Posts Tagged ‘business’

Why do companies hinder recovery

September 2, 2010 - 5:44 pm Comments Off

The firms play the game of real recovery? Their profits are excellent on both sides of the Atlantic in the second quarter. At the same time, growth remains too low to reduce unemployment and the specter of a double dip recession. Economists blame the companies responsible for this widening gap between profits and growth.

"The companies have not shared enough of their profits with their employees, and this could dampen the recovery," says Aneta Markowska, economist at Societe Generale CIB. In the U.S., the share of corporate revenues redistributed to employees has dropped from 59.8% in the second quarter, its lowest level since the Second World War.

Recruitment at half

Paradoxically, "the companies that have entered the crisis with little debt and thus did not need to rebalance their balance sheets, accumulate cash and threaten the recovery," says Aneta Markowska. Their cash is now nearly 6% of their assets, against less than 4.5% before the crisis. A level not seen since the 50s, according to figures from Societe Generale CIB. The most obvious translation of this strategy, they block the hiring.

Natixis, the head of economic research, Patrick Artus, made the same observation. In a classical revival, the increase in profits resulting from investment, thus creating jobs, which in turn produce growth. But this time it's different.'Distortion of revenue sharing to the detriment of employees led to the weakening of wage and salary income, thus accentuating the weakness of domestic demand, "says Patrick Artus in a note. In the U.S., it will need more time to households in debt up to his neck to clean up their finances before eating again.

Uncertainty

If companies are ants and jealously guard their cash flow, because a great uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook. Because of fears of fallout in recession, "they do not know what will be their future profits and (in the U.S., Ed) they have difficulty in measuring what the impact of tax measures on the viability of their projects investment ", according to Societe Generale economist IPC.

Growth at half-profits on the rise, "he will have to get used to the difference," said Patrick Artus, who believes this is a trend. First, large groups are investing in emerging markets with high potential, which boosts their results. Then the credit market freeze that followed the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers has scalded. They now want to finance their own investments and not to depend on external funding.

Goldman Sachs: Axa halved its share

August 30, 2010 - 8:52 pm Comments Off

In the space of just three months, Axa sold nearly half its stake in Goldman Sachs. According to a document quoted by U.S. stock market regulator the Financial Times, the French insurer has sold nearly 16 million shares of U.S. bank and reduced its share from 5% to 2.1%. The funds were raised to bail out financial services group.

The withdrawal of the French group came at a time when the famous Wall Street bank saw its market capitalization melt after an investigation by the U.S. court on possible fraud. In the quarter, the title of the investment bank collapsed by nearly 23%.

Other major shareholders of Goldman Sachs have also reduced their stake in the bank business loan no fax payday. BlackRock and T.Rowe Price have respectively sold 1.6 million and 4.2 million shares Goldman Sachs.

Meanwhile, Axa has reduced its stake in U.S. Bancorp and that of Barclays and acquired stakes in Wells Fargo and Bank of America.

However, the bank always seems to be supported by Warren Buffett had invested in September 2008 – is in financial crisis – some five billion dollars in bank capital. The investor would also prominent candidate for the acquisition of Direct Line, a subsidiary of British bank RBS.

Washington approves the merger giant United-Continental

August 29, 2010 - 12:04 am Comments Off

Washington announced Friday it had cleared the merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines. The Department of Justice indicated that the two U.S. companies had responded to his objections to their merger, leaving a number of slots for landing and takeoff at Newark International Airport near New York.

Downstream Europe in July

United Airlines, the third American company, Continental Airlines and fourth, had announced in May their intention to merge under the single name of United. The European Union, the guardian of competition in Europe, had already given its approval to the transaction at the end of July. In a statement, Brussels stated that his investigation confirmed the complementarity of the two companies' networks for Transatlantic routes, since they operate hubs in different U.S. cities."So there will be a marginal increase in market share," concluded the European Union. But a refusal of the United States was to be feared, as authorities in 2001 vetoed a previous merger between United Airlines and U.S. Airways on the grounds that it would reduce competition in the transport sector to the detriment of the public.

Fusion 1 October

The U.S. Department said it had closed its investigation as a result of the merger between the two companies, which gives them the field libre.Dans a statement, the two companies said they expected to complete their reconciliation of by 1 October. By marrying, they hope to better withstand the difficulties faced by the industry today, including the rising cost of fuel and competition from low cost airlines.Together they serve 370 destinations in 59 countries, with a combined turnover of 29 billion dollars, a fleet of nearly 700 aircraft and about 87,000 employees worldwide.

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.

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.

ALSO READ:

"Fosun, the Chinese group that believes in the concept of Club Med

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).

ALSO READ:

"The trade deficit widens

The GE boss blames China and Obama

July 2, 2010 - 11:40 am Comments Off

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.

Parisot road for three more years

July 1, 2010 - 7:32 am Comments Off

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the graphics.

Formality. Unless disaster, Laurence Parisot should be re-elected Thursday as head of MEDEF for three years. The boss of bosses is the only candidate to succeed him and won the support of 40 members of the executive board present at the May 31 (out of 45 members) in a secret ballot.

The boss of bosses was the only candidate to succeed him (photo credits Jean-Christophe Marmara to the Figaro).

The Fitch degrades BNP Paribas

June 22, 2010 - 11:28 am Comments Off

The rating agency Fitch announced Monday after the close of stock markets in Europe, it lowered the ratings of BNP Paribas. The first French bank by market value was previously the club closed their highly rated by Fitch, AA sharing a favorite with the British HSBC and Spain's Santander. But the rating agency, BNP Paribas can not be "comfortable" among this circle of elected officials. The bank is degraded to AA – with a stable outlook.

The share "fairly important" for investment banking activities, deteriorating asset quality in 2009 and capital ratios slightly below the others behind this disgrace. Santander and HSBC show, in turn, limited contributions from their market activities."BNP Paribas continues to demonstrate its ability to cope with the pressures that affect the financial sector, especially European banks, and diversification is good," says Fitch, however.

The economies of emerging countries will exceed those of rich countries

June 17, 2010 - 4:24 am Comments Off

The OECD refers to a "structural change" of historic importance. The phenomenon is not new but it has accelerated over the last decade and more as a result of the crisis. The weight of emerging economies has amplified, as evidenced by a new study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the tilting of wealth. In support, the few trade data: in 2009, China became the largest trading partner of Brazil, India and South Africa. Between 1990 and 2008, world trade has multiplied almost fourfold, while the South-South trade have been more than ten. Indian car maker Tata is now the second largest investor in sub-Saharan Africa.Financially, the Developing Countries held in 2008, 4.2 trillion dollars of foreign reserves, or more than one and half times the amount held by the rich countries.

Another sign of their increasing weight between 1990 and 2000, the number of countries called emerging markets (ie whose average per capita equivalent to more than double that of OECD countries) has increased from 12 65. Several states of Eastern Europe like the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia acceded to the richest group, along with Saudi Arabia. Today, says the OECD, a simple division into two is more relevant. Château de la Muette now retains the concept of world "four speed", according to growth rates and income levels: poor, distressed, convergent and rich.Interesting phenomenon, twenty economies, mostly in Asia like India, Indonesia and Bangladesh but also in Africa, like Ethiopia or Nigeria, have made a great leap forward from the status of "poor" than "converge".

Note in this scenario, the underperformance of Latin America, where reforms have done little to advance growth. The report noted a reduction of poverty, especially in China where the rate has decreased by 60% in 1995 to 16% in 2005. The downside, if the number of poor has decreased overall from 300 million in the last decade, growth has often been accompanied by increasing inequality, which may influence the long term.

But the trend should not be reversed.In 2030, the OECD area could represent 43% of global GDP in purchasing power parity, against 60% in 2000 and 51% in 2010.