The deposit Aldous Major South discovered early August in the North Sea is higher than expected. It could be one of the ten largest ever found in the waters of the Scandinavian country said on Tuesday the Norwegian oil company Statoil. August 8, the group had evaluated the capabilities of this new pool of 200 to 400 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Today, the giant of black gold confirms Aldous Major South "communicates" with the deposit Avaldsnes. Together they form a reservoir could contain between 500 million and 1.2 billion barrels of extractable oil equivalent. "Norway has not made a similar discovery of oil since the mid-1980s," says Tim Dodson, a senior official with Statoil.Further drilling will now be held to determine whether Aldous / Avaldsnes also communicates with the reservoir Aldous Major North.

This is great news for the Norwegian continental shelf. As a result of declining reserves and the absence of findings sufficient to replace the volumes extracted, the Scandinavian country's oil production has been declining since the peak in 2001 cash advance to savings account. It is now significantly lower than 2 million barrels per day (bpd), against 3 million a decade ago.

But the oil industry is the backbone of the Norwegian economy. The oil is a state monopoly, managed on a sustainable development perspective.

Boost production

In 2006, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, the oil sector accounted for 26% of the value added of the country.The same year, Norway ranked fifth in the world ranking of Petroleum Exporting Countries and the tenth in that of oil-producing countries. This discovery is very good news for Norway, but also for farmers who had to manage the decrease in production.

The deposit Aldous Major South is owned 40% by Statoil, which shares ownership with the state-owned Norwegian Petoro (30%), another Norwegian Det norske oljeselskap (20%), and Swedish Lundin (10% ). The information was applauded by investors: Det norske oljeselskap action jumped from 21% to the opening of the Oslo Stock Exchange and that of Statoil 1.9%, while Lundin clinching 6.5 % in Stockholm.

American billionaire Warren Buffett wants his share of sacrifice to help America reduce its budget deficit. In an article published in The New York Times, the head of Berkshire Hathaway investment fund called on parliamentarians to raise taxes on Americans with annual incomes exceed a million dollars, and even more taxing those who earn more than ten million dollars per year.

He said it does not hurt to use or for investment, while helping to clean up the country's finances. "Our leaders have called for shared sacrifice, he writes. But when they did ask, they spared me. I checked with my friends to see which mégariches sacrifices they expected.Them either were not affected. "Warren Buffett has led his small survey: last year's tax rate accounted for 17.4% of its taxable income, while that of 20 workers in his office was between 33% and 41%.

"While the poor and middle class fighting for us in Afghanistan, and while many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, we, the mégariches, continue to benefit from special tax exemptions," says the American billionaire.

ALSO READ:

"Lunch with Buffett sold $ 2.6 million

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".

After the storm that plunged all the stock markets yesterday, the markets should be less nervous on Thursday. The Asian markets have returned to the green or show moderate declines. European shares are expected to follow the same tendency to appeasement and are expected to open up. In Paris the CAC 40 is expected to gain 1.4% in early trade, the Dax in Frankfurt 1.6% and the FTSE 100 in London 1.3%.

Wednesday, the markets were shaken by rumors of a deterioration in the rating of France, immediately denied by the rating agencies and the French government, and concerns about the health of the bank Societe Generale. And the CAC 40 plunged 5.45%, narrowly escaping the psychological threshold of 3000 points to 3002.99 points. Other European markets have suffered the same drop Frankfurt dropped 5.13%, 3.05% London. Madrid and Milan 5.49% 6.65%.In New York, the Dow fell 4.62% and 4.09% for the Nasdaq.

Bank stocks follow

Gold continues, meanwhile, fly from record to record. The precious metal has crossed the threshold of 1800 dollars. It is this Thursday morning in 1790 dollars, after hitting a new record of 1815.50 dollars. However, oil resumed its decline in Asia. Yet he had resisted the panic the day before with the announcement of a dramatic and unexpected decline in crude inventories in the United States. In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" lost 79 cents to 82.10 dollars and that of Brent North Sea fell by 1.10 dollars to 105.58 dollars.

Among the values ​​to be followed, the bank that have been heavily tested yesterday.In particular Société Générale, after unscrewing of 14.74% on Wednesday asked the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) to investigate the origin of the rumors that have depressed its course. The CEO of the bank, Frédéric Oudéa, denounced, in an interview with Le Figaro, "the series of attacks" against the French banking sector "sounds completely fantastic, I struggle with the utmost force, it is taken at Societe Generale, "he lamented. "We have no fear on our lending: we achieved 93% of our long-term funding program year, he added.Short-term side, we have 105 billion euros of underlying assets with central banks and keep full access to the interbank market. "

BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole also fell Wednesday by 9.5% and 11.8%.

In addition, EADS, the parent company of Airbus, said Wednesday it will not achieve its objectives in the United States in 2020 without new acquisitions.

Saint-Gobain has announced the acquisition of Solar Gard, a subsidiary of Belgian group dedicated to Bekaert Specialty Films, as part of its strategy to accelerate its growth through acquisitions.

The oil company Maurel & Prom has reported a surge of 123% of its revenue thanks to increased revenues in Gabon and Nigeria.

ALSO READ:

"Falling stock market: the CEO of Societe Generale reacts

"French banks in the spiral of fear

"Paris Bourse: 70 billion evaporated in five sessions

Cyprus is on the brink both economically and politically. Many speculate that the country, which joined the euro in 2008 to become the fourth of the area to apply for financial support.

The situation worsened with the explosion on July 11 last of a shipment of arms on a naval base. The tragedy left 13 dead and destroyed the main power plant on the island that produced 60% of its electricity. Since the disaster, Cyprus is facing a government crisis. Daily demonstrations demanding the resignation of President Demetris Christofias. To calm discontent, the latter requested the July 28 resignation of the government to conduct a reshuffle.

In addition, the economy ends up weaker than ever. The rating agency Moody's has revised its forecast for GDP growth of 1.5% this year and 2.5% in 2012 down after the explosion.It provides stability in 2011 and a 1% growth in 2012. In addition to the cost of rebuilding the plant and import of electricity in the interval – valued at over one billion euros – daily cuts disrupt an economy already weakened by the crisis. As a result, Standard & Poor's and Moody's both lowered the rating last week in Cyprus due to budgetary concerns of the country.

The banks are the Achilles heel of the Cypriots. Bank of Cyprus, the largest financial institution on the island, called earlier this week the government in Nicosia to take prompt action to prevent the country does need a financial rescue plan. "Unless we act, we risk the ability of the state to refinance and the consequences will be immediate and serious," the bank said in a statement.

The deficit is widening

Especially since the official debt of Cyprus – which accounts for about 61% of GDP – may actually be higher according to some experts. End of 2010, the agency Stock Watch estimates that the debt was around Cyprus 105% of GDP, if we include the debt of social security funds. Enough to feed all the speculation? The spokesman of the Commissioner of Financial Services, Chantal Hughes said Tuesday he was "no question of an assistance plan" because the country is "determined to do what is necessary in terms of fiscal consolidation" . However, the deficit in the first half widened sharply, reaching 3.5% of GDP against 1.9% a year earlier.

ALSO READ:

"Moody's Cyprus sanctions for its weak banks

"SPECIAL – Europe, States facing bankruptcy

Lefigaro.fr – Since his triple gold medal at the European Championships in Budapest in 2010, Camille Lacourt has increased its advertising contracts. How does the commercial success he started?

Jean-François-Salessy After his success in Budapest in August 2010, Camille has indeed come to me with Fabien Gilot Ménart and William, all three members of the Swimming Club of Marseilles, so we work together. In less than 24 hours in September 2010, and even if I was going to take a year off, it was decided. Camille's situation was a bit special because it suddenly goes from darkness to light, and was approached by many brands, especially in the beauty and cosmetics.We are closer to Clarins and their way of approaching things convinced us to work with them, rather than with other brands, less respectful of the requirements for driving a top athlete. The first six-year contract (to 200,000 euros per year, ie), indexed on the results of Camille and with a conversion clause, was based on what competitors offered. It was a beautiful first contract. We have also partnered with the OEM Tyre, which is unusual since Camille involved in the development and technical improvement of products it uses. He is also interested in the sale of these products, between 10 and 15% of sales according to the ranges.

French swimmers are they becoming future footballers?

I do not believe, and I do not want to turn into Camille Lacourt Christmas tree.We will announce in September a new partnership with a ready-to-wear, but it should be the last. He is now fine partnerships should not be wasted by "selling" in all directions. When talking about total earnings of Camille Lacourt (estimated this year to 700,000 euros ed), we forget that it is barely a month's salary football star. On the other hand, it is undeniable that the French swimming much more interested in brands and sponsors that there are six or seven years. I think Camille can say thank you to Laure Manaudou, who opened a gap, taking the very strong public support. It is no secret: it has made this popular sport, which attracted the public, media and sponsors. Today these brands look like a real sport discipline of competition, with major events and boys and girls out of the ordinary …who is a potential advertising. In a few months, these boys and girls who emerge may tell themselves, thank you to Camille Lacourt!

Jeremy just Stravius, who also athletic Tuesday, he may steal the show with brands?

It is a bit simplistic to look at it that way. Each swimmer to his personality. Camille Lacourt someone is authentic, casual and simple, has a rather glamorous image. This is not a scoop. But by winning yesterday with Jeremy Stravius ​​his world title in 100 meter backstroke, he also confirmed that he had not physically beautiful, he had another dimension. Which was very important to us because being European champion was not enough.If that fails, many would have indeed been delighted to say that he had lost in the advertising contracts and partnerships! The next objective is to confirm the sporting dimension to the London Olympics in 2012 (which would also provide the swimmer performance related bonuses as part of its contracts with Clarins and Tyre, ed.) For his part, Jeremy Stravius ​​has the best performance of his career. I am not his agent but I think its position corresponds to a different segment than Camille. His image more reassuring, more associated with strength, may be of interest to companies in the energy sector, banking or insurance. Like Alain Bernard for example, and partnerships with EDF Assurances or April.

ALSO READ:

"Swimming: the same coin but not the same income

»Sponsors chilly face the return of the icon Manaudou

"Lacourt Stravius ​​and back to back

• Why raising the ceiling of the U.S. debt is it so urgent?

The race against Barack Obama committed by a deadline, a week today. Established by Congress to 14.294 billion dollars, the upper limit of U.S. debt has been reached in mid-May and, according to its own calculations, the Treasury will no longer meet its obligations vis-à-vis its creditors on Aug. 2. It will no longer pay its bills or not the officials. And two days later, on August 4, it must be replaced for 87 billion of bonds maturing.

• What would happen in the absence of agreement?

The United States currently receive the highest rating (triple A) to the three major rating agencies, allowing them to borrow at market interest rates particularly advantageous. They would automatically degraded.Standard & Poor's and Moody's warned them in July: the risk of default will result in a sanction. The interest charged by investors to lend to the United States would go up instantly. The Democrats do not hesitate to the argument.

China, the first holder of U.S. Treasuries with 1.16 trillion dollars in May, also has a strong appeal for Washington to protect its interests. "We hope the U.S. government will take concrete measures to build confidence in international financial markets," said Chinese foreign exchange administration.

Deterioration of the debt of the United States when Europe is in turmoil, subject to the constant pressure of these rating agencies, would inevitably have consequences on chain U.S. and international financial institutions, which must be able to pledge AAA-rated assets to get themselves ready. The credibility of the country abroad would be tainted, as well as the presidency of Barack Obama. All this would jeopardize U.S. economic activity – and, by implication, the world. Already, the earthquake in Japan penalizes industry, unemployment remains high and the Conference Board provides a "slow growth". A default could dramatically worsen things.

• What is blocking the negotiations?

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.

ALSO READ:

"The report of Crédoc

"The rise in rents accelerated

"The new housing rose less

"In Paris, the bar of € 8,000 per m2 about to be taken

"The government action on housing deemed insufficient

The benchmark rents (IRL) confirmed its recovery according to statistics released Wednesday by the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE). After an increase of 1.60% in the first quarter of 2011 – compared to the same period in 2010 – it rose again, to 1.73% on a year in the second quarter. So this is a new record pace since the first quarter of 2009. The index then rose from 2.24% before declining for several quarters. In late 2009, he even fell 0.06%. He now records his sixth consecutive quarter of growth.

This index is used in France as a reference for the annual review of residential rents when the lease provides. Authorizes up the new owners to raise rents of 1 faxless payday advance.73% maximum.The increase applies to leases made after that date, as well as current leases if the lease specifies that the IRL for the third quarter is the basis for the review.

The benchmark rents are calculated on the basis of the index of consumer prices excluding tobacco and rents. This new increase is logical given the slight upturn in inflation recorded in France. The latter, according to figures from INSEE, rose 2.1% year on year in June.

ALSO READ:

"The INSEE statistics

"Rents continue to rise

"Controversy over rent control

"The rate of the Livret A from 2 to 2.25%

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