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Japan is recovering slowly from the disaster of 11 March. On Monday, the government announced a slowdown of 0.3% of GDP in the second quarter. But this decline, of 1.3% annualized, less than analysts' forecasts which projected a contraction of 0.7%. It also shows a marked improvement over the 0.9% decline the previous quarter cashed.

Between April and June, exports fell sharply by 4.9% and is the main factor in the decline. During this period, deliveries of goods have been hampered by the destruction of factories and infrastructure in the devastated areas of north-east of the archipelago. Breaks in the supply chain were found in the key sectors of the automobile and electronics exports pillars.Industrial activity has also been slowed by the nuclear accident in Fukushima that led to the arrest of a significant portion of the reactor pool and therefore a fall in electricity production.

The downward trend was further accentuated by a decline of 1.9% of private real estate investment and a 0.1% decline in consumption. The trauma of the disaster, which killed more than 20,000 dead or missing, has indeed led the Japanese citizens to exercise restraint for several weeks, slowing private consumption, which is usually an engine of growth online cash advance. This slowdown was partly offset by the increase of 3% of public investment.

"We will rebuild Japan"

To observers, this leaves the second quarter, however, consider a rapid improvement in the Japanese economy."If the economy is improving as it takes shape in some respects, it is possible that growth back at the period from July to September", commented Takeshi Minami, an economist at the Institute Norinchukin whose opinion joined the Minister of Finance, Yoshihiko Noda.

For his part, Prime Minister Naoto Kan took advantage of the sixty-sixth anniversary of the surrender of Japan to promise an improvement in the economy. "Our country has emerged from the ruins of war through the efforts of every citizen and overcame many difficulties to date. With these experiences, we will rebuild with determination and force the devastated areas and Japan. "

These remarks have convinced the Asian markets on Monday morning.At the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Nikkei has closed the day on a sharp increase from 1.37% to 9086.41 points.

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The Italian government, which has set a target to stop the speculative pressures of markets on Friday adopted an emergency order providing for a new austerity plan amounted to 45.5 billion euros over two years. These austerity measures designed to recover 20 billion euros in 2012 and 25.5 billion in 2013. Their adoption will enable Italy to cancel its public deficit to 3.9% today – by the end of 2013.

For the first time, the prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has agreed to weigh the tax burden with a "solidarity tax" on higher incomes. According to leaks distilled by the social partners, this contribution could rise to 5% for every € 10,000 for employees earning over 90,000 euros, and 10% in excess of 150,000 euros. Self-employed workers earning more than EUR 55,000 will be taxed at 41%.However estates and housing will remain free of taxation. A single tax of 20% will be charged on income from capital, currently 12.5% ​​against and 25% of bank deposits.

Aggressive fight against tax evasion

The introduction of fiscal federalism will be early in 2012, the government hopes to make them more aggressive fight against tax evasion. It will become mandatory to report transactions of more than 2500 euros and harsh penalties are provided for activities not issuing bills or receipts, up to closing. The project plans to make savings, the merger of provinces (38 disappear) and municipalities (in 1500 should be merged). On productivity should be increased with the removal of bridges and the automatic transfer of national holidays on Monday.

The cost of the policy will also be cut with the elimination of 50,000 positions elected at the central government and local communities. Heavy sacrifices will be required to Italians in particular as regards social welfare (social services and family) who will suffer next year the bulk of the effort (about 20 billion euros) all levels of assistance and social transfers to local governments will be affected. However the Northern League had opposed the cuts, pensions will be spared. Women in the private sector will be encouraged to continue working until age 65, or 7 years older than today.

Silvio Berlusconi said his "heart bleeds" to the idea of ​​going against his promise to "never get their hands into the pockets of Italians."But he justified his decision by "the dramatic situation", stressing that the new measures were "inevitable." He added that "the vote in the council of ministers was unanimous." Silvio Berlusconi said that the new measures "are in line of what had been hoped the European Central Bank."

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Treasury bills do not suffer from degradation of the note of the United States. Instead, rates remain historically low. U.S. finances are parties to drift, but investors have long known, and such a decision undermines their confidence in the ability of the United States to meet its repayments. "On the contrary, the threat of similar actions in other states has positive points: it encourages the ECB to carry more debt buyer of European public and invites States to precipitate the budgetary consolidation measures, which will strengthen intrinsic quality of government securities, "relativize Patrick Artus, Research Director of Studies and Natixis.

In fact, it is especially risky assets, which suffer from fears of contagion cuts ratings of sovereign debt payday loan.Evidenced by the plummeting global stock indexes following the shock announcement Standard & Poor's. Over the past five trading days, the Cac 40 lost almost 8%, and the index companies were affected differently. These are "primarily growth stocks" that have suffered the most, says Patrick Artus, "since the fall of 2400 billion over ten years the U.S. deficit will cost a point of growth the first year." Over the period, it is almost 70 billion euros in market capitalization went up in smoke. The equivalent (almost) the biggest company in France, namely Total!

Annick Goutal perfumes changes hands. Korean cosmetics group Amore Pacific, which owns the Lolita Lempicka fragrance and cosmetics Laneige, acquired the French brand to the U.S. fund Starwood Capital. The latter had acquired in 2005 by taking control of several jewels of the Taittinger family group: hotels Crillon and Lutetia or Baccarat crystal pay day loans.

Goutal perfumes, bought by Taittinger in 1985 and still led by Brigitte Taittinger, had been founded by Annick Goutal in 1981. The brand has stores in France, Belgium, UK and Canada, but mainly distribution agreements with 1300 stores in twenty countries. Amore Pacific sees growth potential in Asia.

In the case of debt, time is a luxury that the United States as Europe can not afford. This is the message sent Tuesday by Christine Lagarde, director of the International Monetary Fund. Welcoming the plan against the crisis of the Greek debt presented Thursday by EU leaders, the French hoped "that these bold steps will be followed in the United States and that action in the fiscal area will occur as quickly as possible."

In Washington, "the clock is forever and you really find a solution," insisted Christine Lagarde. Democrats and Republicans can not agree on U.S. debt, then that must be addressed prior to August 2 the maximum amount that the state can borrow in the markets (the ceiling of the debt). Otherwise the U.S. will not reimburse investors.

"Having a default or a significant reduction in the rating assigned to the signing of the United States, an event would be very, very, very serious. Not for the U.S. only, but for the world economy in general, "said the leader of the IMF. In the longer term, the IMF has asked the United States Monday to hand over "the debt to a sustainable path." U.S. debt until recently was considered by investors as an investment "safe".

If it is proved otherwise, the consequences could be incalculable. The United States "can not default on their obligations," said John Boehner, a Republican official in Congress. "The jobs and savings of too many Americans (are) in."

Threat of 'turbulence'

Europe is no exception.After the summit on Thursday, the leaders of the euro area should continue their efforts, Christine Lagarde warned: "The plan was welcomed by financial markets, as evidenced by the stronger euro and lower spreads rates on bonds of the periphery. But the turmoil could easily reappear. For this reason it is essential that the commitments of the summit are implemented quickly. "

Problem: The plan must be submitted to national parliaments for approval. "This will be done in the coming weeks. This will not happen overnight because, as is often the case in many developed economies of the Northern Hemisphere, August is relatively calm. And parliaments are closed, "admitted the director of the IMF. But Europeans do not have the luxury of taking their time.I think there is an expectation that things should move forward and be implemented not only by the countries directly concerned but also by governments who, as I said, kept their promises. "

To help stem the debt crisis, the IMF disbursed $ 330 billion to date, also recalled Christine Lagarde. Given this fact, the IMF might have to seek new funds to its member countries, its director admitted: "In the not too distant future we will probably take an interest in this issue."

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Rain of bad news and stock prices in free fall: the equity markets reconnect with painful memories of that week. The day after a heavy fall session, the Paris Bourse continued to tumble Tuesday. The listing of the CAC 40, which was no longer available since 9:56, due to technical problems with NYSE Euronext seeks to determine the cause, took over around 1:35 p.m.. To 14h, the index was down 1.19% to 3762.10 points. The Paris index is so close to its lows of the year (3,696.56 points on March 16).

On other European markets, some markets reduced their losses: Milan fell by 0.50% in mid-session, Madrid from 1.47% and the London Stock Exchange fell back to 1.55% and Frankfurt 2.09 %.

On both sides of the Atlantic, countries are faced with concerns about the level of debt.In the eurozone, fears of contagion from the debt crisis, with Italy in its sights, spread. European finance ministers are trying to reassure the markets and say they want to "preserve the financial stability of the euro area" and "resist the risk of contagion" said the head of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Junker. But after a meeting that had at a crisis meeting, the central bankers do not scaffold new plan. A lack of concrete severely punished by the markets. I

They however expressed their readiness to increase the size of the Emergency Fund financial.They are also considering a "lengthening of maturities of loans" made to allow more time for countries struggling to pay to reduce the interest rates of loans to Greece.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese economy expected to contract by 2% in 2011 and 1.8% next year, partly because of the austerity program that the country has committed to implement in exchange for financial assistance international, according to new forecasts from the Bank of Portugal.

And the problem of sovereign debt is a concern across the Atlantic. The U.S. president, however, has indicated a willingness to compromise, particularly on reducing the budget deficit.

As a result, the euro accentuated its losses against the dollar Tuesday, falling to levels seen for four months.Around 11:00 in Paris, the single European currency was worth 1.3930 dollars against 1.4029 dollars the night before.

Inflation and rising Livret A

The consumer prices in France rose 0.1% in June as in May, according to the National Institute of Statistics, an increase that has immediately led to an increase of 2 to 2.25% rate remuneration of the Livret A. Prices over the year were up 2.1% (after + 2%). Excluding tobacco, the increase is the same.

Rising prices of consumer goods in supermarkets rose 0.4% in June, after rising more pronounced 0.7% in May, INSEE said on Tuesday in a statement. OPEC will release today the release of its monthly report.In the U.S., we know the trade in May (1430) and then comes the publication of the minutes of the last Fed meeting (20 hours).

Banks in trouble

The sharp fall of the European banking sector marked a break in the late morning Tuesday, but this improvement technique does not dispel investors' fears of contagion from the debt crisis in Italy or Spain. A Credit Agricole, which fell nearly 5% to 2.33% leaves the opening in mid-session, followed by BNP Paribas which yields 1.32% and Societe Generale was down 0.92%. For his part gleans Natixis 0.40%. The conclusion was the same in Europe with a major Stoxx European banking shares down 1.39% against 5% at the close Monday.

Carrefour lost 3.56%.The group met with a setback in Brazil: the government no longer supports the project Carrefour to approach the local distributor Pao de Acucar, while the Brazilian National Bank for Development has agreed to support the funding. The transaction is challenged by Casino, already a partner of Pao de Acucar, which opposes the merger of the latter with its rival.

The title of the French car rental company short Ucar evolved sharply down on Tuesday for his first day of trading on the Paris Bourse, in a context of very difficult market due to the crisis in the eurozone. At 12:00, Ucar lost 5.31% to 14.1 euros.

In addition, Christophe de Margerie, CEO of Total (-1.8%), was "summoned" to Bercy by the Minister of Economy, Baroin. The goal is to take stock of the evolution of fuel prices. "A study published by Le Parisien suggests that oil tankers are quick to pass on price increases at the pump, which is less true for the declines.

Vivendi (-1.35%) may waive the tax Consolidated Global Profit, writes Les Echos newspaper Tuesday.

Publicis (-1.25%) announced Monday the acquisition of a controlling interest in the advertising agency DPZ, based in Sao Paulo.

Bull after falling 1.52% expressed the signing of an agreement with Carmat, designer of artificial heart, for the development of equipment for carrying artificial heart. And that's the whole electronics sector that folds.

For its part, the title of his new partner earns 7.83%, to 183.10 euros, having announced Carmat a capital increase of EUR 25.5 million.The operation is primarily intended to fund clinical trials in humans and manufacture of prostheses, for a first commercialization in 2013. The total artificial heart specialist has also submitted its application for authorization of clinical trials with the French health authorities (AFSSAPS). If approved, Carmat realize the first implantation in humans before the end of the year.

A consortium of six companies led by EDF EN, a subsidiary of EDF (0.43%) Monday formalized his candidacy for the tender that the French government has launched for offshore windEEN has partnered with Dong Energy, Nass & Wind Offshore Poweo ENR, wpd Offshore and Alstom.

Icade announced the signing of a put option for the purchase of seven clinics belonging to the private hospital Medi-Partners for $ 233 million.

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At least fifteen days of its entry into force, the "Google tax" does not ultimately see the day. This is the conclusion of a battle of several months, after the Senate's budget rapporteur Philippe Marini (UMP) withdrew his amendment yesterday to tax by 1 July up to 1%, advertising revenues business generated by online advertising. Adopted at the end of last year by the Senate as part of the proposed budget law for 2011, it was later removed when the collective review on first reading by the National Assembly. With the withdrawal of the amendment Marini, the restoration of this measure is therefore definitely thrown to the wayside.

Illustrating the arguments in favor of setting up the device, the centrist President of the Committee on Finance, Jean Arthuis regretted that choice. "Google does not pay taxes in countries where there is profit.Attention, so does the return to balance public finances and respect for our trajectory, "he said Tuesday. This tax, incorrectly called "Google", companies are taxed advertisers and not portals, would bring a little more than 20 million to state coffers. Several players saw this device the way to avoid tax evasion of income generated in France by Internet groups domiciled in other countries. For example, advertisers of Google domiciled in Ireland, escaped to the French tax.

Disappointments for other organizations, who hoped, through this measure, access to new resources to finance the creation free business cards. This is the case of the Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers (SACD), which campaigns since 2007 for the introduction of this tax, hoping of course to be part of the beneficiaries.

Taxation envisaged at European level

Relief on the contrary side of the digital players, for which such tax could hinder the development of a growing industry. The recent National Council of Digital (CNN) had indeed heard his opposition to the project. For its part, the Association of Community Internet Services (ASIC) in a statement welcomed the choice of the Senate "to preserve the French digital economy," avoiding "the potentially heavy burden on the shoulders of the few French companies, penalizing especially small and very small. "A relayed spoke about Senator Catherine Morin-Desailly, who denounced a tax against-productive: "It would be paid by advertisers, not by the large international groups, Google, Facebook, which were located in countries with attractive tax" has She stated Tuesday.

Remains that the taxation of Internet giants is not totally abandoned. Budget Minister Baroin invoked for the possibility to reflect on actions at EU level. "The government has pledged to establish conditions for a European standard for a tax on a broad base, without waiting for the G20," he developed Tuesday. An argument inadmissible under Jean Arthuis, for whom total absence of tax harmonization in Europe would only bury the project.

The French presidency of the G20 has a real workhorse: the fight against agricultural price volatility and put agriculture at the heart of the investments to ensure food security. In fact, this summit today and tomorrow brings together the ministers of agriculture of 20 countries representing 85% of world production, is a first in the annals of the G20 to put the assets of France. On the eve of the opening, the Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Le Maire, recognizes this: if an action plan has five points on the table, "it will be difficult to reach an agreement, both differences are profound. " No question as to aim for a minimum agreement. "We prefer to fail rather than give up a point.It is a coherent whole that can handle all causes, "insists on the ministry.

• Transparency in Physical

The most concrete commitment, it would create a database, called Friends Information System (agricultural markets) and hosted at FAO. To provide information that is "clear and transparent" about global levels of production, consumption and stocks, initially focused on corn, soybeans, rice and wheat. This involves the cooperation of private groups such as Cargill and Dreyfus. This should lead to a consensus, despite the reluctance of China and India on issues of sovereignty. They are willing to engage on the condition of technical assistance such as satellite photos.

• Increased productivity

Again, this measure of common sense could rally all members of the G20.This is to encourage investment in global agriculture by focusing on innovation to improve yields of wheat and rice. The challenge: increase of 70% of world agricultural production by 2050 to feed 50% more mouths payday loan companies. The draft declaration emphasizes the need to develop public-private partnerships, a point without critics in the major emerging countries.

• Coordination of global agricultural production

In order not to replicate the Russian episode last summer, the French Presidency pushing for the establishment of a Rapid Response Forum (RRF), which should facilitate the coordination of agricultural trade policies. A measure criticized by the United States and Australia, which refer this matter to the World Trade Organization. The subject of biofuels, blamed as a factor of volatility, pass second.The project calls for a "strengthening of the analysis between the production of biofuels and the food."

• Reduce the effects of volatility on the most vulnerable countries

The World Bank should encourage the establishment of contractual instruments such as loans cyclical, ensuring access to credit and risk coverage to the poorest countries. It also reserves to provide for humanitarian relief. The term "stock" was carefully excluded to avoid offending the most reluctant, USA, Argentina and Brazil, particularly hostile to administered prices.

• Regulation of financial markets

Railing against excessive speculation, Nicolas Sarkozy promised more regulation of financial markets.On this point, the final statement is likely to be modest, returning responsibility to the finance ministers, themselves remain highly dependent on market authorities. The text could, however, contain some recommendations, including imposing position limits, as is already done in Chicago.

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While Christine Lagarde is the favorite to head the International Monetary Fund, his two rivals try to put a spoke in the wheels. The Governor of the Central Bank Israeli Stanley Fischer, freshly candidate initially put forward his training as an economist, which he said is "essential" to lead the organization in Washington during a crisis. The Minister of Economy and Finance has followed a career as a lawyer. "You need an intellectual framework," he said in an interview Monday in The Wall Street Journal. He added that there was "great in the past director of the IMF who were not politicians."

For his part, another rival of the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Mexico, Agustin Cartsen, regrets the perpetuation of the domination of Europe on the position of boss of the IMF since 1946."There could be a conflict of interest between the IMF and the European Union if the French Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde was taking the head of the institution," he said business cards. We would have a situation where borrowers dominate a creditor institution. I think it's a problem that must be addressed. "

Carstens sees Christine Lagarde elected

This did not stop to see the Minister of Economy and Finance elected. "The chances for Christine Lagarde of getting elected are very high. I am sure she will make a good CEO, he told a conference at a research center on international economics from Washington, the Peterson Institute. This does not prevent him from criticizing a victory for Christine Lagarde he considers almost gained.

As for Christine Lagarde, she tries to gather as many supporters, including the United States that have not yet made their choice. They are however allowed to compliment Agustin Carstens, deeming it "highly competent". While the name of the future director of the IMF must be known by June 30, the fight promises to be full.

The European Union (EU) comes to the rescue of its farmers. The Agriculture Ministers of the EU meeting in Luxembourg this afternoon, should decide to unfreeze 150 million euros in aid proposed by Brussels on Tuesday morning. This is to cope with the losses suffered by the fruit and vegetables after the psychosis to EHEC bacteria has killed 23 people in Europe.

"We will propose a $ 150 million" financial aid to cover losses of farmers, whose products are shunned by consumers, concerned as salads, tomatoes, cucumbers and others may be carrying the potentially deadly bacterium , told the press the Agriculture Commissioner, Ciolos. The exact amount of aid will however be adjusted estimates by country."We will take the period from late May, marking the beginning of the crisis at the end of June" to calculate the amount of compensation, "said the European official.

Already, the 150 million mentioned seem insufficient, as the amount of losses made by European farmers. The only Spaniards consider that the bill because of the boycott of their products by European consumers has cost them 200 million euros. In France, the bill, according to professionals, is approaching 5 million.

Berlin slammed

Germany on the other hand was roundly criticized for his handling of the crisis by European Commissioner for Health in the European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg on Tuesday. She had made allegations, soon withdrawn, cons of cucumber Spanish after the demonstration of the first cases of contamination."It is critical that national authorities are not lining up to give alerts unproven, because it creates problems and psychosis," warned John Dalli. "It is important to trigger alerts when certain scientific data," he said.

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