Archivio per la categoria 'special'

Rebound in the Paris Bourse

The Paris Bourse on Wednesday will try to stop his downward series. The CAC 40 is at least on track to: the opening, it increases from 2.45% to 3038.57 points. Same movement in Frankfurt the Dax gained 2.74% and in London the FTSE-100 was up 2.20%.

The Paris markets were closed yesterday on a third round of consecutive decline, to the lowest of the year and still under 3000 points. This time, operators mimic their movement on the Asian markets who have chosen to embark on a bargain hunting.

Closing slightly lower on Wall Street also reassures the markets. The New York Stock Exchange, which remained very cautious, however, has not panicked by the announcement of a good non-manufacturing ISM index.All good news about the health of the U.S. economy are highly valued in a context of fear of a recession in America. As such, investors are waiting to know the details of the Fed's Beige Book, which will be announced tonight. Tomorrow, Thursday, will also be a crucial day in Congress with the speech of President Barack Obama on employment. The CNN already believes that it will propose to spend $ 300 billion to new posts. These new expenditures should be fully offset by budget cuts.

Germany at the center of attention

Side the euro area, all eyes turned to the German Constitutional Court which shall decide on Wednesday on the legality of the financial contribution of Berlin plans to help Europe.The observers could never imagine, however, that the Court considers illegal contributions already provided by Berlin, which would cause a cataclysm in the euro area. Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to comment on the decision of the Court in a speech to the Bundestag in the morning.

The European Commission has also expressed his relief after Tuesday night's decision by the Italian Government's plan to strengthen budgetary discipline, while financial markets doubted the real will of Rome to reduce its deficit. For its part, the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, acknowledged Tuesday the difficult economic situation, highlighting the problem of Greece, and "tensions" in the markets, but said that Spain 's will not need help.

The single currency was this morning up 0.34% to 1.4055 dollar.It is particularly supported by the decision of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to set a floor price of 1.20 francs per euro. Oil side, in the early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 51 cents to 86.53 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery 39 cents to 113.28 dollars .

Values ​​to follow on Wednesday

• Banking

Countries in the euro area have no plans for financial support to banks beyond and above what was planned for the financial sector rescue packages in Greece, Ireland and Portugal, have sources said Tuesday the euro area. For its part, Greece wants to extend the powers of its central bank to strengthen bank supervision, hoping to put the sector in the shelter of a worsening debt crisis, according to a bill presented Tuesday.

• Air France-KLM

The company reported passenger traffic up 7.6% in August, a load factor of 85.7% on the month and stability of cargo traffic (-0.2%) with capacity up 2.8%.

• Pernod Ricard

The group said they did not consider major strategic acquisitions before next summer at least.

• Scor

The reinsurer expects to achieve a volume of gross written premiums, equivalent to sales of 10 billion euros in 2013, against 6.7 billion in 2010, according to a statement posted Wednesday on the occasion of a day devoted investors.

• Sodexo

The group, a global leader in catering, has announced the acquisition of Puras do Brasil, Brazil's number two industry, in a statement.With this self-financed operation, Sodexo will become number one in Brazil, a rapidly growing market where Puras do Brasil realizes a turnover of half a billion euros.

• Valeo

The group announced its intention to repurchase up to 670,000 of its shares to a maximum of 22.5 million euros in connection with operations authorized by the General Assembly in June These shares will be allocated for the implementation of any plan of options to purchase shares in the allocation of shares in respect of participation or implementation of any company savings plan.

• Biomérieux

The group released a consolidated net profit up 3.7% to 75 million euros in the first half and said forecast for 2011 organic growth in sales of around 5%, against a previous target of +5% or + 6%, in a context of weak European economy and the U.S..

• Boiron

The specialist in homeopathy said the uncertainties in the economic environment for caution in its annual outlook after a deuixème trimesre marked by a 3.3% decline in sales. This decline in activity, combined with an increase in personnel costs and a continued investment in advertising, led to a fall of 92.5% of operating profit in the first half of the year.

• Transgene

The specialist therapeutic vaccines has announced a net loss dug to 17.7 million in the first half, against -14.5 million a year earlier, but said he expected a second part of a year rich in results and starting clinical trials.

As for recommendations:

The UBS analysts raised their recommendation on the title Accor to "neutral" against the "sell" previously.Analysts at Morgan Stanley in turn have lowered their recommendation on the title PPR to "neutral weight" against "overweight" previously, said market sources Wednesday.

Greek Prime Minister believes the crisis

The Socialist Prime Minister George Papandreou said today to be sure that his party would leave Greece to the economic crisis and debt at the national conference of the Greek socialist party (PASOK). "We continue the battle, not only because we believe that there is no alternative, but because we trust in our capabilities in the capabilities of Hellenism, in the possibilities of our country .I'm sure we will succeed, "he said in his speech.

2013 Goals

"People will judge us in 2013, and until then, we not only managed to get Greece to the crisis, but we have also implemented many important reforms that will lay the foundation for a different evolution of Greece in the future, "he said, cutting short the rumors of early elections.

The Prime Minister also accused the previous Conservative government to be primarily responsible for the current financial crisis. The spokesman for the main opposition party New Democracy, Yannis Mihelakis, immediately reacted. "He (George Papandreou) recognizes the economic impasse, but says nothing about its policy, which destroyed the economy and society," he retorted.In a report released Wednesday, a parliamentary commission of experts also found that the debt was Faxless payday loans.

"Satisfactory progress"

Last year, Athens has received an aid package of 110 billion euros of the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At their summit on 21 July, the euro zone countries have agreed to pay a new loan, plus a share of the private sector on a voluntary basis, for a total of 50 billion euros. Representatives of the "Troika" (EU, ECB and IMF) mission in Athens Friday to advance structural reforms in the country.

Several media have interpreted the departure precipitated considered representatives of the EU, the IMF and the ECB as a clash with the Greek Government on the extent of the effort to provide rigor to continue fiscal consolidation.But such a break was denied both by the Ministry of Finance by the troika.

She spoke in a statement of "good progress" in talks, saying had "temporarily left Athens" to "allow the authorities to complete their technical work" related "to the 2012 budget and structural policies to strengthen growth."

(With AFP)

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Wall Street higher on continued prudent

At the opening of the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones advance of 0.65% to 11,635 points and the Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 rise of 0.76%, respectively, to 1222 points and 0.81% to 2597 points. U.S. investors, it seems, was reassured, once last night, by the tone of "minutes" of the last monetary policy committee of the Fed. This report has indeed confirmed that the U.S. central bank did not rule to use new tools of monetary easing to support growth ever more threatened. A perspective that also prompted the European markets to rebound on Wednesday morning, when he had closed the previous day on a mixed note.Also in the interests of peace, the United States, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that the U.S. economy had a "heart attack" she was recovering at a slow pace as he prepares to unveil a new stimulus package.

Meanwhile, the volume still low despite the likely return of holidays for most investors, however, reflect a cautious market that continues. The current rebound, often excessive, thus remain fragile, the sudden relapse is, at every moment possible. And the meeting this Wednesday is evident, in this regard, not without risks.

The employment figures highly anticipated

The private sector in the United States slowed its hiring in August, creating 91,000 jobs over the month, less than expected by analysts, according to figures released Wednesday by consulting firm HR ADP.These new jobs, slightly lower than in July (109,000, revised), are lower than analysts' forecasts, which projected 100,000.

The Chicago PMI index of industrial activity for the month of August, from 3:45 p.m., will also be closely monitored. Orders to industry for the month of July (1600) and the weekly oil inventories (16:30) conclude the list of publications of macroeconomic days.

On the corporate side, the American phone AT & T (0.57% to 29.79 dollars) pledged Wednesday to repatriate to the United States currently filled 5,000 jobs in its call centers overseas, If green light to the acquisition challenged T-Mobile, the U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom.These employees will be "well paid", assured the group in a statement, recalling that he was the only major U.S. telecom operators to accept unions in its stores.

Bank of America (0.99% to 8.20 dollars) is about to further reduce its scope of activity in the mortgage, by stopping the sale of mortgage loans through independent agents, said Wednesday the Wall Street Journal , citing people familiar with the matter.

Hewlett-Packard (0.81% to 26.26 dollars) will temporarily restart production of its TouchPad Tablet, whose sales soared since the U.S. computer giant announced mid-August that he would cease to manufacture. HP announced on August 18 a sudden change in its strategy, through the cessation of production of its new tablet and its smartphones using the operating system of Palm webOS.HP also plans to separate its activities from production computers to refocus on software.

Television of the future: the debate begins

What will the television of the future? This is the battle that was played in early August between the Ministry of Industry and the Communications. The Ministry of Eric Besson argued for the adoption of a new standard for DTT broadcasting (the DVBT-2). That of Frédéric Mitterrand preferred delay. Élysée and Matignon has arbitrated in favor of Eric Besson. Result, 9 August, the French government notified Brussels that it reserved the right to establish a new standard for DTT broadcasting, as revealed by the Tribune. The government does not specify the date of service, but it will be theoretically possible on 1 December 2011 with the termination of analog TV. The issue is quite simple. With technological advances in transportation and compression of images, it should be possible to make a lot of space on the radio frequencies (up to 70%).

With current technology, there is room for six new HD channels. Three lines are planned for the bonus of Canal +, TF1 and M6, and three others could be attributed to competitors. With the new standard DVBT-2, it will be possible to disseminate, not six but ten. The problem is that it was not until late 2013 or early 2014 for manufacturers LG, Sony, Samsung … sell TVs with standard DVBT-2. The French who are equipped with new TVs from 2005 to 2011 to receive the TNT are not ready to change to accommodate new channels payday loan no faxing.

Reasoned opinion on September 20

This equation is complicated by the question of the future media landscape and the allocation of bonus channels. But Michel Boyon, the president of CSA, must make a report on the subject to François Fillon, late August or early September. Michel Boyon has several solutions.

The first is to allow the launch of three bonus channels (Canal 20, Paris Première and LCI) in the current standard from 1 December 2012. The second is to allow the launch of these channels but with the new standard. Consequently, many channels exist but would be seen by any viewer, because there will be no television adapted. The third is to freeze the PAF with 19 free channels until 2014, when the arrival of new TVs and a full stop advertising on France Televisions. This would suit TF1 and M6, which argued for a break. But Canal Plus, who wants to launch its free channel Canal 20 in late 2011, could attack the decision to the State Council. It is Brussels that could mediate the dilemma. On 20 September the Commission will issue a reasoned opinion, or it's likely that it opposes these bonus channels.

CAC 40: 3000 points, a psychological threshold for the market

The CAC 40 is risky there twice this month. He was immediately returned. The threshold of 3000 points, as seen on the Paris market was down on Thursday 11 and Friday, August 19. On Monday morning, the Paris index recurred, opening down 0.85% to 2989.60 points. But again, it started to rise immediately after slipping below 3000, and closed on Monday evening at 3051.36 points (1.14%), having flown over 3100 points During the session this afternoon.

The level of 3000 points may well not be a technical threshold (it does not automatically trigger a sell order or purchase), it still plays a role of "support" on which the market arises before rebounding .Daniel Gravier, Head of Sales Trading at XTB France, believes that "this psychological level is transcribed in the courts and thus returns to a technical threshold."

The cross downward psychological sounded an alarm in markets which do not have a habit of getting carried away by their feelings. Professional traders define their purpose of orders passages through complex mathematical calculations, generated by high-powered software that constantly scan the share price indices, securities, commodities and all that is listed in order to predict the best time to invest or sell. And to build the software, the banks are recruiting the cream of engineers. But in this world of numbers, there is also a psychological dimension.So, see the CAC 40 fell below 3,000 points spurred the market to recover.

"This is a symbolic level, for its part says Harry Sebag, an analyst at Saxo Bank. In times of great nervousness, while visibility is poor, investors cling to benchmarks in the short term instant credit report. It's an excuse to reposition itself for purchase. This morning, we felt that the markets began to rebound because the shares had suffered a significant discount. " And hope for regime change in Libya was a good news for oil companies operating in the country, making a breath of excitement to the Paris Bourse.

"Safeguards" but also to accelerate the panic

"These thresholds are safeguards on which the market rebounds," says Harry Sebag. But the psychological effects of contracts may jégalement ouer a role accelerator panic attacks.The violent stalls indices observed recently on global stock markets have shown. In Paris the CAC 40 fell by 32.4% since July 1, affected by short-term concerns (the debt crisis in the euro zone, bad macroeconomic indicators in the U.S. and deteriorating debt rating for American Standard & Poor's), but not only. "In late July, the market downturn downward was rational, said Jean-Louis Mourier, an analyst at Aurel BCG. However, the extent of movement and the high volatility experienced by markets in recent days show an overreaction. "

The index in Paris he could sink even lower? The scenario is possible if the disappointing macroeconomic indicators continue to grow and corporate earnings in the third quarter does not reassure investors, said Harry Sebag.Saxo Bank analyst would watch while the threshold indicated by the software, around 2850 points or even 2500 points. "But I hope we will not get to that," he adds.

Wall Street bounces despite the Fed

Wall Street closed on a nice increase on Tuesday. Finally the green, while the day was very hard: the Nasdaq fell 6.90%. On Tuesday, at the opening, the rebound was in order. And even if it was shaken by the Fed, which held a speech rather worrying to 20 hours (Paris time), the trend is finally returned to positive. At the close, the Dow actually increased from 3.98% to 11,240 points, with a surge in the last few minutes, and recross the threshold of 11,000 points, lost yesterday.The Standard & Poor's 500 and 100 Nadsad, very volatile, too, have finally rebounded 4.75% respectively) in 1173 and 5.29% points to 2483 points.

A sustained increase in contrast to the cold reception that investors gave the Fed about tonight: the Central Bank of the United States announced Tuesday it would keep its key interest rate near zero "in least until mid-2013 "and that it was considering new stimulus package to help the economy. These ads have been justified by growth 'considerably slower' than expected and risks "have increased". And investors did not like the Fed is so accommodating, a sign that the economy is really bad.But ultimately, they are relieved that the monetary authorities are behind them.

Also very anxious before the meeting with the Fed, the European and Asian market, have they finally closed in the green after a yoyo session. In Paris the CAC 40 fell below 3,000 points for the first time since July 2009. But the trend seems to have subsided, the indices being pressed into the green in the afternoon.

Global oil demand to decrease

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Tuesday lowered its forecast for growth in global demand for crude in 2011, citing deteriorating macroeconomic outlook in most advanced economies paydayloans. In its monthly report, OPEC reduced its forecast of 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) now and plans for this year growth in global demand of 1.21 million bpd of crude.In financial markets, oil prices ended Tuesday to its lowest level since September 29, 2010, yielding about 2.5%. On the Nymex, the contract on September U.S. crude (WTI) ended on a loss of 2.01 dollars, or 2.47% to 79.30 dollars a barrel. Meanwhile, Brent advanced yielded 1.74%, or 1.81 dollar to 101.93 dollars.

Earlier this afternoon, investors are aware of a new better than expected, but still not glorifying to the future of U.S. growth. Productivity, which measures hourly output per worker, fell at an annual rate of 0.3% over the period April to June after falling 0.6% the previous quarter (revised from 1.8%). The market expected it folds down from 0.8% in the second quarter.

Face communication at high risk of the Fed tonight, "it is clear that the average productivity of U.S. companies in the second quarter is very far from the concerns of the market and will go unnoticed" analysts suggest Aurel BGC. Especially since the figure is clearly negative, the victim of an increasingly weakened growth.

The market capitalization of U.S. computer maker Apple (5.89% to 374.01 dollars) briefly exceeded that of the oil giant ExxonMobbil (2.39% to 71.87 dollars) Tuesday, becoming the company's most expensive the world, said a specialist told AFP. The market capitalization of both groups were around 340 billion dollars in the afternoon in New York, told AFP Volokhine Gregory, head of markets for the company portfolio management Meeschaert New York.That of Apple rose temporarily above that of ExxonMobil to 7:20 p.m..

"The stock market overreact"

New black day in European markets on Thursday … After a positive start of the session, the Paris Bourse trend changed abruptly in mid-day, gradually widening its losses throughout the afternoon. At the opening of Wall Street, the Paris index widened its losses, before diving even more sharply after 16 hours: the long-awaited intervention of Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the Central Bank (ECB) has indeed failed to relieve the stock markets. Operators have even made a fright late in the session, while the stop trading market indices for nearly an hour has raised fears of a suspension of classes due to stock market panic … Set to 15 minutes of the fence, which was ultimately a technical problem resulted in a sharp fall in the CAC 40 (-3.90%) at 3320.35 points, its lowest level two years.And other European stock markets have experienced almost the same movement of panic.

The scenario of this Thursday confirms that seen in Paris last week, namely an acceleration of losses at the time of the opening of U.S. markets close in a pout down more than 2%. "This confirms that the United States still give the" the "squares global analysis at Montsegur Finance Chaulet François. We currently have a suréaction operators who rely on the assumption of a return of the U.S. economy into recession. " A favored hypothesis for two or three weeks with the publication of figures across the Atlantic macroeconomic advanced, contradicting the idea of ​​catching up the economy in the United States, emerging from a recession that have to fall by 5% the GDP of the world's largest economy.

The technical rebound is expected

"The market has fallen into the hype on this subject and even capitulation, says François Chaulet. Added to this disproportionate sanctions on publications disappointing corporate earnings. And those who announce the results as expected are not rewarded fast cash now. They fall with the market, "For example, Veolia Environnement has seen its market capitalization divided by three since its profit warning on July 29.

The expected technical rebound this week after once in July already difficult, will not be today. "There was certainly a relief of the market for debt issues of U.S. and European full analyst.But beyond the announcement effect, investors are well aware that the solutions proposed (raising the ceiling of the debt in the U.S., and plan of aid to Greece ed) will not be so obvious that it set up. As long as there are political procrastination and that concrete measures are not implemented, the nervousness is expected to remain high, "adds he.

Opportunities to seize

Beyond this movement quite inexorable decline seen for ten days, the analyst points out, however, with a decline of 12% in five days, "we are still far from the levels of volatility in late 2008, where the movements daily up to 10%. In this context, there is no reason for the long-term investors do not come to the equity markets to take advantage of attractive valuations, "he says.A board to which some will probably oppose a speech often too optimistic on the part of financial analysts during a stock market panic.

Surrender is not waive

In terms of technique and market, capitulation means a massive sales of shares on stock markets, whatever the cost or risk of capital loss for the brokers. Often result in very large volumes of trade (4.8 billion euros at the end of Paris on Thursday) and a sharp drop in equity indices. Technically, however, this may be a sign of hope for the operators, the corresponding capitulation (in theory) to the lowest point of the market, the final step before the rebound. A theory that investors will surely be keen to see tomorrow ….

Sponsors: "Lacourt can thank Manaudou"

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.

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Sarkozy resolder the Franco-German

Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel arrived in the morning Thursday in Brussels after a marathon negotiation began in Berlin late Thursday afternoon and was to end in the Belgian capital in the evening. Wednesday evening between Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, an agreement was set with the EU Presidency of Herman Von Rumpoy was then allowed to leak the outline in the morning, causing a positive market.

"Stock markets have been reassured by the existence of an agreement between Berlin, Paris and the ECB," says a close friend of Nicolas Sarkozy. The working meeting between Sarkozy and Merkel – "seven hours without interruption," according to the entourage of the head of state – was not enough to win the unconditional adherence of the fifteen other members of the euro area. "Many arrived without having in mind the highly technical aspects of this case. It took a lot to explain.Everyone wanted to be sure you understand the mechanisms involved, "said a relative of the head of state. Despite negotiating a lot longer than expected, counselors diplomatic head of state felt to hold the right end on Thursday night. "This agreement is a strong political message, for two reasons: it reaffirms the determination of the euro area does not drop Greece, and overhaul the European Stabilisation Fund, giving an additional area of ​​intervention" , we summarized in the entourage of the Head of State, on the sidelines of the meeting.

Over economic governance

Forced to stay away from microphones and cameras so as not to upset her "friend Angela," Nicolas Sarkozy has continued to play the conciliator between the requirements of the European Central Bank and those of Berlin, a role of "critical" that greeted elsewhere Yesterday a French banker."Angela is always careful not to get caught up too far," says Nicolas Sarkozy often. "It is more tactician, it is more a strategist," said one of his advisers. Strategist, the head of state to be tried since the beginning of the second Greek crisis, reaffirming the need for a strong political gesture in favor of a higher degree of integration of European economic policies. "This is the landing point from the beginning," says a consultant. If Angela Merkel wants to put Europe at the German time, imposing fiscal discipline, Nicolas Sarkozy intends to Chancellor at the time French, into accepting more economic governance. Seen from Paris, the summit held Thursday crossed then a further step towards integration and convergence of European economies."For several months, France blew up the clause of the Lisbon Treaty, which prohibited the bailout of a failed state. This allowed us to intervene in Greece, Portugal, Ireland. She obtained the creation of a European background stabilization, and modification of the Stability Pact, adding a preventive and a macro component. Without this component, Ireland could not have been brought to heel. Finally, we pushed for the creation of a pact for the euro convergence and competitiveness, "says a close adviser to the president to measure progress. "All this was unimaginable a year ago," he says.

The failures of its TGV embarrass Beijing

It is not far from the "loss of face." The misfortunes of the new high speed train from Beijing to Shanghai are doing good laugh from all over China, while the press is unleashed and the authorities are trying to limit the damage. It must be said that it was promoted as a symbol of the Chinese railway resounding success, ready to go to conquer the world. But the beginnings are disastrous.

Last week, the train fell down several times. Internet forums and newspapers are full of stories telling outraged passengers have found in open country, stranded in trains closed and sweating profusely in the searing heat of summer. The Ministry of Railways had promised Friday that these problems would be "resolved" expeditiously. His spokesman, Wang Yongping, presented "excuses".And recognized that the line had seen "dozens of power outages" and a host of other "problems". The summer storms are largely responsible.

This iconic TGV line was opened with great fanfare on June 30, very proudly with "a year ahead" and, just as symbolically, the day before the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party. It was presented as the flagship of the newly high-tech controlled by China, and one of his arms out to conquer the world. Premier Wen Jiabao, said the line "operational" in Beijing before boarding for the first trip to the South. This train will link the two major Chinese cities 1300 km apart in less than five hours. The construction of the line has cost 23 billion euros.In March, the audit office of the state showed that 187 million yuan (20 million) had been diverted from the site by individuals or companies.

Massive rail projects

Chinese railway projects are enormous. In 2009, it was announced that 42 high-speed lines were planned for 2012, for an investment of 210 billion euros. China has the network of its kind in the world's largest, with more than 8000 km of track, and she wants to extend it to 25,000 kilometers by 2015 and 50,000 km in 2020. This year, like last year, Beijing is expected to invest 70 billion euros. Since the end of 2009, the "fastest train in the world" flows 350 km / h between Guangzhou and Wuhan. And last December, China announced proudly beating the world speed record with an oar unchanged at 486.1 km / h.But many voices cast doubt on the economic viability of some lines, less strategic than between Beijing and Shanghai. In February, the authorities decided to reduce the speed of TGV Chinese, for purposes of economy and to improve their safety. And the dramatic dismissal for corruption of the Minister of Railways Liu Zhijun, also in February, has revived speculation about a slowdown in rail projects.

Meanwhile, it is the airlines are rubbing their hands. They were sentenced say – almost – on the route from Beijing to Shanghai. The price of a one-way train range from 410 yuan (44 euros) and 1,750 yuan (190 euros), according to three classes, against about 1,300 yuan (140 euros) for a plane ticket in economy class.The airlines had already begun to lower their prices, with discounts up to 65% in response to the competition ground. They should slow down the movement …

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