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First semester with a bang for the CAC 40 companies

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:32:04 +0000

The base effect was particularly favorable. But overall, companies listed on the CAC 40 – stock index comprising the 40 largest market capitalizations in France, headed Total – can boast of in the first half of fiscal 2010 profits up 86% over the first six months of 2009. Profits have almost doubled, reaching some 41.5 billion euros, against less than 23 billion a year earlier. To recall, throughout the year 2009, profits amounted to 47 billion euros payday advance lender.

Alone, Total, BNP Paribas and France Telecom accounts for one third of total profits. Total remaining the most profitable company in France (by far) Continue along the road and with an increase in profits by 28.1% in the first half of 2010 versus the first half of 2009.Other companies that have successfully managed the first half of the year, L'Oreal and LVMH, the luxury market is still juicy, Sanofi-Aventis and Capgemini, who continue their acquisition strategy.

656 000 staff in ten years

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:04:06 +0000

For the first time since 1980, the number of three public (state, territorial and hospital) have stagnated in France in 2008. Specifically, they rose only 1800postes. From never-seen since 1980. At 31 December 2008, according to report data annually on the Public Service published yesterday, the Hexagon were almost 5.3 million employees, or 20.5% of total employment, and 656,000 more than a decade ago.

The virtual stagnation of 2008 is largely to the credit of the state civil service has continued to decrease in population from 2006. It has eliminated 77,000 jobs last year, including through non-replacement of a staff of two who retire and to continue the policy of transfer of powers to local authorities. This represents a decline of 3.1% of its workforce in a year.France, employs 2.4 million civil servants, 69.5% and 14.1% of holders of soldiers. This total is 1.4% lower than in 1998, representing a decline of nearly 35,000 agents in a decade.

The numbers have declined in 2008 across all departments, with the exception of Justice and the prime minister. The portfolios of Education and Ecology have been most affected by the cuts with cuts respective 43,000 and 23,000 agents. Finally, almost a two-state official now works in education, one in five of Defense and Interior to eleven.

2328euros per month for a state agent

Another finding of the report 2009-2010 on the state of the public service: local authorities have continued to recruit with a vengeance with nearly 70,000 new jobs in 2008.The local civil service now employs 1.82 million people. A total of 3.9% higher than in 2008 and, especially, a surge of 40% compared to 1998. This dramatic increase is partly related to the second law of decentralization occurred in 2003. The regions – which employs only 4% of all local officials – have been particularly intensive public sector jobs as they saw their numbers jump over a decade, from 22.5% on average each year and even 49% per year since 2005. In more than one in four cases, recruitment occurred three years prior to 2008 had nothing to do with transfer of responsibilities from the State.

The public hospital has, meanwhile, was more reasonable since the increase of its workforce in 2008 was four times lower than that of local authorities: 1% over one year or more 10000agents.At December 31, staff of public hospitals accounted for approximately 1 million people. Those numbers have increased, on average ten years, 1.8% each year.

Pay later, an officer of the state received an average of 2328 euros net per month in 2008. An increase of 3.7% in current euros a year and 0.9% after allowing for inflation. Territorial Agent earned nearly 600 euros less and a hospital, 150. In both cases, the territorial and hospital officials have seen their wages decline in net income a year, by 0.6% and 0.1% in constant euros.

RentaFriend Tackles Europe

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:04:10 +0000

During the month of August, when all friends are gone on vacation, a feeling of loneliness can soon make its appearance. That's why the site RentaFriend chose the summer to offer its services in the United Kingdom and France. Since last July on the other side of the Channel in recent days on the canvas hex, this website offers to rent an American friend in the true sense of the word.

For a subscription of 19 euros per month, or 54 euros per year, the site provides access to a database containing the profiles and contact information of 283,000 men and women worldwide. These people, they register for free, detailing their name, age, place of residence but also hobbies and passions. The 2500 subscribers can then contact them by email or telephone to offer them to accompany them to the restaurant, cinema, for a stroll, a VIP or travel.

The company to 8 euros per hour

If no tariff is imposed, the friend offers to rent usually a base price of 8 euros per hour. The latter, for which all costs are borne by the person who contacted him, pocketed the entire sum at the end of the day. The site itself, survives financially through paid subscription for access to the base coordinates. "The site is profitable," says founder Scott Rosenbaum.

According to the American version of RentaFriend, launched in October 2009, it has been the rental of their friendship their daily livelihood. "If you charge $ 20 an hour and you work three days a week, you can make $ 1,920 a month. If you work full time at the same hourly rate, you can reap USD 3,200 a month, "promises the site. "There is no obligation to be friends with anyone.You decide which bind with a friendship, how much you charge and how long you want to work. You make all the rules! You're the boss! ".

"A new way to meet people"

This type of site is already paying friendlies in Japan, where the archipelago are at least a dozen. RentaFriend exports so the project in Europe. From what to wear uncomfortable associations fighting against loneliness. "The idea of connecting people who feel alone with others is positive because the latter do not occur. But it would be better if it was not paid. The danger in this scenario to be in a relationship distorted trade, while the need to promote human relations, "says Peter Villelongue, association, St. Vincent de Paul who fight against the phenomenon.

"I think people do not fully grasp the concept.Nearly 90% of members are not alone, or depressed. The evidence shown, "defends Scott Rosenbaum facing controversy. "The most common use is that of finding a local friend to play the guide during a trip or looking for dialogue for learning languages. People buy the company, they lease time another person for a specific purpose. Scott Rosenbaum said he also "stunned" by the debate provoked by RentaFriend since its launch in Europe: "I thought the U.S. was prudish and that other countries were more relaxed," wryly creator of the site.

Pinned on the risks of sexual abuses, Scott Rosenbaum scans again the critics: "Every profile is manually checked and we have a system of alerts that words allow us to act. Anyway, there are thousands of website offering sex on the Internet.There is no reason for an individual to try on RentaFriend.

For the rest, Scott Rosenbaum is confident. "I was approached by organizations and private funds but for now, I'm not looking for investors. However, if someone is interested in buying, I'm willing to listen to offers, "he says. Meanwhile, the young man of 30 years is an international coverage by the end of the year. "People should open their minds and see the benefits they can derive rather than judge, consider til.

Wall Street ended in negative territory

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:24:12 +0000

Having finished sharply higher Monday, the U.S. markets followed their European counterparts in the red. On Tuesday, the Dow Jones coward 0.36% 10,636 points at closing. The Nasdaq and the S & P retreating respectively 0.52% to 2284 points and 0.48% to 1120 points.

Markets were waiting for signs of solid U.S. recovery now but they were not reassured. The Commerce Department announced that consumer spending of U.S. households remained unchanged in June In addition, the consumption figures in May were revised downward: they no longer show a rise of 0.1%, against 0.2% previously announced. Economists had forecast an average increase of 0.1% of consumer spending in June

Household income is also unchanged in June at 0.1%, while economists had estimated the increase at 0.1%.The savings rate has reached 6.4%, up a tenth of a point, its highest level since June 2009.

Prices are down 0.1% in June and inflation falls to 1.4% a year.

Furthermore, he promises the sales on the U.S. housing market suffered an unexpected drop in June The index of the federation of Realtors NAR is thus fell to a new record low 75.7. He had fallen from 29.9% in May after the expiration of a tax credit for first-time buyers. In one year, the show promises to sell a drop in June from 18.6%.

In addition, industrial orders fell 1.2% in June, while the market was expecting a decline of 0.5% only. In May, these orders had fallen 1.8% (revised from -1.4%), posting a second consecutive month of decline.

Dow Chemical and Procter fall

On the corporate side, Dow Chemical (-10.06% to 25.48 dollars) and Procter & Gamble (-3.50% to 59.89 dollars) derive the score down. Both companies have disappointed the markets by their results published before the market opens. The first was reported earnings below expectations in the second quarter to $ 566 million, or 50 cents per share, after posting a loss of $ 486 million (47 cents per share) the previous year. Excluding items, earnings totaled 54 cents per share against 56 cents expected by analysts. The second has announced a profit drop of 12% in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year lagged below expectations at 2.185 billion dollars. The turnover is also lower than expected, growing by 5% to 18.926 billion dollars against 19.1 billion dollars expected.

In contrast, Pfizer (5.56% to 16.34 dollars) flies. The pharmaceutical giant reported earnings up 9% year on year to 2.475 billion dollars against 2.261 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share excluding exceptional items stood at 62 cents while analysts expected 52 cents on average.

RIM (-2.54% to 55.53 dollars) on Tuesday introduced its new BlackBerry. No officer of MDR was available after the presentation of the Torch, a touch screen device and slider to evoke the "discussions" going on with the authorities in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia worry about the barriers to safety that arise messaging services on the BlackBerry.

Morgan Stanley (-0.72% to 27.48 U.S. dollars) has decided to split the fund FrontPoint risk investments, acquired in 2006 by U.S. TV network CNBC that the transaction would be completed within three months. This split would allow Morgan Stanley to comply with new requirements of the Dodd-Frank legislation on financial regulation, which limits the bank's own brokerage and speculative positions.

Sanofi-Aventis has sent the U.S. biotech group Genzyme (-0.23% to 70.20 dollars) a letter citing his interest in American society, said Monday a source close to the deal, adding that both companies were discussing supply.

The automotive sector also changed on Tuesday after the publication of sales of major manufacturers for the month of July.Ford (-1.75% at 12.93 dollars) despite rising sales of 5% as its competitors, disappoints. Toyota is doing well (1.07% to 72.81 dollars) after avoirqui has reported a 6.8% decline in shipments in July.

Resistance testing to test market

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:32:05 +0000

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.

Fireworks spared by the crisis

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:20:07 +0000

The fireworks on July 14, is sacred in many municipalities, but not Mennecy. This town of Essonne is indeed one of the few to have made the choice to give up for budgetary reasons. "This is the third consecutive year that we do not celebrate the national holiday, says Elizabeth Vasseur, deputy mayor. It is a decision we made when we arrived responsibilities. Given the state of public finances, we have chosen to focus on building maintenance, or renovation of two schools being. Because we do not want to raise taxes, "she argues. The savings amounted to ten thousand euros. If people have stayed up Mennecy perhaps no worse the other 364 days of the year, few cities, however, he followed suit.

For the celebrations of July 14 remains a symbolic moment for which the municipalities continue to invest in broadly stable, despite the severity of wind hovering at the national level. In Paris, the budget devoted to one of the biggest fireworks of the Hexagon is constant since 2001. An investment of € 500,000 by July 14 to 30 tons of powder and 30 minute show. "In the current economic climate, we did not want that expense increases, say to the City of Paris. But it seems important to properly celebrate this national event. " Same story in a smaller city, Chalon-sur-Saone (71), where the budget for fireworks is roughly the same from year to year, despite a desire for renewal: "Our budget is constant for 5-6 years, explains Cédric Sementi, responsible for the event.But we chose this year to remove the sound of fire to prolong the duration of the show. " In total, 14 July festivities will be spread over five days in Chalon whole through the operation "Summer Sonatas" paydayloan.

The fireworks, creator of the social bond

Jacques Couturier Organization, which has won this year's market fireworks in the city of Paris, his explanation for this relative constancy: "The fireworks created a social bond that we all need in times crisis, analyzes its founder. Increasingly, we are asked to create fireworks outside the July 14, for example recently at the Championnat de France cyclist Vendee. Especially since the resources allocated to the festivities usually remain small relative to the overall budget of Commons.In Sceaux (92) – which does more than fireworks on July 14 for 10 years, preferring the fires of St. John – the various festivities cost about 200,000 euros to the municipality, with a total budget of 30 million. "This costs in a city hall, which is most likely to suffer from the crisis, are the social or educational expenses," said Philip Lawrence, Mayor of Sceaux.

Among Europe's leading fireworks, Lacroix-Ruggieri, there is however a slight decline in budgets. The amounts invested were stable in 2009, but budgets have contracted by about 5% this year. "All budgets ranges from 2000 euros to 500,000 euros, have been involved," says Jean-Michel Dambielle, Director General Operational Group. And if the national holiday of July 14 is still with us, removal of business tax still worried the bomb."The fiscal autonomy of municipalities will decrease their budgets might be affected, analysis Picard, CEO of Group F, creator of the fireworks in Paris in 2008. Will we still saved? We'll see next year. "

Pension reform: unions hostile

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:00:07 +0000

J-1. That Tuesday morning Eric Woerth will present his Cabinet bill on pension reform. This text provides for the postponement by 2018 the legal age of retirement at age 62 (as against 60 now) and increase by 2020 the contribution period for a full pension at 41 5 installments. It also proposes to raise over 10 years to 10.55% of gross salary pension contribution rate of employees.Meanwhile, the government plans to introduce draft consideration – unprecedented – the strain at work to enable employees who have had a difficult career to continue to retire at age 60 but also extend the system "long careers "which allows people who started working early to liquidate their retirement before age 60.

"Unjust and unacceptable"

Trade unions, traditionally opposed the reforms they consider "unfair and unacceptable" because it would further inequalities have already planned to protest during the presentation of the Council of Ministers."The proposed reform does not respond to questions of employment, particularly youth and seniors, or the reversal of gender inequalities, or to the recognition of the hardship … It refers to the uncertainty of future generations sustainability of pension secured by the division, they were justified in a statement. They also criticized the closure of financial reform that puts "more than 85% of efforts" to employees only and require "a different distribution of wealth produced, particularly through higher taxes than expected capital income and senior income.

Eric Woerth's proposal to improve the bill at the time of the examination to the National Assembly from September 7 on three aspects of the text (strain at work, and long careers polypensionnés) has yet not had the desired effect.Even the beginnings of a better consideration of the prevention of the hardship brought up by the entourage of the Minister of Labour at a meeting with labor, has left them unmoved. "We want a broader discussion, said Friday Eric Aubin, the negotiator of the CGT, after an interview Rue de Grenelle. The position of the government that it seeks to show a continued dialogue. But we ride seriously and it confirms our intention to build a strong mobilization on September 7. "

On this day, the unions have scheduled a new day of strikes and unit mobilization, hoping to do better than June 24 when 800 000 people (and by 1.9 million CGT) had beaten the streets across France to protest against the postponement of 60 years. And thus weigh more on debates in Parliament.They do not despair, no longer convinced by that number of MPs to amend by Social Affairs Committee – where the text will be examined from July 20 to 22 – the bill. The CFDT has also planned to "harass" the summer MPs in their constituency. Act II of the 2010 pension reform does so may just be beginning.

"SPECIAL – The challenges of pension reform

The Europeans later work

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:12:31 +0000

Ensuring pension "adequate, sustainable and safe". That is the goal set by the European Commission on Wednesday, opening a public debate across Europe about pensions. One way for Brussels to contribute to debates in the member states, faced with increasing public deficits and debt.

France initiated its reform, that the legal age of retirement will be pushed back 60 years to 62 years by 2018. By 2029, the Germans to retire at age 67 instead of 65 today. Spain, whose age is currently 65, is studying a similar scenario. Finally, Great Britain, the legal age could be raised to 68 years.

These measures are widely endorsed by the European Commission, who said in a Green Paper published today on the occasion of the opening of public debate."In all Member States, an aging population weighs heavily on the existing pension plans, and financial and economic crisis has only increased that pressure," said a statement in Brussels with its consultation document.

"In Europe it is expected that the number of retirees will double by 2060 compared to the number of people who fund their pensions: the current situation is simply unsustainable. To remedy this, it is necessary to consider carefully the balance to be struck between the length of working life and in retirement, "said European Commissioner for Employment, Laszlo Andor in this release.

An average exit age increased to 70 years by 2060

Clearly, the EU executive urges EU states to a widespread decline in the age of retirement, at a time when people are living longer while birth rates are sliding. "In 2008, there were four people of working age (15-64 years) for every citizen of the European Union (EU) aged 65 years at least. By 2060, this ratio will drop to two for one ", explains the Commission. The latter considers that the average age of retirement should be raised from 65 to 70 years by 2060 to maintain pensions at their current level.

The consultation opened on Wednesday last four months, until November 15, 2010. To mobilize the citizens, the Commission established a website to collect the views of each.Based on a recent Eurobarometer survey, Brussels says that Europeans are ready to accept the measures taken by EU governments. The survey found that "73% of citizens of the European Union provide a clear decrease in their retirement or think they have to work longer or save more for their old age."

Maneuvers in mines

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:20:04 +0000

Following the adoption of Australian tax on the profits of mining companies, the big names in resume their expansionist movement. Thus, the head of Rio Tinto's Sam Walsh, said further negotiations with the regulators in different countries to complete the planned reconciliation with rival BHP Billiton. Moreover, the multinational was considering expanding its new site for the Pilbara with an investment of 10 billion dollars. The Anglo-Australian group wants to increase its annual production of iron ore of 330 million tons within five years, against 230 million today.

Anglo American is activated

The Anglo-South African Anglo American sells, in turn, coal mines in Australia to a consortium of South Korea's Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and POSCO, and the Australian Cockatoo Coal for 500 million dollars.Finally, Banpu, Thai producer of coal, wants to increase its shareholding in the Australian Centennial Coal, up 80% to $ 1.7 billion.

Many projects had been put between brackets, because of the uncertainty surrounding the new tax taxing up to 30% profits of mining groups.

The GE boss blames China and Obama

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:40:04 +0000

The boss of General Electric has no language in his pocket! On the occasion of a dinner in Rome, Jeffrey Immelt said that China would "the real concern," reads the columns in the Financial Times. He said the meeting today, the middle kingdom "the worst working conditions in 25 years." The leader has disavowed the policy of the Chinese government he accuses of becoming increasingly hostile to multinational companies.

Thus, the officer warned that General Electric (GE) is looking for growth opportunities outside of China, so as not to be "colonized by Chinese investors," says the boss. Despite the importance of the market, Jeffrey Immelt said that GE "is now turning to other countries rich in raw materials." The Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Indonesia are in the viewfinder.The officer has been loud and clear the feelings of many companies operating in China. The European Chamber of Commerce has in fact recently reported an uproar among foreign groups in place of the emerging economic power saving account payday loan.

In addition, Jeffrey Immelt has made some unkind towards the Obama administration he blames the poisonous climate in the United States. It is also concerned that regulatory changes desired by the White House have a negative impact on the fragile recovery in the United States. And according to the officer, the U.S. business community would not appreciate the President of the United States, and vice versa.

Not the opinions of the group

But the group tries to reduce the scope of the declarations of his boss.The U.S. giant said that the leader was speaking at a private dinner and that the statements reported are not exactly those of Jeffrey Immelt. GE Jeffrey Immelt said in particular that was not directly involved Barack Obama. In addition, the group says that the speech did not reflect the opinions of the group.