaining or convincing. Harshest techniques marketing are those who no longer want to spend, even if they can afford. A quarter of French would be disillusioned and when the poor are themselves the "unsubscribe", living hard and having more desire. The study concluded that "policies and brands do not seem to have changed relational mode. At a time when everyone theoretically has the means to express themselves, the opposite is often felt. "

UBS has not finished paying the consequences of fraud valued at 1.5 billion euros of one of its traders in London. Beyond a tarnished reputation, the scandal threatens the investment activity of UBS and its credit rating, sesame to borrow on the markets. In fact, Moody's has been quick to draw. In the evening, the rating agency has under surveillance the notes of the first Swiss bank to a possible degradation. If the loss due to fraud is "manageable" by the bank, Moody's noted, "these losses raise questions about the group's ability to successfully rebuilding its investment banking operations," said the specialist assessment Financial. More worryingly, Moody's believes that the event shows the "weaknesses in risk management group."

The rating agency also reserves the possibility to study "the implications of such an event on the ability of management to grow the sales of the investment bank in a suitable manner in terms of risk and the potential impact on profits of another setback on that front free business cards. " And Moody's adds: "Similarly, we will consider the potential implications of such an event on the reputation of UBS to its customers of its private banking and wealth management."

However, Moody's believes that the examination of the situation "is unlikely to lead to damage of more than one notch."The bank in turn stated that the case was likely to plunge into the red its third quarter results, but that customers should not suffer directly.

Markets, the penalty was immediate: the title UBS closed Thursday down 9.75% to 10.80 Swiss francs in a market up 0.29%. It must be said that the bank accumulated problems. In 2008, she was among the banks most exposed to subprime. More recently, the bank paid the $ 780 million U.S. in tax evasion Affiris. And some observers are quick to mention the outright end of the business of investment bank UBS.

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After starting the session in the green on Tuesday, following information about a possible takeover of Italian debt by Beijing, the CAC 40 is pressed far into the red on Tuesday. One hour after opening, it lost 2.86% to 2773.07 points, after starting the session up (1.53%). The other European financial centers remain hesitant: the Footsie-100 from the London Stock Exchange down 0.11%, the Dax in Frankfurt rose 0.26%, the FTSE MIB in Milan down 0.11% and the IBEX 35 Madrid is at -0.13%.

According to a report in the Financial Times, had asked Italy to China to perform major purchases of its sovereign debt.Senior Italian officials told the newspaper that Lou Jiwei, the chairman of China Investment Corp (CIC), was the head of a delegation that went to Rome last week to meet with Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti and as responsible for the Cassa Despositi e Prestiti. After starting the session in the red, Wall Street has ended the session in the green Monday, the Dow Jones gained 0.63% on the session. This morning, Asian stock markets also popped up slightly. The day before, the Paris Bourse had ended the session on a sharp decline dropping 4.03% to 2854.81 points (their lowest level since April 2009), weighed down by banking shares.However, market rumors suggest that Beijing now hear is not finally ready to buy bonds in Italy.

Result: the banking sector is left in the red zone, having been literally massacred on Monday. For the record, the U.S. agency Moody's announced it would lower a notch notes BNP Paribas (-10.26% to 23.44 euros) and Credit Agricole (-2.01% to 4.73 euros) and two notches that of Societe Generale (-6.10% to 14.62 euros) because of their exhibits to Greece.

Investors are particularly concerned about the situation in Greece, including the possibility of bankruptcy is no longer excluded for many politicians. An output of Greece to the euro is now considered by many economists.To this must be added about this Monday, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, chairman of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), which estimates that Greece may have to undergo further restructuring of its debt. "What is likely to be more pronounced restructuring of the Greek debt," he said on iTV. German side, Angela Merkel is trying to catch up about his Economy Minister Philipp Rösler, who spoke Monday the event of a default of Athens.In a radio interview BBB, the Chancellor found it necessary to "avoid any uncontrolled process in the euro area."

Oil prices mixed

On the foreign exchange market, the euro was down slightly Tuesday against the dollar and the yen on Monday after falling $ 1.35 for the first time since February and the lowest for 10 years against the yen, and the voltage was strong, the markets fear more a possible failure of Greece. Around 8 am, the single European currency was worth 1.3665 dollars against 1.3680 dollars on Monday in 23 hours.

As for oil prices, they were mixed, helped by a relative weakening of the dollar-weighted but the latest projections of OPEC anticipates a lower than expected growth in demand for crude because of the nervousness of the markets.In early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gave himself 80 cents to 88.99 dollars a barrel while Brent North Sea crude for delivery in October, more sensitive to economic conditions in Europe, gave 52 cents to 112.25 dollars. "We see that oil has a weaker dollar," said Ker Chung Yang, an analyst at Phillip Futures commodity in Singapore.

On the front mécroéconomique, the consumer prices in France rose 0.5% in August from the previous month, said Tuesday the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE).This increase resulted mainly from the late summer sales but also reflects the higher prices, also seasonal, tourism-related services, these increases are offset by the seasonal decline in prices of fresh produce, INSEE said.

In addition, the current account deficit widened from France in July to 4.5 billion euros against 3.4 billion in June, due to an increase in the deficit of trade in goods, announced Tuesday Bank of France.

United States, the import price will be announced in late afternoon.

Values ​​to follow

Accor (-4.77% to 20.48 euros)

The hotel group announced on Tuesday a target for 2011 operating profit of between 510 and 530 million euros during the presentation of its new strategic objectives.

Renault (-2.69% to 23.33 euros)

The manufacturer has officially launched Monday in Maubeuge mass production of the Kangoo Zero Emission (ZE), which accounts for between 30,000 and 20.OOO vehicles per year.

PSA Peugeot Citroën (-2.91% to 16.04 euros)

The CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroen confirms Philippe Varin Tuesday in our columns his will "accelerate cost reductions," including employment.While ensuring that no significant slowing in demand was observed, explaining that the group wants to "guard against a possible market downturn."

Total (-2.29% to 31.38 euros)

The oil company announced Monday that he wanted to continue the search for shale gas in the southeast of France, while pledging not to use the method known as "hydraulic fracturing" now banned.

Interparfums

The group specializes in the design and marketing of fragrances, posted first half net profit up 33% to 17.1 million thanks to sales, according to a statement released Tuesday. This result should the "lead to revise upward its forecast for sales in 2011," added the group.

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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What are your proposals for Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel?

Europe is ready to adopt guidelines on beetles or grading apples. But when it comes to economic and financial regulation, it nothing happens. The EU countries have transformed the Stability and Growth Pact in a cheats and liars. Europe needs the government's proposed economic finally the President and Chancellor.

Will you vote the "golden rule" if Congress is convened?

I will vote, even if the proceedings of Parliament are below what I expected, including the monopoly of the tax provisions. With this rule, the president is in the direction of history. But in September, the presentation of the budgets of the State and Social Security in 2012 will be the first litmus test flexcheck cash advance. We need to find 10 billion euros.I propose a new tax bracket on income, rising from 0.25% of the CRDS and a large movement of the plane on tax loopholes. It must also cut spending for operating and intervention.

Do you understand the dam from the left on the "golden rule"?

It is time to change our political practice. It is outdated and disastrous. Major reforms can not be a camp against each other. This is not because Nicolas Sarkozy has not been exemplary control deficiencies that must be opposed to the recovery of France.

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Wall Street was unable to string together a fourth consecutive session. The New York Stock Exchange finished lower on Tuesday: according to preliminary figures, the Dow Jones gives 0.68% to 11,405.25 points and the Nasdaq, dominated by technology, 1.26% to 2523.11 points. After opening down, the markets have increased their losses after the meeting, much anticipated, between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Around 20 hours (French time), the Dow Jones lost 0.89% to 11,380 , 46 points after hitting a low of 11,292.63 points. The Nasdaq loose in turn 1.45% to 2518.22 points.

The ads at the end of the Franco-German summit failed to reassure the markets, concerned about the contagion of the crisis of debt in the euro area.Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy called for a "real governance of the euro area", the introduction of golden rule of balancing the budget in national constitutions and a tax on financial transactions. They, however, repeated their opposition to the creation of Eurobonds. These must be the "culmination of a process of integration and not a prerequisite," said Nicolas Sarkozy. For the French head of state, they would, in addition, "serious danger" to the most stable countries such as Germany and France.

After the meeting, European markets ended on a note hesitant. The euro was briefly argued against the greenback before going down. The European currency traded at 1.4402 dollars around 21 hours, down 0.21%, after reaching 1.4471 dollars in the wake of Franco-German proposals.Oil markets, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for September delivery closed lower. He lost $ 1.23 to 86.65 dollars. The September Brent sold his part of 0.4%, or 44 cents to 109.47 dollars.

European growth disappoints

The bad mood also follows the publication of European indicators disappointing that send negative signals about the health of the euro area. Germany, European locomotive, reported a surprise slowdown and sharp growth in the second quarter. The entire euro area saw growth of 0.2% after increasing 0.8% in the first quarter.

Two good news though: the rating agency Fitch affirmed the "AAA" rating on U.S. debt, along with a stable outlook. The Federal Reserve also reported industrial production rose higher than expected for the month of July.It advances by 0.9% thanks to the automotive sector and the heat wave that has boosted the use of air conditioners and thus power consumption.

The release of housing starts, down 1.5% in July, but confirmed the slump. The number of building permits has meanwhile Contracted 3.2%. As for import prices, they recorded an unexpected rebound, while export declined.

Values ​​to follow

On the corporate side, Home Depot (5.31% to 33.13 dollars) has issued a profit better than expected in the second quarter, while Wal-Mart (3.87% to 51.95 dollars) recorded a further decline in sales over the same period. The retail giant has nevertheless issued a profit and a turnover up more than 5%.

Agilent Technologies (-2.48% to 36.57 dollars) reported Monday after-hours trading from a profit of $ 330 million, or 92 cents a share, in the third quarter, up 62% The number of Business was up to 1.69 billion.

Berkshire Hathaway (-0.90% to 107.623 dollars) would have taken a stake in the retailer Dollar General (4.94% to 33.78 dollars).

Dell (1.94% to 15.80 dollars) has a higher than expected for deuxtrième quarter. It reached $ 890 million, up 63%. Saks (-4.63% to 8.77 dollars) has warned that he would discuss the fall "with a bit more caution" in light of general concerns about the economic recovery. The group, however, reported a loss of $ 8.4 million in the second quarter, against 32.2 million last year. Its quarterly revenue was also up 13% year on year.