Archivio per la categoria 'economy'

The station should be allowed to increase rates

It is a small revolution for the station and its customers: under a decree published this summer in a discreet and identified by Challenges.fr, the railway company could now set its prices much more freely. Gone are the peak and normal periods, the timing was officially recorded in advance and who presided over the setting of tariffs.

"The decree allows to adjust the price cap to the station for the gradual opening to competition of the railway market," says the text. Clearly, to boost the attractiveness and profitability of the public entity within the opening to competition of the European network, SNCF should be able to offer its customers a range of rates much larger, developed based on supply and demand.

Rate increases on the crowded trains

The gain to consumers is mixed.On some busy routes, these new capabilities would enable the public body to go beyond the current full price of the second class in rush hour cheap payday advance. Holidaymakers taking TGV lines busy for example will be expected to pay more. However, for trains shunned by customers, the SNCF would be allowed to go below rates currently charged to attract new passengers.

Such liberalization was requested by the SNCF to the government at the end of last year, in return for the introduction of a tax to finance inter-deficient lines. Neither station nor the government have so far expressed on the subject.Signatory to the decree, the Minister of Transport, Thierry Mariani, was at the time held that freedom of the SNCF tariff should remain regulated, "in that competition does not really exist."

According to Challenges, consumer groups such as FNAUT will be formally consulted before the application of the decree, "probably in the fall."

Stock Exchange: Banks are still affected

The panic would still blow time on banking stocks on an exchange. In any case, what predicts Frederic Oudéa, CEO of Societe Generale, in an interview with Journal du Dimanche. The latter ensures that "nervousness can last at least until early November," that is to say at the time of publication of third quarter results.

This period will provide an opportunity for banks to prove to investors that they are doing well. Starting with Societe Generale, whose share price has further declined by almost 16% last week."We will have the opportunity to communicate to the market that the bank has no liquidity problem, its activity is healthy and that its investment capacities are intact," says Frédéric Oudéa, who had made similar remarks after that his institution has been a rumor about his health.

Wait and see

According to the head of the French bank, the sector is the first victim "of downward revisions of global growth prospects" and "doubts about the debt of the euro area". Markets therefore expect political decisions from the United States, France and Germany. But these "slow" because of the elections in these countries prepare themselves."You can see a waiting period," warns the leader then.

This will be even greater that there is a lag time between taking a political decision and its implementation, said the head of Societe Generale. For Europe in particular, "the area in need of economic convergence, integration of tax policies. That will not happen as fast as the markets want. "

According to Frédéric Oudéa, global stock markets in any case "slipped into excessive pessimism." The fear of a global recession, which shook investors, moreover, has no place: "What we see confirms our expectations. The second quarter marked a break. We said that growth in developed countries would be moderate. Things will balance but it will take time. "

No takeover bid for SocGen on

In this interview, Frederick Oudéa also ensures that the bank he heads will not be the subject of a takeover bid, despite the sharp drop in its share price. "I see no looming strategic move," said he. "It will happen in Europe if the bank nothing is happening in Europe at all. Industry consolidation will not intervene if the situation does not change. There should be no movement before attending two or three years. "

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The Paris Bourse ends in green

The Paris Bourse has been optimism in holiday Monday of the Assumption. The CAC 40, which began on the exchange increased by 1.07% to 3248.14 points, ended on a higher, more moderate, from 0.78% to 3239.06 points. The index in Paris fell into the red in mid-day before recovering.

The movement is the same in the rest of Europe. After opening sharply higher, European stock markets have slowed their progress mid-day before returning to finish the colors in a small increase. At closing, the London Stock Exchange and Frankfurt gained 0.57% 0.41%%. After remaining in the red part of the day, Madrid ended with a gain of 0.71%.Exchanges of Milan, Lisbon and Athens are closed due to holiday.

No Eurobonds on the menu Tuesday's markets are very nervous before Tuesday's meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They must discuss reform of the governance of the euro area, sensitive issue for the markets. The Franco-German promises to make such joint proposals by the end of the summer. Investors are calling for the creation of "Eurobonds", which would sign the pooling of public debt in the euro area. But Germany has dampened hopes by mid-morning by announcing that the possible creation of common obligations to countries in the euro area "will play no role" at the meeting on Tuesday."The Euro-bonds are not an option," added the spokesman of the Ministry of Finance during a press conference. The Elysee in a few minutes later confirmed that the issue of Eurobonds was "not on the agenda."

Meanwhile, the British Finance Minister, George Osborne, today called the euro area to move towards a more integrated budget to bring the world economy on the path of trust. The euro area "must now demonstrate its commitment to greater integration of budget and governance arrangements that prevent moral hazard and reinforce fiscal responsibility," said he.

In addition, the European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Olli Rehn called on European countries to adopt "very quickly" the decisions of July 21, and provided that the applicants were working "day and night" to this.

The next publication, this Monday will be very light. On the agenda are the indices of activity of the New York Fed and the real estate market across the Atlantic.

The bank-shaped

On the corporate side, Societe Generale (2.92% to 25.01 euros) will be followed. The Financial Markets Authority (AMF) initiated an investigation of market rumors that circulated this week on Societe Generale, announced Friday its president Jean-Pierre Jouyet.

The banking sector is well oriented. Natixis is the largest increase of ACC (3.95% to 3.23 euros). Credit Agricole gained 3.54% to 6.75 euros, BNP Paribas rises from 3.22% to 38.42 euros, ahead of Axa 2.43% to 11.18 euros.

France Telecom (0.81% to 13.14 euros): the telephone operator Orange has unveiled some clues on the future model of the iPhone Appel keeps top secret.

GDF Suez (0.94% to 20.95 euros) has initiated "discussions" to sell its stake from 10.4% in the West Franklin field in the North Sea, the French energy group intends to transfer for 600 million euros.

Alstom (-0.55% to 32.44 euros): Goldman Sachs rose to "neutral" on the title with a price target reduced to 43 against 52 euros.

Danone (-0.55% to 46.08 euros): UniCredit has raised its rating to "buy" against "hold".

Bernard Tapie had sought to evade taxes

Bernard Tapie cases still contain some gray areas. According to a survey completed by Rue89 Charlie Hebdo, the businessman would have sought to avoid tax by transferring some of its assets in Belgium.

This operation was performed twice. In October 2010 first of all, Bernard Tapie in Belgium created a company called "GBT Holding" has, according to Rue89, a capital of only 20,000 euros. Evidenced by a deed recorded in the registry of Brussels and whose site has obtained a copy.

Two months later, the businessman makes a capital increase of the holding company by transferring 60,999 shares of Groupe Bernard Tapie (GBT) headquartered in France, worth over 215 million euros. A discreet way to transfer his assets abroad, in a country where taxation is more advantageous.Rue89 is also the same period, Bernard Tapie assured the Socialist deputy Jerome Cahuzac he only had that 100 to 120 million euros of assets …

Liquidation of debts

This is not the only mounted by the businessman to evade taxes. By the 1990s, Bernard Tapie would indeed be served in another company, called Superior Ventures Limited, to conceal large sums of money to the accountant in charge of liquidating its debts, revealed this week Chained Duck payday loans. Bernard Tapie's lawyer denies the very existence of this company. For its part, the satirical newspaper, without citing sources, provides an extract of transfer slip from Superior Ltd Venture.

Subsidiary of a company established in Malaysia and half owned by Bernard Tapie and half by Andre Guelfi, businessman otamment sentenced in connection with the Elf affair for misuse of corporate assets, Superior Ventures Limited cashed including revenues his musical performances – 120,000 euros copyright for singing "Beautiful Life" on an album of Doc Gyneco – and advertising – 250,000 euros for the campaign to stamp shops Log -.

With the Superior Ventures Limited, Bernard Tapie had also received 12,000 euros per month in wages between 1997 and 2000. According to the accountant questioned by the satirical newspaper, the company would never enter the perimeter of liquidation of debts of Bernard Tapie.

Realtors hinders mobility

The cost of housing is a key criterion for the French when accepting a job. A study by the Research Center for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions (Crédoc) reveals that weighs so heavily in real household budget that "70% of workers say they would refuse a job better than they currently hold if this would cause a move leading to an increase in their housing costs (agency fees and transfer, new housing too expensive, etc.).. "

More than half (56%) of 2006 respondents at the request of the MEDEF, which counts among its ranks of companies to recruit Penant – state and not be forced to move a test is "very important" in the choice of a new job. Experts emphasize Crédoc for comparison as these assets are only 48% to include the amount of compensation as a criterion."The hope of wage gain does not appear to offset the fear of having to spend more on housing and, finally, many prefer not to move," says the study. Worse, Of the 4.6 million registered unemployed in job center, 500,000 – 11% – have given up a job in the last five years for failing to support an additional financial cost housing.

The origin of this choice: two realities, closely linked. Most jobs are concentrated in large urban areas (77% according to INSEE), while house prices explode, due to strong demand and the housing shortage."A growing proportion of employees in particular within the middle classes – and those seeking employment can no longer reside in the inner cities of large urban centers because rents are too high or because the purchase price housing beyond their financial capabilities, "says the study cash advance in one hour. Consequently, the travel time longer, making it difficult to reconcile private and professional life. Thus, 7% of people of working age said they had given up a job because of excessive travel time.

The barrier property

And the situation is equally difficult for wealthier households, who already own. The survey confirms that 80% of them are reluctant to move.A remark already made in macroeconomic analysis by economist Andrew Oswald and the OECD, which show that countries where the ownership rate is higher are also those where the unemployment rate is higher.

In conclusion, the Crédoc recalls "the need to take into account the housing issue when looking for employment," and that the introduction of housing assistance devices may have a direct impact. For example, the study suggests using Housing Action (formerly "1% logement") funded by companies for their employees. If experts say Crédoc a comprehensive study is needed to accurately assess the system, they note, however, that the study results show a positive effect on the mobility of employees and hence on employment. A conclusion that is sure to please the sponsor of the survey.July 18, the MEDEF employers' organization joined with labor unions to protest a drain of 3.4 million euros under the State Housing Action funds.

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Raw materials: WTO condemns Beijing

The World Trade Organization (WTO) condemned yesterday for China's restrictions on exports of raw materials. The complaint was filed in 2009 by the United States, the European Union and Mexico, who felt the measures taken by Beijing to limit its sales abroad discriminatory. The Middle Kingdom is, indeed, the world's largest producer of gold, iron, lead, manganese, phosphates, and many raw materials for industries worldwide.

The United States, including steel manufacturers complained of a drop in Chinese exports of bauxite, 102,346 tonnes in 2005 to 39 665 tonnes last year, welcomed a "significant victory". And Europe welcomed a "strong signal" against the "unfair restrictions."

China, which can still appeal, has seen its arguments based on the protection of the environment that leads to not want to happen too, swept away by the WTO. And most importantly, she finds herself in a very difficult position on another issue, that of "rare earth".

These lands, in fact some 17 metals essential for high-tech industries and armaments, is the challenge of a global battle. The Chinese, who have 36% of the world, ahead of the Russians (22%), Americans (13%) and Australians (5%), in fact, provide more than 95% of world production, about 120 000 tons per year.

REE under

This near-monopoly position allows China to make rain or shine on the market, including push up prices of rare earths, which jumped 300% since 2008.And, as with other raw materials at its disposal, it jealously control the export and continues to reduce its quota from year to year.

China justifies its position by saying that it does not deplete its resources and its own industrial need these minerals. She encourages other countries to produce more. But in the eyes of the United States, Europe and Japan, this policy is simply discriminatory.

For several months they threaten, again, to complain to the WTO, they have not already done so. The decision yesterday by the organization they now opens the door wide to attack. At the same time, they seek to secure their supplies with, including the stockpiling of reserves. The United States and Japan already have.Europe thinks, as she thought to recycle some waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Unless the real future of rare earth or in the bottom of the ocean. The Japanese have discovered in the Pacific samples suggesting that there would be considerable deposits, a thousand times greater than on land. A new El Dorado 80 to 100 billion tons, according to Japanese scientists. But must still be sure you can use them profitably.

Pirates threaten Apple

AntiSec movement, for "anti-security", would he struck again? The hackers who target sites of multinational corporations and state agencies are threatening this time the giant apple. In a tweet issued Sunday, the Anonymous group of hackers published a link to a document containing 26 IDs and passwords. According to the pirates, this is the contents of an Apple server to collect online surveys.

"It is not too strong, but still" hackers announce his tweet before providing a link to the document hacked. "# Apple could also be a target. But do not worry, we're busy elsewhere. # AntiSec "More than the document itself, which contains little information, so it's a threat contained in the forward message Anonymous.

The tweet group of hackers claiming AnonymousIRC attack. DR

Timberland repurchased $ 2 billion

The U.S. textile specialist VF Corporation will put her hand on her compatriot Timberland. That's what we announced on Monday the two groups in a communiqué.VF Corp., which owns brands such as backpacks by The North Face and Eastpak, those pants Wrangler and Lee, or that of Vans shoes, putting on the table $ 43 in cash per share Timberland, a premium of 43.4% from $ 29.99 registered at the close of Friday night. In total, the offer values ​​Timberland approximately $ 2 billion. The operation, which has already been approved by both boards, is expected to close during the third quarter, according to the objectives of VF Corporation.

Timberland, which carries 50% of its international business, this year should reach $ 1.6 billion in sales.Moreover, the management of VF Corporation aims for his target annual sales growth of 10%, and believes that the transaction will be highly beneficial in its own earnings per share in 2011, but also in 2012.

An operation "transforming"

In total, the new entity is expected to exceed $ 10 billion in annual sales. On the one hand, VF account of course benefit from the presence of its target international markets, including Japan, but mainly to diversify its brand portfolio, while bringing to 50% share of its turnover in the outdoor business

Retirement: EUR 47.5 million of fraud prevented

Jumped 87% in one year. Pension fraud detected by the general pension scheme (CNAV) amounted to 47.5 million euros last year, against 25.4 million in 2009. Please note, this money does "only" 10 million "injury found" or fraud (the career resources, marital status …) resulting in the overpayments. However, this figure tripled in one year. Forty per cent of detected cases involved failure to report, 40% of false statements and 20% of false documents. CNAV refuses to say how she recovered from this amount.

The rest, ie the vast majority of money involved, is to "damages avoided", that is to say, money that would have been paid over the years (throughout retirement fraudsters) if the cheating had not been discovered.28 million euros' benefits in payment "and 9 million on" benefits not yet paid. " "That does not mean that there has been an explosion of fraud in a year, but simply that we detect most," said Peter Mayer, director of CNAV.

539 centenarians Algerian

The fund has, for three years, put the means to fight against fraud, decreed a "national priority" by the state. The dedicated staff represent 75 full-time, thirty cons in 2008. The budget has almost doubled to 4.9 million. Cost "more than offset by the 47.5 million earned on fraud." Peter Mayer took the opportunity to deny the existence of a multitude of centenarians 'fictitious' retired in Algeria. Contrary to the rumors that the Internet, they are only 539 centenarians CNAV a pension in that country.But the director confirms that the control is more difficult to perform outside of France, 1.2 million people living abroad receive a pension CNAV.

To verify that they are alive, the regime sent them several times a year a "certificate of existence" to return the signed and stamped by a local authority. To carry out spot checks, CNAV wishes enter into agreements with insurers approved by the local consulates. A test should be launched in September in Tunisia, where 31,000 retirees receiving pension CNAV.

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The majority of the French for the bonus to employees

Examined on Wednesday by the Council of Ministers, the premium for employees contemplated by the government is determined by a majority of French. According to the barometer ViaVoice – BPCE projects realized for the French Les Echos and France Info in May of 1008 with people, 62% of French people consider it a "good solution" to increase the power purchase. Satisfaction that does not overflowing with enthusiasm as 49% think it is a "fair solution", against 13% who speak of a "good solution".

All professional groups say they are mostly favorable to the premium, with the exception of the category of artisans, merchants and entrepreneurs. But the relatively small number of respondents this result into perspective. Mandatory for companies with more than 50 employees whose benefits increase, the premium could affect 4 million employees.Labour Minister, Xavier Bertrand, confirmed Wednesday morning that she would be paid this year.

But the prospect of the premium is not sufficient to reduce the pessimism of the French on the evolution of their purchasing power. One in two (50%) still think it will diminish over the next three months, a figure unchanged from the month of April, but slightly lower than in March (54%). Some respondents, however, gradually come to swell the ranks of the optimists: 17% of respondents now believe that their purchasing power will increase, as against 15% in April and 13% in March payday loans. The pollster said that perceptions remain very sensitive to gasoline prices, declining for several weeks.

Gasoline is also one of the expenditure items of most concern to the French, cited by 48% of respondents, just behind the power (50%).It is followed by electricity (32%) and gas (23%).

The car-buying intentions up

The perception of the economic climate has improved a little, but remains fragile. Purchase intent for food and clothing are stabilizing: those who plan to spend less money now represent only 30% of respondents, against 37% in April. However, they are not added to the optimists who plan to spend more money in coming months (11%), but with careful who intend to spend as much. These represent 57% in May, against 49% in April.

The intentions of buying car also significantly increased from 4% to 5% in March, April and finally 9% in May The savings intentions are also increasing: 41% intend to put as much money aside in recent months, against 31% in March and April, and 10% to save more, against 9% previously.

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