Posts Tagged ‘financial’

Obama has failed to reassure Wall Street

August 9, 2011 - 11:04 am Comments Off

At the opening of Wall Street, U.S. indices posted immediately red (around 3%). And losses have widened throughout the session. Accentuating even further their descent, the indices have hurt Barack Obama's speech, who spoke to 20 hours Paris time, the Nasdaq has lost more than 6.5% shortly after the speech. And bad mood has not dimmed until the closing bell on the contrary, the end of the session was sprotive. Finally, the Dow Jones appears falling from 5.55% to 10,809.85 points. This is the first time since October that the index feature finishes below 11,000 points, its worst day in percentage terms since December 2008, a dark period for the financial sector.

The Nasdaq, even punished, won 6.90% to 2357.69 points, while the S & P tumbles 6.66% to 1119.46 points.On Monday, European markets have dropped out late in the session, while the Asian markets, have also, finished the day on heavy folds.

When Barack Obama spoke in an attempt to reassure the markets, investors do not stop selling. Worse, they pressed the pedal and drop is even more markets. "The United States still deserve note 'AAA'," said Monday night during a speech Barack Obama, on the downgrade of U.S. debt Friday by the rating agency Standard and Poor's. The U.S. president also defended the credit of the United States but acknowledged a deficit problem. Barack Obama, however, that the economic challenge was surmountable but require political will.

Nothing to do."The deterioration in the rating of the United States is clearly the catalyst for the drop in markets today, but is not the reason, according to Michael Sheldon, chief strategy officer at RDM Financial. Degradation is simply evidence that the U.S. has problems. "

Note that in Latin America, falls are breathtaking. Financial center of Sao Paulo (-8%) and Buenos Aires (-10.73%) plunged. In Chile, the Santiago Stock Exchange (-6.96%) did not record such a decline for 13 years. In Lima, a decline of 7.03% has even led to a suspension of trading an hour before closing.

Gold still a step higher, oil falls below $ 82

Witness the panic in the markets, gold has posted yet another record high and rose 4.25% to 1722 dollars an ounce at 20:30, before returning to 1717 dollars to 22 hours.Oil, however, has dropped by more than 6% Monday in New York, their lowest levels since November. On the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), a barrel of "light sweet crude" for September delivery finished the session at 81.31 dollars, down 5.57 dollars or 6.4% on Friday.

Paradoxically, U.S. bond rates continue to decline, those same 10 years falling by 8.5% melting at 2.339% against 2.558% Friday. Good to 30 years returned to 3.663% against 3.823%. However, after degradation much faster than expected by Standard & Poor's sovereign rating of the United States, which had never been subjected to such a penalty could have been expected to climb no faxing payday loans.Sign that investors still believe that the U.S. still refer to the bond market.

Moody's said Monday it could, too, by 2013 reduce the debt rating of the United States if the fiscal and economic outlook deteriorated sharply. But she considers it possible in the meantime a new agreement in Washington to reduce the deficit.

Menu macro loaded, with the FOMC in dish

This week, the lower macroeconomic indicator to take the pulse of a threatened U.S. growth will be expected to turn to investors.

From Tuesday, the productivity of U.S. companies in the second quarter and will be scrutinized closely. The risk is to see it getting more than expected, resulting in a logical breakdown of the job. Consumer confidence is also on the menu.But the final communique of the Monetary Policy Committee of the U.S. Federal Reserve (FOMC), from that Tuesday night will go to the most crucial.

Analysts and investors are wondering already if further monetary easing, (3 or quantitative easing "EQ3") can get out. Unless it is an aid to banks, which could begin to experience problems of interbank liquidity, which is preferred. "In all cases, the reaction of short-term market is very uncertain …" says it does at Aurel BGC.

Friday, retail sales will be the second major economic meeting a week at high risk on financial markets worldwide. "The sales figures published by the values ​​of the S & P 500 were clearly disappointing July, underline in this respect analysts Aurel BGC.But the report shows significant employment job creation in the distribution. A figure that looks very uncertain. " The trade balance in June should also be well attended.

Bank of America falls 20%

Meanwhile, the business side, the publications of interim results are less numerous and can only remember very little attention to markets, obsessed by the European and U.S. sovereign debt. Walt Disney reveals in particular accounts on Tuesday, ahead of Cisco in the matter and News Corp (Wednesday) and Nordstrom, Sara Lee, and Kohls (Thursday), and finally JC Penney (Friday).

American International Group (AIG: -9.92% to 22.61 dollars) continues Bank of America (-20.07% to 6.53 dollars), calling him more than $ 10 billion (7 billion euros) losses related to mortgages, it said in the text of the complaint.According to this document, which Reuters obtained a copy, AIG believes it was misled by the bank about securities backed by mortgages, which caused losses. The insurer wants to sue Bank of America to the Supreme Court of the State of New York in Manhattan.

The EU investigation into a cartel in the luxury watches

August 5, 2011 - 9:44 pm Comments Off

After considering the price of flour in supermarkets and those of certain financial products, the European Commission is vigilant in fine watchmaking. The competition regulator on Friday launched an investigation into the agreements and dominant positions among manufacturers of luxury watches, trying to see if they have agreed to refuse to supply spare parts to independent repairers.

"The Commission informed the parties concerned and the competition authorities of the Member States of the opening of the proceedings in this case," said the European Commission in a statement.

The investigation follows a complaint filed in 2004 by the European Confederation of Associations of watch repairers (CEAHR) for alleged violation of competition rules of the European Union.Multi-brand repairers had indeed used to make many of the repairs of luxury watches. But from 2002, according to CEAHR, manufacturers of luxury watches began to refuse to supply spare parts to multi-brand repairers who were not part of their repair networks. The CEAHR therefore seeks the condemnation of the practice, saying it could force independent repairers to put the key under the door.

The European competition regulator rejected its complaint in 2008 for lack of Community interest. Then the decision was overturned by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in December 2010. This does not prevent the European Commission to be cautious about this.She stresses that the opening of an investigation does not mean it already has evidence about the existence of an offense. And yet, no manufacturer of luxury watches is specifically under investigation.

The Paris Bourse expected in the green

August 1, 2011 - 9:32 am Comments Off

Relief. Is the word that should prevail today on all global exchanges, after U.S. lawmakers passed this night finally put to agree on raising the debt ceiling. At 8:15, future contracts on the CAC 40 advanced sharply from 1.39% to 3724.50 points.

Last week, the inability of the United States to solve the problem of public finances had weighed on investor sentiment. In Paris the CAC 40 was indeed touched its lowest level in session year (3,630.75 points), while Wall Street finished its worst week in a year, despite the intervention of Obama Friday in an attempt to reassure debt.

After the relief 10 days ago on Greek sovereign debt, the calm would return to the Paris financial center.After weeks of negotiations, elected Democrats and Republicans have indeed finally found common ground on the amount of new ceiling, avoiding the world's largest economy is in default of payment in the coming days. According to preliminary information provided by the White House, the debt ceiling would be raised to 2.1 trillion dollars, which breathe new life in the United States on the forehead of the debt until 2013, after the presidential elections. This agreement in principle will also enable the countries to continue to borrow on the markets beyond the August 2 deadline set by the Treasury.

The reaction of rating agencies expected

On the other hand, no excessive optimism are to be expected in the financial markets today, at least until the U.S. Congress has not ratified the agreement. The first submission is expected to vote that day.Furthermore, few details have yet filtered on measures taken to reduce the deficit in the U.S., which does not exclude the possibility of deterioration in the rating of the sovereign debt of the United States.

For now, the first tranche of spending cuts of $ 1 trillion is expected. Then a bipartisan special committee of Congress will then be responsible for finding the end of November additional expenditure cuts amounting to 1.5 trillion dollars. A total of 2.5 trillion dollars in budget cuts, all over 10 years. From this point of view, the reaction of rating agencies in this agreement called the "medium term" should be widely followed by the markets.

On the currency front, the dollar has benefited only modestly from the announcement of the night, illustrating the temporary nature of such an agreement.At 8 am, the euro fell slightly (-0.13%) against the greenback at 1.4385 dollar, while it bounces against the yen. Around 6:00, the dollar stood at 76.73 yen 77.58 yen against Friday night cash advance in one hour.

In terms of oil prices were up Monday morning in electronic trading in Asia, where the market relieved by this agreement in extremis. In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for September delivery gained 1.53 dollars to 97.23 dollars. That of Brent North Sea crude for September delivery was appreciating $ 1.25 dollar to 117.99.

Macroeconomic side, investors should look carefully at the unemployment figures for the month of June Overseas are also expected to 4:00 p.m. construction spending for the month of June, the ISM manufacturing index for July.

As for values ​​to follow

Last week, the many semi-annual publications were rather disappointing, adding to the nervousness of investors. The pace slows publications this week, though are expected in the next three days the details of the interim bank values ​​(Tuesday BNP Paribas, Societe Generale on Wednesday and Thursday Axa and Natixis).

Eiffage reported a slight slowdown in growth in the second quarter despite a sharp rebound from its construction activities, the division of public works who registered a decrease over the period.

Outremer Telecom. A draft tender offer simplified to the telecom operator was introduced by OMT Invest, a structure controlled by Axa Private Equity, according to a notice to the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and released Friday.

EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF ENR) has entered into exclusive negotiations with Capital Perceva to cede control of Supra, the fund feeds the project to file a simplified takeover bid at the end of the process.

General Health issued a sharp drop in operating profit in the first half due to exceptional items, but its revenue rose due to higher acute care stays.

Recylex published Friday sales for the second quarter increased significantly, from 32% to 125.34 million euros, supported by an increase of 48% of its business in recycling lead thanks to rising 16 % of lead prices and increased sales volumes.

Air Liquide. The gas giant reported Monday a 11% increase in net profit in the first half, to 750 million euros.It maintained its forecast a "steady increase" in net profit for the year.

Note that Gameloft will publish its interim results after market close, while Le Noble Age unveil at the same time state sales for the same period. The British bank HSBC, which is listed in Paris, finally published its results for the first six months of the year.

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"Asian stock markets welcomed the U.S. agreement

Sessions stressful to predict market

July 24, 2011 - 7:04 pm Comments Off

"All global markets are wondering whether U.S. policy makers are able to compromise and reach agreement on the debt." Here is essentially what Sunday said the secretary general of the White House, Bill Daley. Adding that financial markets are prepared to live very stressful day, Bill Daley has brought into the hands of President Obama and Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner. Both said last night their will to reach agreement by Sunday night (Paris time), a few hours before the opening of Asian markets.

Just relieved on the question of the end of the Greek fire, after the adoption of a new plan Thursday to help Greece, all the concerns of operators should indeed focus on the United States, where elected Democrats and Republicans are still debating on what to do to reduce the U.S. debt. After another weekend of heated discussions, the status quo is always appreciated. Nine days is the time left now to senior U.S. policy makers to tune their violins. If no agreement is reached by Aug. 2 on raising the debt ceiling (about 14,300 billion) as well as budget cuts and additional taxes, the world's largest economy could be in default payment at the beginning of next month. Which would surely induce panic in the stock market.

Fear of a deterioration in the rating of sovereign debt

Even without going to default, the risk of a stock drop on the American question remains possible payday advance lenders. According to the White House, a simple short-term renewal of the debt (to which scenario we are heading according to Republican Senator Tom Coburn) could lead to a deterioration in the sovereign debt rating by U.S. rating agencies. These sanctions are rarely applauded the stock market, especially when they concern the world's largest economy. Waiting to see the Asian markets the first consequences of the new fruitless discussions of the weekend, analysts stress the importance of the issue to investors.

"The markets have liquidated" Friday, they had learned during the day the failure of negotiations between the White House and Republican opponents of a plan to reduce long-term deficits, said David Kotok, chairman of Cumberland Advisors. But now "the markets have had time to digest" and determination displayed by both others to avoid default is reassuring. Still, that nervousness should remain in force next week on the large world. After removal of the threat of the eurozone, the political debates around the indebtedness of Western countries have not yet finished obscure markets.

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The label Paule Ka sells for an investment fund

July 20, 2011 - 5:04 pm Comments Off

It is a page in the history of Paule Ka, the ready-to-wear clothing, which has just been turned. Serge Cajfinger – President, Artistic Director and founder of the brand there are twenty-three years – and his family transferred control of the company to an investment fund Change Capital, which specializes in retail and consumer goods . Serge Cajfinger, 56, remains in control, but keeps his family that 30% stake in Paule Ka, known for her dresses inspired by fashion icons of the 1950s and 1960s.

Change Capital's arrival also marks the start of the Deposit, which held 17% of the company since 2007 through one of its funds, Heritage and Creation.

It is a success story in the French-Change Capital, which was a shareholder of the Jil Sander label and distributor of garden furniture Unopiu 'adds to its portfolio."Paule Ka dresses women 25 to 55 years, both for work and special occasions, combining a quality worthy of the luxury and affordable, says Stephan Lobmeyr, Partner at Change Capital, created in 2004 by Luc Vandevelde , former president of Carrefour and Marks & Spencer. There are not many brands with such a position and grow as regular "/

The brand, which has weathered the crisis with no air pocket, grew by 17% of its turnover (40 million), related to sales of its own stores (8 stores) and the acceleration of its order book from the department stores (29 outlets) and multi (370).

Ségolène Royal in 2007

The new majority wants to move up a gear. In the provinces, he intends to develop the number of stores as in large cities.In Paris, where the brand was born in the Marais district, opening in 2007 of its flagship on Rue Saint-Honore has given greater visibility.

As for the international Paule Ka is present in 53 countries, it could be within five years 65% of sales, against 50% today. Leaders and are working on a new shareholder settlement in the United States with the opening of a shop in New York within a year. They would be well set the mark on Madison Avenue."In countries where we are not yet present, we are entering a flagship, and we aim to grow between 50-50 own stores and multibrand," said Anthony Bing, deputy general manager of the company.

In China, another key market for the future, Paule Ka has signed an agreement with a franchise partner, the Hengdian Group, which plans to open 14 corners in the first five years and a shop by the end of the year Hangzhou, two hours from Shanghai. In Asia, the brand – who dressed Ségolène Royal during the last election – has already attracted the fashionistas in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. In Europe, the company hopes to double its number of stores as the next five years, starting with a location in Madrid in September. By broadening the territory of Paule Ka, Change Capital aims to double sales of the brand by 2016.

European shares nervous

July 13, 2011 - 2:40 pm Comments Off

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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Drought: the vine does not suffer

June 16, 2011 - 10:36 pm Comments Off

Spring 2011 is the warmest spring (+2.6 ° C) since the beginning of the twentieth century, surpassing 2007 (+2.1 ° C) and 2003 (+1.8 ° C). The lack of rainfall between March and May 2011 (deficit of 55%) is also the largest before 1976 (46%) and 1997 (40%).

Result: the vine is ahead. Flowering, key moment, arrived three weeks early. According to the adage, the harvest takes place one hundred days later, the Beaujolais expects to harvest around 15 August, the Bordeaux and Burgundy in late August.

First question: the heat and drought are they harmful to the vine? In principle, no. The vine is a perennial plant with long roots, sometimes over 10 m, which are immune to the vagaries of weather: it is only the first foot of land that are dry.Only the vines suffer not worked and amended with very shallow roots.

We therefore takes a great vintage? Is going a bit far, because spring is not only the result. Moreover, in recent vintages hot, 2007 has not left a great memory, because the summer was wet and ruined the great hopes of the Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy, among others. Everywhere, 2007 are to drink, and only Sauternes and some great Rhone wines, especially side Chateauneuf-du-Pape, save the reputation of the vintage.

As for the 2003 vintage, with its very short growing season, it remains a curiosity, because with the hot clouds an average but the wines are of low acidity. At birth, the great Bordeaux had raised the enthusiasm of a few tasters, especially overseas, and prices had skyrocketed.But today, the big bottles are rare, first quantitatively, because the harvest was reduced, and they do not shine by their qualities. Those who blindly follow the sirens Bordeaux were fooled. It goes back to 1893 or to 1811 for a hot high quality, but primarily because the weather was dry.

Lower yield

Drought, it should not be confused with heat, produces other effects personal loans for bad credit. The concentration is generally at the rendezvous, but with diminishing returns. The year 1976, which is included in the collective unconscious with his "drought tax" does not figure in the pantheon of great vintages, came too late because the rain has swelled the grapes. In contrast, small droughts have resulted in some recent vintages, like 2005 and 2009.But not too much should not, because it can harden the wines, as in 2010.

For now, the drought of 2011 is not worrying at all, and the vine does not suffer. All the more she has spread the bloom in some places, which is still not a good sign for the quality of the vintage. If it lasts for another month or two, the vine will slow its growth and lead to smaller bays, resulting in a lower yield.

However, "until there is no rain, no need to treat, philosopher producer. The vines are planted on soils with good moisture capacity, which saves them. "Because, contrary to conventional wisdom, it is not enough sun and heat to make great wines, and even wine while short, seeing as Australian producers, who had been seduced by the warm valleys they are forced to abandon due to lack of water.Even with irrigation, there are no great wines in the deserts.

In the New World, the science of irrigation, source of many theses and a large number of studies, has made tremendous progress, but not enough to work miracles. Good wine, let alone the great wines, the result of a complex alchemy between the sun, temperature and water from the sky just as we must, with consummate skill and suspense.

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The mysteries of the bacteria killer who terrifies Europe

June 1, 2011 - 9:48 pm Comments Off

In recent days, European health authorities are engaged in a real police investigation and a race against time to trace the trail of a new epidemic. Prime suspect: a bacterium Escherichia coli, accused of causing bloody diarrhea and kidney complications. Yesterday, Europe accounted for 1 000 patients in Germany, England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria. In France, six suspects, three of which the Germans are under investigation. All had lived in Germany. Fifteen deaths are regrettable in Germany, one in Sweden.

Where is the health survey? Is this really the cucumber?

At first, the deadly bacteria was traced to imported Spanish cucumbers in Germany. But the German authorities admitted Tuesday that the latest tests showed that the vegetable was not the offending bacteria.

Only the stool of patients contain Escherichia coli enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC). The hypothesis of a contamination plant is however maintained. Tomatoes and salad greens are suspected. The question remains: the vegetables have been infected in Spain, Germany, during transport?

Next Monday, all European health ministers meet in Luxembourg for an update. Francois Grossetete MEP, said "the need to label products to determine their origin."

What is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)?

HUS is a severe complication, sometimes fatal, infections of the digestive bacteria Escherichia coli enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) types of E. coli that produce Shiga toxin. After 3-7 days of incubation, these infections are revealed by diarrhea, which may be bloody.Nine out of ten patients recover within ten days. HUS occurs in 10% of cases, linked to the spread of the toxin. It is characterized by acute renal failure, anemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). This complication is fatal in 3-5% of cases, a patient care on two renal sequelae. One hundred cases are reported each year in France, mainly in children under 15 years.

How to transmit these infections?

Cattle that are healthy carriers, are the main natural reservoir. Transmission to humans is most often through ingestion of undercooked beef (hamburgers, for example) or products containing raw milk. Water and other foods like vegetables contaminated by feces, can also be a source of infection. A direct human transmission is possible.Many serotypes of EHEC are identified, the most common is O157: H7.

What previous epidemics?

The first two outbreaks due to these producers shigatoxin coli were reported in 1982 in the United States. In total, about fifty people were infected with E. coli O157: H7 via hamburgers. In 1996, Scotland, over 500 people who were victims of the same serotype, also by eating beef. The largest epidemic was recorded in Japan in 1996. More than 9400 cases and 12 deaths had been identified, contaminated radish sprouts. In 2000, Canada, 2000 cases of infection were identified among the 4600 inhabitants of the town of Walkerton.In this area of ​​intensive farming of cattle, the infection was transmitted by drinking water.

What precautions should I take?

In general, these bacteria are destroyed by heat, "two minutes at 70 degrees or 100 degrees a minute," says Professor Patrick Berche, microbiologist (Necker Hospital, Paris). Currently, there is, in his view, no reason not to eat raw vegetables. "The only precaution is to wash your hands before and after preparing raw vegetables, and wash vegetables and fruit, possibly with hot water," he insists.

What is special about the current epidemic?

The first is the serotype in question, O104. "It's fantastic, I have not had a case several years ago, said Professor Edouard Bingen (Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris), whose laboratory is associated with the National Reference Center for E.coli-Shigella. This serotype O104 has been the source of an epidemic in the United States in 1994. "It's odd to have a highly virulent strain and immediately resistant to powerful antibiotics such as cephalosporins," adds Dr Berche. Moreover, the current epidemic affects mostly women, while the hemolytic uremic syndrome usually involves children. A difference that, according to Professor Bingen, may be related to the origin of infection: the hamburger more often, raw vegetables in this case.

Taxation: What you should learn from reform

May 17, 2011 - 3:40 pm Comments Off

Are eagerly bank customers waiting for private management is unveiled details of the proposed tax reform heritage. "They questioned us in pressing for months," says one private banker. Since last week and the presentation of the draft supplementary budget for 2011 in the Council of Ministers, the rules are clear. The schedule also: This year, the declaration and payment of ISF will not take place June 15 as usual, but on September 30. Starting this year, 300,000 taxpayers, those whose heritage is less than 1.3 million euros, will escape the tax.

For others, those with assets less than 3 million euros this year will be the last to engage in the tedious exercise of the declaration of ISF. From 2012, they will transfer the amount of their assets directly on their tax returns.For those whose heritage reaches or exceeds 3 million, the statement remains EWB.

Life insurance is not affected

Engineering heritage, a time in abeyance, will be able to resume its course. Implement a heritage strategy in recent months faced many questions, the exercise becomes easier, the horizon being clarified.

Sales of products défiscalistation (FCIC or FIP to reduce the TFR) should also leave. "Everything was frozen, pending sales were" recognize the asset managers. Same thing for donations to foundations that permit, they also reduce tax liabilities. There remain four and a half months to work and SMEs to raise capital from those who want to reduce the TFR to pay late September.But both the others must expect an ebb this year, since the number of persons subject to the TFR will fall by more than half.

Contrary to what had been feared, the overhaul of the taxation of wealth has not dented the investment fetish of the French life insurance. Its taxation is not cured. "Life insurance has even become an added attraction in terms of succession to the heavier side of the gift and estate," notes the Grandière Bertrand, head of engineering heritage in La Compagnie Financiere Edmond de Rothschild. Indeed, the most important heritages will see fees increase from 35 to 40% for taxable gifts and estates of between 902,838 euros and 1,805,677 euros per share (in excess of this amount, the rate increased from 40 45%).For these taxpayers, the life has more meaning than before.

Fears over the taxation of real estate gains are also lifted. Nothing changes except for non-resident owners of second homes in France. They will now pay a 20% tax on the rental value of housing register. "One way to help finance the national public services," says one at Bercy. For owners subject to the ISF for their principal residence, the reform can erase the boom in property prices.

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Resuming Cac 40, which found the threshold of 3900 points

April 20, 2011 - 3:44 am Comments Off

In Paris, investors want to turn the page on Tuesday, while the day before the European and U.S. indices were trembling face the prospect of lowering the debt rating of long-term United States from the rating agency Standard and Poor's. At the opening, the CAC 40 gained 0.48% to 3899.68 points. The index has increased its Paris flagship gains the whole morning to show an increase of 0.79% to 3919.11 points in mid-day. The goal of returning to 3900 points is atteint.Un threshold is exceeded after the opening happily in the green on Wall Street. At 16 pm, the CAC 40 is trading at 3920 points (1.02%).

In Germany, the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange at mid-session gaining 0.43% to 7057 points and in the UK, the FTSE-100 index gaining key values ​​0.61% to 5905 points.

The session is facilitated by a series of publications.This morning already, Essilor, Faurecia and Zodiac unveiled their quarterly sales figures. Tonight, one of L'Oréal is expected. Side economic figures in France, activity in the private sector has increased sharply in April, supported by the services, whose growth reached its fastest pace for over ten years, according to preliminary results of the survey Markit among purchasing managers released Tuesday.

European side, new registrations of passenger cars fell 5% in March on a year within the European Union (EU), show figures released Tuesday by the European Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (ACEA). However, sales have increased in most European markets, notably Germany and France, which recorded a sales gain of 11.4% and 6.1% respectively.

Current accounts of euro area were in deficit by 7.2 billion euros in February, seasonally adjusted data, according to figures released Tuesday by the European Central Bank.

In the U.S., housing starts stand at 549,000 annual rate, while the market was expecting 520,000 after 512,000 in February (revised from 479,000). They display and a recovery of 7.2% over one month after a decline of 18.5% in February.

On the currency front, the euro fell sharply against the dollar on Monday night, however briefly falling below $ 1.42, weighed down by renewed concerns over the debts of the most fragile countries in the euro area, although United States have themselves received a stern warning.On Tuesday morning, the euro resumed at 0.11% 1.4243 dollar.Le oil also fell back after a warning from Standard & Poor's, but the situation in the Arab world will continue to drive prices upward

Faurecia and fly Zodiac

Side values, EDF (5.35% to 28.06 euros) headed the CAC 40 in mid-session. The redemption price of electricity to EDF's competitors is set at 42 euros on 1 January 2012. Eric Besson, Minister of Industry has confirmed the news Tuesday morning on Europe 1.

Faurecia is gaining 4.57% to 25.83 euros.Le group saw sales rise by 24% in the first quarter versus the first three months of 2010, an increase of 15% on a comparable basis.

Zodiac climbed 5.40% to 52.87 euros.Zodiac Aerospace announced Tuesday it raised its forecast operating margin for the year 2010-2011 after having almost doubled in the first half thanks to the recovery confirmed the aviation sector.

LVMH (4.24% to 114.40 euros) saw sales growth accelerate in the first quarter despite the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, while analysts had forecast a slowdown Growth of global luxury goods giant.

Michelin (2.01% to 60.88 euros) announced Monday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese groups and Double Coin Huayi for the creation of a joint venture dedicated to the production of tires for the Chinese market.

Essilor advance slowly from 0.80% to 55.13 euros.Specialist ophthalmic equipment has confirmed its annual targets by announcing Tuesday an increase of 13.4% of its turnover in the first quarter thanks to its good performance in Asia and Latin America.

Archos tumbles

Edenred (-0.79% to 20.17 euros) announced an increase in its turnover and volume of issuance in the first quarter thanks to strong performances in Latin America, while those in Europe are more mixed.

Soitec (+0.09% at 10.66 euros) reported an increase of 34.4% of its turnover in 2010 thanks to a rebound in demand in the fourth quarter and expects a EBIT "slightly positive" for the year.

The manufacturer of glass bottles Verallia, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain (+0.38% at 43.80 euros), announced Tuesday it had filed with securities regulators its core document, the first stage of its introduction on the TSX Paris.

Audika (1.88% to 20.55 euros) has confirmed its target of annual sales by announcing an increase of 8.6% compared to the first quarter of 2011.

Guyenne & Gascogne (0.90% to 94.95 euros) posted a turnover up 4.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, mainly supported by higher fuel prices in during the period.

Le Noble Age (-2.80% to 14.92 euros) has reported a 11.3% increase from its operating revenue in 2010 to 179.9 million euros and said it expects to 2011 on an increase of 7% at constant perimeter.Its operating profit gained 30.3% to 17.2 million while the group of nursing homes and health facilities was counting on $ 16 million.

April Group (+0.40% to 21.30 euros) on Monday announced the acquisition of the Elco, based in Montreal, a broker specializing in risk of damage for which the activity represented 10.5 million euros the last year. Elco, which employs 80 employees, will be consolidated into its accounts from 1 April.

Theolia (-5.63% to 1.34 euros) announced Monday it had charged an operating loss in 2010, hit by a major disposal plan that has sealed its production of electricity for its own account.

The French designer and distributor of consumer electronics Archos (-14.77% to 7.33 euros) will launch a capital increase of 26 million euros to support its growth.

L'Oreal will publish tonight after the close of trading in its quarterly revenue and Spir Communication, and Transgene aufeminin.com.