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To remove the controversy on the concerns of receipt of the iPhone 4, Apple and its CEO have found a solution: to affirm that all smartphones have suffered a loss of reception bars when they are kept on hand to somehow. For Apple, the controversy surrounding his new phone, called the U.S. of "Antennagate" is in fact more of fashion design mobile phones that the iPhone 4 itself. "We're not perfect, the phones are not perfect," Steve Jobs defended himself Friday night.

To support his theory, since Apple has put together a special page on its website in which we see in videos BlackBerry Bold 9700 HTC Droid Eris, the Samsung Omnia and iPhone 3G II lose reception bars when they are kept on hand. The external antenna on the iPhone 4, which is more easily disturbed by contact with skin, aggravate anything.But the methodology of these tests has not been disclosed.

These denials have triggered this weekend the wrath of Apple's competitors, even though no one has accused him of cheating. "RIM's attempt to lead in a crisis that Apple is responsible is unacceptable," responded vehemently CEOs of the Canadian group. The maker of BlackBerry explains willfully "avoided designs such as the one used by Apple for its iPhone 4 and [their] favor innovative designs that reduce the risk of dropped calls" in areas poorly covered.

The other reactions are in proportion. Bullied to a video of Apple, Samsung said that the antenna's Omnia II is located in the center of the device, which reduces the risk of disruption and allows him to deny any reception problems.HTC, meanwhile, opposes a series of numbers to assert that the complaints related to the reception quality is much lower than those recorded on the iPhone 4. Arranged by Apple, Nokia boasts of his expertise since "decades". "If there is conflict, we give priority to the performance of the antenna on the physical design," says the Finnish group.

Apple is visiting his secret chambers

This burst of feedback sounds like a revenge of historical manufacturers of mobile phones. Faced with a newcomer today although cumbersome, they underline the block and amateurish errors. According to Bloomberg, the head of antennas at Apple, Ruben Cabarello, had warned his superiors of the risks posed by the design of the iPhone 4 on the quality of reception. But Apple would have remained riveted on this design.Since the article has been publicly described as "shit box" by Steve Jobs, who had assured discovered until recently.

Engaged in a war of communications, Steve Jobs was still "deeply sorry" for its customers who encountered problems, but mainly wanted to give assurances of the seriousness of his team, explaining that the iPhone has had four "the most advanced antenna ever seen. Usually so secretive, the company partially opened to the press its laboratories. In all, the group claimed to have spent over 100 million dollars to develop its campus in California seventeen rooms experimental mobile reception, staffed by top scientists.

This controversy, which affects the image of the brand, does not yet spread on sales.Apple has been three million iPhone 4 in three weeks and financial analysts have revised downward their forecasts nor nor their notes on the action. While minimizing the problems, Apple has still decided to offer up to the end of September to all customers, protective shells, which suppress the plastic skin contact. This measure was estimated at fifty million dollars. "[Our] customers do not need to put their BlackBerry in a holster to maintain good connectivity," joked RIM.

One of the smartest ways in which you can search for low priced insurance covers for your vehicle is through online aggregator sites or independent sites for car insurance. In other words, the Internet is the best avenue for cheap price car insurance quotes.

After a nightmarish year 2009, the first Russian manufacturer, in which Renault owns 25%, his head out of water. While it had reduced its production by three last year to adapt to the collapse of the Russian market, the manufacturer of the Lada is now the biggest beneficiary of the scrappage of about 1300 euro launched its domestic market in early March. "80% of cars sold through this device are Ladas," says Igor Komarov, CEO of Avtovaz, appointed last summer. And 10% are assembled by Renault Logan in Moscow.

Result, sales of Avtovaz jumped 62% in May An upturn that could allow him to make a profit this year after a loss of one billion euros last year. "We must produce more than 450,000 vehicles (cons 300,000 in 2009) to generate an operating profit.While that seemed unrealistic at the beginning of the year, we now see pre exceed this threshold in 2010, "said Igor Komarov.

This adjustment is also allowed by drastically lowering costs. Russian has reduced its workforce last year to 30,000 people on 102 000. A job that required "the support of the state," said Igor Komarov. Some social activities of the group inherited from the Soviet era (nurseries, hospitals, nursing homes) has been transferred to the municipality of Togliatti. According to Renault, only a Russian could carry out this mission.This explains the departure of former French boss Avtovaz, last summer.

Five models assembled on the platform Logan

Avtovaz, Renault and Nissan aim to ally his term 40% of Russian market against 38.7% through May, in a context where the market share of Lada models obsolete, had significantly eroded by the crisis for the foreign brands. To achieve this, Renault must succeed in modernizing the plant of the former Soviet dinosaur. The French account to produce five new models on the platform of the Logan from 2012. Two Lada (station wagon and van versions), a Nissan and Renaults. A new small cheap Lada will also be constructed from the end of 2011.

Another priority: "Deliver upgrade local suppliers, in terms of cost and quality," said Christian Esteve, CEO of Renault in Russia.His goal is to move to Renault vehicles produced in Togliatti, 74% of local components in 2012, against 40% currently in its Moscow factory. To encourage suppliers to locate in western Russia and protect the development of local players, the group campaigning for the introduction of tariffs on imports of components.

The manufacturer has escaped bankruptcy last year, with help from the Kremlin about 1.7 billion euros, which allowed him to restructure its debt and cover its liquidity needs. Renault was able to maintain its share in the Russian capital without paying money, thanks to technology transfers valued at 240 million euros. According to Renault, the Russian market could reach 4 million cars in 2015-2016, which would make it the largest European market.

Societe Generale, -6.6%, Credit Agricole, -4.9%, BNP Paribas, -4.6% … French banks weigh heavily on the Paris Bourse. The CAC 40 digs on Friday its losses (-1.8% to 3663 points to 11:00).

His European counterparts also suffer, while banking stocks enroll the largest declines, everywhere.

This reflects the renewed concern about the economic health in Europe, barely a week after the European plan negotiated the titanic last weekend. Further evidence of the uncertainty room, the euro broke the 1.25 dollar, which had not happened for 14 months. Gold coast near 1,240 dollars per ounce. Unheard-of.And oil is under $ 74 a barrel.

Banks underperforming in Europe

In Italy, while the FTSE-Eb hollow losses and was down 2.7% at 20,314 points at 10:30, the many bank stocks are at the bottom of the list: in order, loose UniBanca 4.6% to 8.1 euros, Mediobanca, 4.2% to 6.2 euros, Banco Popolare, 4% to 4.25 euros, UniCredit, 3.5% to 1.9 euro, and Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's leading bank , yields 3.8% to 2.2 euros.

In Spain, same old story. The Ibex 35 largest market capitalizations falters 3.4% to 9639 points, and the banking sector heavyweights weigh box. Banco Santander, the second largest bank in Europe, falling 5% to 8.7 euros, and Banco Popular 4.75% to 4.7 euros.BBVA fold from 3% to 9.2 euros and 3.6% of Bankinter at 4.85 euros.

The Dax in Frankfurt, he, more resilient – the index of 30 German companies in the largest stock down 0.45%, 6 No teletrack payday loan.223 points. But again, it is Deutsche Bank, which is at the bottom, falling 2.16% to 49.8 euros. The boss, Josef Ackermann, questioned the ability of Greece to repay its debt. And Commerzbank sells 2.1% to 106.8 euros.

In Belgium, KBC retrograde 3.4% to 31.5 euros and Dexia 3.25% to 3.7 euros in a market down 1.75% at 2490 points for the Bel 20.And in Switzerland, UBS depreciates 3.35% to 16.1 Swiss francs, financial group CS Group lost 3.1% to 47 Swiss francs.

The bank still frontline

Fears of a state unable to feed its fiscal risk of lowering its rating by a rating agency. But what are the financial institutions in a country with the largest of government securities in the portfolio.

Generally, capital financial institutions required to hold an asset also depends on the "rating" (the note) of the issuer of this title. If it deteriorates, the capital required to hold a state title will be more important.

As banks are exposed to Treasury securities, profitability and solvency is lowered … hence the fall in stock.

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The scenario is perfect for a Hollywood film debut. One trader, tired and under pressure in a trading room of one of the largest banks, wants to spend a few million dollars – a commonplace in the current financial – on the S & P 500 stock index, which American has 500 capitalizations payday loans.
The Dow Jones fell to 9873 points, while he was at 10,880 points in early trading.

Porthmouth bankrupt, condemned Manchester United to assume debt of 826 million euros of its owner Malcolm Glazer … The elite of English football suffered the brunt of financial crisis. And it is not finished. According to the British press, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, owner of Liverpool Football Club, has mandated Barclays Capital, the investment banking subsidiary of Barclays to sell the club. "This is not a surprise when we know their philosophy on Liverpool, says Vincent warmShe, head of sport Ineum Consulting.They clearly did not want to invest any book in the club they use as a "cash cow".

Under the pressure put by the creditors of the club – Royal Bank of Scotland claiming payment of 100 million pounds (113 million euros) – and the rise of a club like Manchester City who could play spoilsport at within the 'Big Four' (Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool), Liverpool has no other choice but to respond. "If Liverpool wants to keep pace with competitors sporting their English, Spanish and German, they must have a stadium of over 50,000 seats," said Vincent warmShe.If the project was suspended due to financial crisis, Liverpool have received permission to build a new 60,000-capacity stadium in Stanley Park to Anfield to replace that with a capacity of 42,000 seats.

The owners want to EUR 565 million

Since their arrival in Liverpool, the two investors are highly contested by both the Reds fans as the club's creditors. In addition to sports scores means, they mostly blew the debt of the club, which currently reaches 237 million pounds (268 million euros) No fax pay day loans. "Like Manchester United, Liverpool is a club that generate healthy lot of money. But that money only serves to cover the debts of their owners. What constitutes a serious handicap for their sports investments."Says Vincent warmShe.

Sixth in the Premier League – the equivalent of League 1 in England – and therefore not qualified for the next Champions League, Liverpool disappoint again this season. "Liverpool is facing a triple handicap: an owner who does not invest a stage too small and sports results disappointing. If the club continues in this path, he will find himself in big trouble. The end of the season is in this sense a real turning point. They must finish in the top four, "says Vincent warmShe.

The two owners of the club then realized it was time to make a substantial capital gain. They hope to gain from the sale of Liverpool, they bought 217 million pounds (245 million euros) in 2007, 500 million pounds (566 million euros). However, in three years, the value of the pound has fallen sharply: in 2007, a pound was worth just under EUR 1.50.Today, ell worth just over 1, 13 euro.

The case is far from being tied up: Tom Hicks and George Gillett have received an offer for now 118 million pounds (133 million euros) to buy 40% stake, valuing the club at least 300 million pounds (339 million euros).

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The austerity plan of the Greek government seems credible to Standard & Poor's. The rating agency affirmed the country's rating to BBB +, "she said Tuesday, ending the period of supervision of Greece. It has nonetheless imposed the Greek note a negative outlook.

"We believe that the fiscal consolidation program of the government to ensure sufficient current rating," said in a news analyst Marko Mrsnik. The rating agency Fitch also grants the BBB + debt Greek.

This decision should be the effect of a pleasant surprise in Athens. The agency S & P had in fact announced in February that it intended to degrade in 30 days the Greek notes. Such a measure would have stored the Greek debt in the class of investments called "speculative".

Athens is not provided out of business."Despite the new measures, we believe it will be difficult for Greece to meet its goal of reducing the public deficit to 5.6% of GDP in 2011 and 2.8% in 2012, it does not implement new measures in the coming years, "said Marko Mrsnik. S & P is in fact the government too optimistic when it expects growth of 1.5% in 2010 payday loans . As a result, tax revenues should not be as high as expected.

Change your

The change in tone of the rating agency came after the presentation of new austerity measures in early March. A plan welcomed by the EU markets.Finance ministers of the euro area have also met again on Monday to "clarify the technical arrangements" for any "help coordinate" for Greece, said the head of the Eurogroup Jean -Claude Juncker. No amount has been officially reported, but the figure of 20 billion euros circulating in Brussels.

The Greek prime minister has asked again for his part in the European Union to demonstrate solidarity. "We need the solidarity of Europe to combat financial speculation," he said Tuesday. He said the establishment of a "European Monetary Fund to promote economic growth and competitiveness is necessary.

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The leading global service to local shows in 2009 a slight decrease in its turnover to 34.5 billion euros, an increase of 44% to 584 million euros in net income.

LE FIGARO. – Veolia publishes results better than expected. What were the highlights of 2009?

Antoine FR?ROT. – The two major goals set at beginning of year, in the heart of the economic crisis, have been met. We develop a positive free cash flow after dividends – and to do that, we did not need our program of asset sales which amounted to 1.3 billion euros. On the other hand, we have achieved 381 million in savings, an amount greater than what we had announced.In total, our debt has declined from 1.4 billion to $ 15.1 billion.

Your new strategic plan installment does with that of your predecessor?

There is no question of strategic failure. We aim to quickly find a balance between growth and profitability. Veolia Environnement has formidable strengths: market inherently very porters, strong reactivity with a decentralized but coordinated and a significant asset base of 25 billion euros, which provides flexibility.

We aim to sell 3 billion euros in assets between 2009 and 2011 allows us to breathe our business portfolio. For a group size of Veolia, yield an average of 1 billion per year is not a revolution but a healthy, which allows you to concentrate on the heart of business activities.However, there are very few external growth.

What are your projected outcomes?

At a horizon of 3 to 5 years if the economy remains flat, we expect a profit after tax of at least 9% and operating profit up 4% on average. If the economy is recovering, after-tax profitability could exceed 10% and operating profit increased to 8% per year.

As for 2010, the year seems still uncertain and we do not see today's rebound. In this context, I maintain priority to cash. We seek a new economy of 250 million and 1 billion sale of non-strategic assets.Our operating profit should improve further.

Consider yourself an arbitration more radical in your core businesses?

Veolia Environnement is the only group in the world with four specialties: the water, waste, energy and transport. There is no question of separating from one of them, especially as new needs, new offers, imagine the articulation of these four professions. For example, in water treatment, it has already greatly reduced energy consumption. Tomorrow, sewage treatment plants become producing bio energy and bio-plastics …

Where will the growth?

From the internationally but not only in emerging countries. In Europe and the United States, the model of delegated management – a public water treatment or waste managed by a private group – is much less developed than in France.It will certainly be emulated.

Closer to home, markets are developing. Take the case of countries of Southeastern Europe. Dry and tourism, they will probably need new ways of managing water and improving the quality of bathing water.

You have a license for international passenger transport. When will the first TGV Veolia?

Our partner Trenitalia awaits approval of its trains. It is a rail regulatory authority be established to ensure that competitors of the station can actually make their trains run in the furrows to be allocated. All this should be effective in late 2011.

In urban transport, which is the reconciliation between Transdev and Veolia?

The process of consultation of the staff concerned is underway and we need the approval of competition authorities.We are in final talks with the RATP on swaps. This merger will be followed by an IPO, I hope the first half of 2011. Transdev Veolia will be the leading mondiJal urban transport and reach the critical size in a trade promised sweeping changes. I think including the payment of tickets which will be soon available on mobile phones.

Where is the proposed combination with EDF through your joint subsidiary Dalkia?

Here too, there are new services to be created. For this, we must expand the industrial partnership. With its activity, Veolia is already the largest European producer of biomass, useful for decentralized production of energy.There are also offers to develop the electric motor, which will soon revolutionize the passenger.

Suez there reason to suspect Veolia to take advantage of the strike force at EDF calls?

I have no fear of being disadvantaged in France or Belgium by GDF Suez even if its president is also head of Suez Environment. By analogy, this reasoning applies to EDF and Veolia.

Henri Proglio, became CEO of EDF, "he informed the Board of Directors of the exact duration of his" transitional mandate "to the non-executive Chairman of Veolia?

This was not on the agenda of the Council held on Thursday.

An embarrassed government, opposition ulcerated, and now a board of directors of Veolia tense. The case Proglio endless making waves. During the television show "13.15 on Sunday" for France 2, Christine Lagarde, Minister of Economy and Finance announces that Henry will leave Proglio Veolia. "Do not [this combination] lasts forever. He has also admitted before the commission meetings, "she said on France 2.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the abandonment of its allowances at Veolia: "Well, frankly." I hope the controversy will die because he was really cut out. I hope he will be able to devote all his energies to the service of EDF, "pleaded Christine Lagarde.The tenant Bercy has also stressed that the EDF Group is "the one in which Henri Proglio operational functions, so there is no accumulation of operational functions.

The double cap Proglio also sow confusion in Veolia. In an article published Sunday, Le Parisien revealed that heavy atmosphere prevails on the board of directors of the company, formed a few large employers past or present CAC 40 as Daniel Bouton, former chairman of Soci?t? G?n?rale, Jean Francois Dehecq, CEO of Sanofi Aventis and Baudouin Prot, CEO of BNP Paribas.

The next Board of Directors of Veolia will be "sports"

Three main reasons. The first: the departure of Henri Proglio at EDF payday loans for bad credit . "When we announced his departure for EDF in September, the surprise was total.Nobody had been taken into confidence "surprised an administrator. Having understood that the CEO of EDF wanted to keep the steering Veolia "to better control the account information 2010 and its reconciliation projects with EDF," said a source quoted by the Journal du Dimanche – they just regret " have been presented with a fait accompli and that everything is played "out of them, between the Elys?e and Henri Proglio, according to administrators quoted by Le Parisien.

Another cause of unease: the renunciation of Henri Proglio 450,000 euros for his annual visit to Veolia. Le Parisien tells us that at no time administrators have been informed of this refusal, while standing on the same day a council. "We did not appreciate the news on television tonight.This concealment is not like Henry, "laments one of them, quoted by Le Parisien.

Finally, the proposed merger between EDF and Veolia does not convince the directors who qualify, like Jean-Pierre Jouyet, chairman of the AMF, the "Baroque".

The real malaise in the board of directors told to one of its members that the next board will be "sport".

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Despite a very mixed report on oil reserves in the United States, oil prices closed sharply higher Wednesday after being propelled in New York above $ 83 for the first time in 15 months. Around 1700 GMT, a barrel of "light Texas crude (WTI) traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex) for the same maturity, gained 1.11 dollars to 82.88 dollars after climbing to 83.15 dollars, a level not seen since October 9, 2008. At the same time, the price of Brent North Sea crude for February delivery took $ 1.12 to 81.71 dollars on the InterContinental Exchange (ICE) in London.Black gold benefits and good results-IMS services in the United States, and economic optimism across the Atlantic.

Having spent most of sitting down, prices of black gold have suddenly fallen off after 16:30, is modeled on the movement of the dollar, which collapsed suddenly at same time. Fellowships, too apathetic during the meeting, have also rebounded late in the session. The FTSE in London has hit the end of meeting a new record close for 16 months, to 5530.04 points.

Instead of declining oil reserves, the ministry revealed an increase of stocks of 1.3 million barrels during the week ending January 1. The reserves of distillates have certainly dropped a little (-300,000 barrels) but the massive decline (1.8 million barrels) expected by analysts did not happen.

The French Union of Petroleum Industries (UFIP) denounced Thursday the weight of the new fuel taxes. Its president, Jean-Louis Schilansky explained that "the stacking of the fees will be as a result adds a little salt on prices at the pump." "This increase will be very, very important. Long ago we had no such increase since the government of Jean-Pierre Raffarin, said the president of UFIP.

The introduction of "carbon tax" could result in an increase of 4.92 euro cents per liter of gasoline, an increase of 3.8% of current price, and of 5.41 cents per liter diesel (+5.1%). The association of consumer UFC-Que Choisir has also considered Thursday that the impact of carbon tax on prices at the pump would be "anything but marginal.With the VAT charged to tax carbon per tonne of CO2 would cost over 17 euros, as announced by the government, but 20.3 euros, VAT included. As for gasoline, this would result in an increase of 5 cents instead of 4 cents as advertised. "We expect the government to increase from 19.6% the compensation offered to households," said Francois Carlier of the UFC. The government responded Thursday afternoon indicating that the carbon tax will be fully compensated for households, including VAT, and it was never intended to keep VAT revenue generated by the measure."The amount of compensation paid to households will be exactly equal to the amount collected or 2.65 billion euros, as indicated by the preliminary evaluation of the reform, released at the same time as the bill Finance "said the Ministry of Finance.

Up to 10 cents more per liter

The UFIP also pointed to the possibility for regions to increase the TIPP (domestic tax on petroleum products) to 0.73 euro cents per liter for gasoline and 1.35 euro cents per liter diesel. This event provided by the Finance Act 2010 for areas that have additional resources for the financing of sustainable transportation (rail or water) could add further notes the consumer.

"By combining all measures that apply to fuel in 2010, prices could rise to 8.8 cents per liter for gasoline and 10 cents for diesel," says the UFIP. The upper range, which represents 7 to 10%, includes in addition to the impact of carbon tax, the maximum increase of TIPP, but also indirect effects such as the impact of extending the licensing system of economy 'Energy and the requirement for incorporation of biofuels for fossil fuels. Vendors of energy that do not respect these ecological principles being penalized.

Biofuels: a five-station is equipped with only 20% of French service stations are currently equipped to distribute the new E10 biofuel, far from 60% to 70% predicted, said Thursday Jean-Louis Schilansky, president of the French Union of Petroleum Industries (UFIP).The President of the UFIP recalled that almost all cars registered after 2000 could use the E10, but it could have a corrosive effect on engines of cars unsuited. The French ethanol producers sold 7.4 million hectoliters in 2008 and plans to distribute 20% more in 2009 with the launch of the E10.