Archive for July, 2010

Lafarge: margins fall

July 30, 2010 - 8:12 pm Comments Off

Lafarge, the group specializes in building materials, has announced a decrease of 3% of its turnover for the first half of 2010. At constant exchange rates and constant perimeter, the decrease amounted to 4%. The operating income showed a decline of 5% to 1.072 billion euros (-9% at constant scope and exchange rates).

Net income from Lafarge withdrew its side of 29% to EUR 233 million. The current operating margin shows finally a decrease of 30 basis points to 13.9%.

In the second quarter alone, sales rose 2% to 4.436 billion euros but, at constant perimeter and constant exchange rates, sales rose 2%. The operating income increased 5% to 836 million euros. It is stable at constant exchange rates and constant perimeter.

At the Paris stock exchange, these ads are unwelcome.The title Lafarge has one of the largest decreases in ACC 40: 3.89% yield at 41.80 euros at the close No fax payday advance.

New measures to reduce debt

Bruno Lafont CEO of Lafarge, said in a statement that "the pace of economic recovery remains uncertain and highly variable from one country to another," led the group to adjust its market forecast for the year 2010. Lafarge table so now on a variation of the demand for cement between -1 and +3% on the year compared to 2009 (against 0% to 5% expected in late March).

The band announced further steps to reduce its debt amounting to 15.16 billion euros (down 1% during the first half).Thus, it will "limit its investments in 2011 to 1 billion euros" and sets "a new goal of structural cost reductions of more than 200 million euros."

Games: merging bwin and PartyGaming

July 30, 2010 - 12:16 am Comments Off

It is the birth of a new global leader in Internet gambling traded. The operator of online paris Austrian Bwin announced Thursday an agreement to merge with its British rival PartyGaming, a wedding to 1.7 billion dollars.

Bwin, listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange and specializes in sports already claimed the leadership position in Europe with a turnover of 373 million euros in 2009.

The second, quoted in London and more focused on poker and casino games, carried 309 million in sales last year. The new group will be listed in London and based in Gibraltar.

The shareholders will own 51.6% Bwin – those of PartyGaming else – but it redeems PartyGaming.The merger will be completed in the first quarter of 2011.

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Wall Street continues in the green

July 27, 2010 - 5:12 pm Comments Off

The U.S. stock markets continue their advance on Tuesday, as European stock markets and the momentum of the day on Wall Street. At the opening, the indices are green, but increases small. Very quickly, the Dow Jones up 0.37% at 10,564 points, the Nasdaq is up 0.44% to 2306 points and the S & P 500 by 0.44% to 1120 points ..

Yesterday, the market was driven by good news from the real estate sector still observed under the microscope by investors. Sales of new houses in the United States have indeed rebounded more than expected in June, 23.6%. On Tuesday, a new publication, the Case-Shiller index of home prices meets the individual operators stock market is increased more than expected in May in the United States, +0.5%, a move which still reflects a sustained level of sales, helped by a tax credit.The month of May and is the second consecutive monthly increase, a trend that comes after two months of consecutive decline.

Another highlight of the week at the macroeconomic level, the U.S. central bank should publish its Beige Book Wednesday on the economic conditions. It will be very guarded while the president of the institution, Ben Bernanke said Wednesday before Congress the slow recovery, with no announcement of new funding in the economy. But it was the day Friday with the first estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) U.S. second quarter is expected this week.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro continues against the greenback.Around 15:30, the euro was worth just under $ 1.30, but the threshold was crossed earlier.

The ball takes Publications

On the side of values, as BP leads the rating declining by 1.5% to 38.12 dollars in early trade Payday Loan for Bad Credit. The amount of the quarterly net loss of oil exceeds $ 17 billion, a record high. The group is preparing to sell $ 30 billion in assets and confirms the resignation of its CEO.

The U.S. financial services group CIT (-0.21% to 38.92 dollars), which serves a clientele of mainly SMEs, on Tuesday released a second consecutive quarterly profit and announced it had reduced its debt by three billion dollars.The net income was $ 142.1 million, and reported the number of shares equivalent to 71 cents, while analysts were not expecting that 33.

The group has however indicated that he had once again increased its provision for credit losses, bringing them to $ 260.7 million over the period April-June But this element, as well as pay increases decided to retain employees, was more than offset by asset sales, earnings and tax collectors.

For its part, the world's number one defense, Lockheed Martin (1.73% at 73, 17 dollars) Tuesday reported higher quarterly earnings expectations and raised its annual profit forecast by emphasizing buybacks and improved results in the satellites public.Net income for the second quarter was $ 825 million or $ 2.22 per share, against 734 million or 1.88 dollars per share in the second quarter 2009.

Today investors await quarterly results include sitting in the middle of those of DuPont.

Always on the side of values, the European Commission on Monday opened two investigations to IBM. It suspects the group of computer abuse of dominant position on the markets for servers.

Resistance testing to test market

July 26, 2010 - 12:32 am Comments Off

The results fell on the strength of major European banks, is to know the verdict of the markets. Since Sunday morning, the stress tests are found in the test and the final verdict remains suspended from financial operators who often weigh heavier than the official figures and insurance.

Only 7 of the 91 banks have failed this test of strength, five Spanish, one Greek and one German. Their capital needs are estimated at 3.5 billion euros. We must add three who crossed the barrier but the recapitalization seems inevitable: the Italian Monte dei Paschi, Allied Irish Banks, Irish and German PostBank.Finally, the majority of European banks, the British and French in particular-seem to have redressed the balance.

The question now is whether the test can, as desired by the European authorities to lift the remaining mortgage, reboot, and finally the pump in credit to promote growth. By Friday, the European Union had welcomed the exercise as a vote of confidence. From Washington, the Treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner, hailed "a major effort towards greater transparency" on the health of the banks of the Old Continent. In markets, the euro rebounded to finish just below $ 1.29 after the close of European markets. Wall Street ended higher.

Consolidating banks at fault

Yet many continue to doubt the severity of the European round or its completeness.Unlike other countries, Germany has refused on Friday to force its banks to publish the figures on a main line of their balance sheets: assets in government securities, ie their exposure to the European budget crisis. In the coming days, a first return to the trust will be the willingness to consolidate the banks at fault.

Weighing his words, the IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn described the stress tests as "the promise of a considerable strengthening of the European financial system. It remains to implement. Greece and Spain have promised for the end of the year. Germany, she announced a major restructuring. This is the interbank market which will provide the second element of discretion. The situation has eased since the beginning of the summer.But lack of confidence, many institutions do not always manage to borrow in the interbank lending market, considered one of the keys to sustainable economic recovery in Europe.

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Tourism: recover after Xynthia

July 23, 2010 - 8:44 pm Comments Off

The sun should be looking good these next few days on the coast of the Vendee and Charente-Maritime. In this time of summer vacation, the sea should also be delicious. Nothing like with the weather of February 28 last, when the storm Xynthia that swept the country sowed chaos in this part of the Atlantic coast. In the only common Vendée La Faute-sur-Mer and The Sting-sur-Mer, the most affected by the storm, 29 people died. Nearly five months after the tragedy, these two villages devastated recovering gradually. But in this popular tourist region during the summer, Xynthia has left marks that plagued the start of the season.

If the Office of Tourism Osten-sur-Mer laments a decline in attendance of about 10%, traders stand more negative findings."The customer is down 30% to 40%," says Pascale Soussi Restaurant La Terrasse in Sin-sur-Mer. "And it was discussed among traders: It's the same for everyone. At the restaurant La Marina, sixty meals are served daily on the usual hundreds. At the Hotel du Port, Osten-sur-Mer, Sophie Ramon prepare a statement even less favorable in the hotel which was flooded by 82 inches of water in late February and closed more than a month, attendance was halved.

Three campgrounds closed

In case the destruction of several campsites and many second homes have contributed to empty the streets of the town. A La Faute-sur-Mer, the municipal camp was finally closed and that the Blue Waves should not reopen until April 2011.As for camping Municipal The Sting-sur-Mer, it is only half available: caravans and tents can again take up residence in the "upper" since July 1. But the other part, where you could rent mobile homes, chalets and caravans, remains closed for repairs. It represents, in itself, a hundred beds and less.

Overall, La Faute-sur-Mer, about 8000 tourists were least expected, on the 35,000 usually greeted each summer. Added to an unfavorable economic situation by traders, these accommodations are destroyed a significant shortfall.

Ile de Re also shows a small decrease

A few dozen kilometers south of La Faute-sur-Mer on the Ile de Ré, the damage from the storm were less important. "The island is absolutely destroyed!", Recalled the manager of a hotel restaurant.A campsite for a works council remains closed this season and the hotel Odalys does not welcome new visitors that from 31 July.

Le Relais Thalasso, also closed after the storm has finally reopened its doors on July 4 instant loan payday no TeleCheck. Four months of work have been necessary for the institution to recover from the flooding that devastated forty rooms. "Today, activity resumed normally," said facility director Didier Gireau. Our forecast for the month of August are in the standard, or even good. We have made efforts to forget the flood and that the center image is not tarnished. "

But many merchants and restaurateurs of the Ile de Ré deplore this was a small decline in attendance.Some highlight the consequences of the storm, others are pointing the finger at the most unfavorable economic environment. "The economic situation is worrying," says director of Ile de Re Tourism, Catherine Senand, refusing to incrimer the storm that left "little effects" on the island. She admits that the season has "started slowly, but expects a better August.

A "moderate" impact on departments

For François Riou, assistant executive Tourist Board Vendée, the impact of Xynthia remains "very moderate". Only 2% of the Vendee coast has been destroyed by the storm, "a tiny fringe" which does not affect his view, the department's tourism season. Facing a crowd at half this year, local tourism professionals are meant to reassuring about their prospects."Only two campsites are closed on the 400 account the Vendee," he recalls.

Even finding across the neighboring department: "After the storm, only 3% of the infrastructure of Charente-Maritime have been affected," said Stephane Villain, president of the Tourism Committee of the department. "The summer looks very good," he says. "The reservation rate is substantially identical to that of 2009 which was a very good year." And we promise to visitors that the hospitality will be at appointment: "People have worked hard to accommodate visitors in very good conditions," says Stephane Villain. They may be even better than usual ".

The image of the region involved

The image of the Atlantic is at stake, as evidenced by the television campaign to promote tourism in the Vendee.Circulated in early June, the commercials were intended to "remind the values of hospitality and tourism" of the department, according to François Riou.

The regions affected by Xynthia therefore trying now to convince visitors that they are again ready to welcome them, with their usual charm and tranquility.

Pensions: the Government is preparing the battle

July 23, 2010 - 8:16 am Comments Off

Place the masons and painters! Members of the Committee on Social Affairs of the National Assembly completed late Thursday afternoon, discussing the draft law on pensions, with a few hours ahead of schedule. Members will now leave the Palais Bourbon completely delivered to artisans who have already begun the usual summer work. Return scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 7, even on Monday night at 6 for a special session will begin by examining the same text, but this time in the Chamber.

"It is in times of transition, summarized perhaps one at the Elysee. The real battle will take place from September. "The for Sarkozy are well aware that this first parliamentary stage was a formality. Not surprisingly, the debates have been looped smoothly."The Socialists have just wanted to make a coup by breaking the lock-in twitter discussions with their phone," is a counselor. What the left willingly admits. For now, she preferred surf the weakening of Labour Minister Caught in the case Bettencourt. Godsend for the Socialists, who are careful not to request his resignation.

Paradoxically, the majority seemed more worried by the progress of the case and its component Bettencourt Woerth that by the turn of the debate on pensions. "The left is going clubbing Woerth in September. He held up? "Wonders already a minister. The Elysee hopes that the summer break will reduce the pressure. Nicolas Sarkozy and François Fillon reiterated that Eric Woerth defend indeed the text on Sept. 7. In other words, he will not be driven to resign by then."It is quiet because we know there is nothing in the record," says the Prime Minister.

"Everything will be decided in September. We are ready for battle. But it also depends on the mobilization in the streets, "says one seat in the PS. Clearly, the left hopes to build on part of the public. Even if the opponents and proponents of reform are divided into two shares more or less equal faxless cash advance.

Unions united

Unions, too, prepare to maturity. For September 7 will also be a new day of strikes and protests against the reform that SF has, once again, on Thursday asked the "withdrawal". In reality, most organizations do not believe and do not even dream to win concessions on key points, beginning with the postponement of the age to 62 years.However, they have not conceded the changes on other aspects of the text during the parliamentary debate.

They rely for that on the "pressure" of the street. Will they exceed the threshold of two million demonstrators, after 1.9 million announced on the evening of the last day of action – successful – last June 24? Not easy to mobilize massively, just days after school starts. Therefore plants have continued their campaign all summer, touring the beaches to the CFDT distributed a booklet "educational" on reform and its "alternative" possible, the CGT.

The unions will have an advantage: their unity restored. Having refused to sign for months, FOR has joined its competitors, and the CFE-CGC has done the same.It is the only organization to accept the decline of legal age, but she believes that the conditions there pose – including a strong financial closure of the reform – are not met.

Faced with this united front, the government has chosen to keep the ballast drop. He has done at this stage, no specific proposals on issues which he is willing to develop: difficulty, and long careers polypensionnés.

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The counterfeit euro banknotes were less popular

July 21, 2010 - 2:08 am Comments Off

The number of counterfeit euro banknotes declined in the first half of 2010 according to the biannual report of the European Central Bank (ECB). In total, 387,000 false banknotes were withdrawn from circulation, a decline of 13% over the second half of 2009.

The ECB said that "reported to the stock, up, of genuine euro banknotes in circulation (average 13.2 billion in cuts in the first half of 2010), the number of counterfeits is very small." The European institution does not specify whether the counterfeit notes were seized before their release.

Tickets are most affected by counterfeiting are € 20 (41.5%) and 50 euros (42.5%). Almost all (98%) of counterfeit notes seized this semester have been in a member country of the euro area.According to the Central Office for the Suppression of Counterfeiting Currency (OCRFM) quoted by Agence France Presse (AFP), France, Spain and Italy together account for 70% of the counterfeiting of the euro.

The ECB seeks public caution, recalling the method "Touch-Tilt-Watch" called "TRI" to verify the presence of several security features on tickets for the single currency.

Renewed speculation around the Club Med

July 19, 2010 - 9:32 am Comments Off

Just over one month after the arrival of a new Chinese shareholder – Fosun Group, up 7.1% stake – Club Med is again subject of speculation, the Sunday Times reporting that Sunday that an investment company managing the funds of the family of the Sultan of Brunei, BMB Group, plans to file a takeover offer for the group of holiday villages. His proposal, presented as a friendly, valued the club at 800 million euros, almost double the market capitalization of the company, which was about 430 million euros on Friday.

BMB Group has denied reports Sunday night in a statement."The BMB Group is in discussions with any officer or shareholder of Club Med as suggested by the Sunday Times article, it says Harold Alby, a spokesman for the group totally free credit score.

At the same time, nobody wanted to comment at Club Med. The Sunday Times, BMB Group has already the support of three of the four major shareholders of the group chaired by Henri Giscard d'Estaing (Chinese Fosun, GL Partners hedge fund and investment company Rolaco), and finalize it this week discussions with the first of them, Fipar International, a subsidiary of Caisse des Depots and management of Morocco.

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Foreign trade: the euro area returns in the red

July 16, 2010 - 1:44 pm Comments Off

The euro area returns in the red. Ten days after France's trade deficit widened to 5.5 billion euros, the euro zone on Friday issued a trade deficit of 3.4 billion for the month of May, after a surplus of 0.3 billion in April, according to a first estimate from Eurostat. In May 2010, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 1.6% and imports by 4.2%. In May 2009, the euro area recorded a surplus of 2.2 billion euros.

This was due to the decline of the euro against the dollar in the spring, pro-European exports, but bad for imports, which are to higher prices.

All countries of the European Union, namely sixteen of the euro area and the eleven who did not belong, recorded in May a trade deficit of 15.1 billion euros free instant credit report . It widened from April (-11 billion) and over the same month of 2009 (-7000000000). In May 2010, exports of "27" rose 0.9% and imports by 4.1%. One area where the deficit was more accentuated for the "27", the éenergie (-91.5 billion euros against a deficit of 76.1 billion a year ago).Conversely, manufactured products emit a surplus of 50.5 billion euros (ocntre a surplus of 34.7 billion).

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Day crucial for banking reform

July 15, 2010 - 9:20 am Comments Off

The regulation of the financial world is big today. In the U.S., the proposed revised financial regulations would be voted on today in the Senate after the House of Representatives has given its go-ahead in July. Some measures have been abandoned over the debate, as the proposed tax credit, but the final text is still the biggest overhaul of financial regulation since the 1930s.

Meanwhile, a meeting is being held in Switzerland and covers the establishment of new prudential standards proposed by the committee of "Basel III". The objective of these measures is to raise the level of capital requirements at banks to limit to reduce the risk of bankruptcy of these establishments, and limit the risk of traders in the market, including products derivatives.But even the regulators and central bankers seem to make concessions against their original objectives, under pressure from banking lobby. They are afraid that a new credit crisis since experts believe that these new rules would force banks to raise more than 1.000 billion in new capital. The final text must be presented at the G20 summit in Seoul in South Korea, 11 and 12 November.

Reform in Europe delayed

And in Europe, the Twenty-seven have found common ground on how to conduct stress tests that will be published July 23. However, the reform of financial supervision has been delayed over disagreements between the Parliament and the Council of Europe. It should not come into effect before September, according to the Wall Street Journal.