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Archive for March, 2010

According to the index comprises the 50 largest capitalization in the Asia-Pacific, the S & P Asia, the trend is down slightly, from 0.23% to 3039 points to 7 hours, one day after closing without trend Wall Street.

In Japan, the Nikkei 2005 advance him, of 0.36%, 11,136 points, breaking yet another record 18 months after already rising the previous day. The weak yen Dopen export values.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index plaice 0.13% at 21,346 points while the Shanghai CSI 300 loose 0.29% at 3357 points amid profit taking.

In Sydney, the S & P / ASX similarly lost 0.27% at 4903 points. The values of construction and saddled the financial index.While the flagship index of New Zealand rose 0.4% to 3262 points.

Oil side, in morning trading, a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery yielded six hundred U.S. dollars to 82.31 while Brent North Sea with identical maturity took a cent to 81.29 dollars low fee payday advance.

Toyota setting sales surge

Sales in the United States of Japanese automaker Toyota, which fell in January and February in the wake of massive recalls, could have rebounded 35% in March on a year through a series of promotions, said Tuesday a spokesman for the group.

In Australia, MacArthur Coal soared (+14.6%) while the group has received an offer of 3.3 billion Australian dollars from an American mining group Peadoby Energy Corp., which he refused.

Also in the continental countries, BHP Billiton down 0.8% after the group was awarded with steel producers to fix prices of short-term contracts for coking coal.

Rio Tinto up 0.6% while four employees have been harshly sentenced to prison two days ago. The Australians have doubts about the conditions of the trial held in China.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia lost 0.4%.

The wheel turns for Volvo Cars. In the early 1990s, the flagship of the Swedish car industry had snubbed a merger with Renault before finally being bought by the American manufacturer Ford in 1999. Sunday, Volvo has fallen into the hands of rival China Geely.

A good deal for the Chinese, who will spend 1.8 billion dollars (1.34 billion), four times less than the $ 6.4 billion paid by Ford in 1999. This acquisition, the largest made by a Chinese group in the sector, marks a turning point. She spends the rise of China in the global automotive industry.

Virtually unknown in Europe, Geely began decades ago as a supplier of parts for refrigerators, before becoming the first private carmaker in China.His boss, Li Shufu, an engineer who founded the group in 1986, is 123rd Chinese capital, with one billion dollars. Employing 12 000 people of which 1 600 engineers in China, Geely manages six assembly plants, has 500 dealers and 600 service stations across the country. With approximately 300 000 cars sold last year, Geely number ten is the sector in China.

With its success, Geely intends to leave its borders. According to Volvo, the group also covets the black taxis in London.It is in talks to take control of Manganese Bronze, the company that manufactures the famous 'black cabs' London, which already owns 20%.

Continuing plants inEurope

While Volvo employs 19,650 employees worldwide, the jobs are threatened in Europe? Li Shufu has already notified its intention to build a factory in Beijing which will be manufactured 300000Volvo per year for the Chinese market no teletrack payday loan . But the group also said it intends to continue operating plants in Europe, the main ones being located in Torslanda (Sweden) and Ghent (Belgium).

"I see Volvo as a tiger, on Sunday launched Li Shufu at Volvo headquarters in Sweden, where the Chinese flag was hoisted. The tiger belongs to the forest, it can not be put in a zoo in a small enclosure. We must free the tiger.The heart of the tiger is in Sweden and Belgium, but its power must be projected around the world. I see China as a market where Volvo has shown its ability to release the horses. "

A reluctant time, unions have seemed reassured and have supported the acquisition. "I will not go into details but we got an answer to our questions," said Glenn Magnusson, president of the union LEDARNA. In reality, neither Volvo or its owner, Ford, had a genuine choice.Specializes in sedans and station wagons upscale, Volvo, founded in 1927, saw its sales plunge because of the economic crisis that has benefited small affordable models

As for Ford, the second American manufacturer and the only one not to have resorted to using the federal government during the recession, the agreement with Geely will enable it to reduce its balance sheet and focus its marketing efforts on Ford brand.

By selling Volvo, Ford, however, puts an end to its ambitions in the high end, having sold the luxury brands Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover a few years after their acquisition price.

"What's good with tires is that you can not postpone the purchase for more than a year," jokes Frank Schuhardt, CFO Delticom, Europe's number one sales tires on the Internet. If this mode of marketing is still marginal – it represents only 4% of the total market for replacement – it benefits both the general upturn in demand and development of online sales.

Delticom, whose site is 123pneu.fr French, achieved a turnover of 311.3 million euros in 2009, up 20% and net income of 20 million euros (+ 72.4% ). For Delticom will not be "the Ryanair of the tire business. We want to offer a good balance between our selling price, security of payment to our suppliers and good results for our shareholders, "said Frank Schuhardt.A challenge as to the quality of service rendered, Delticom depends largely on its partners.

Midas offensive

Indeed, the site is not directed only to amateur mechanics can change their tires themselves, balancing included. Like most of its competitors, relies on partnerships with independent garages: 28 000 in the world, including 2 800 in France. Specifically, at the command, the user can choose the garage where he will deliver and mount the tires, according to criteria of proximity, price. "The independent garages are doing brisk business. They do not have the same bargaining power with the tire that Delticom. We bring them new customers, "explains Frank Schuhardt, who believes that the tires are 20 to 25% cheaper on average on the site among traditional retailers.Delticom also prides itself in offering one of the largest selections of tires, if not the largest, with no fewer than 25 brands and 000 references in the catalog (virtual). Enough to satisfy the most sophisticated applications.

The arguments for consumers, while networks like Midas, Norauto, Green Light or Speedy regularly offer promotions on the tires. Norauto for its part has announced the launch of its new tire Prevensys 2. As in any distribution, brand equity are also honored in the area of the tire. In turn, Midas – who belongs to the same group that Norauto – announced in early March to want to open 100 additional centers in Europe by 2010, including fifty in France.

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"The tire is rolling revolution on the Web

Greece has lived too long beyond its means on falsified data, intentional or negligent. While the previous government announced a deficit of 6% of GDP, George Papandreou, just took office in October 2009, revealed a deficit of 12.9% and public debt to 115% of GDP, while the limit Brussels is fixed by 3%. The euro fell from the clouds. Widespread tax evasion – the shadow economy exceeds 20% of GDP – bloated government spending, burden of staff: emergency measures needed. Athens offers a drastic austerity plan: reducing government spending and health spending, freezing salaries and bonuses of officials, raising the age of retirement guaranteed approval cash loans !!!???! !!???!!!. Greece promises to bring back this way its public deficit to 8.7% of GDP at end 2010, but not convincing.Riddled with debt, it will borrow 53 billion euros this year if she wants to get out. If Europe does not help, bankruptcy is a nightmare scenario that nobody wants because it could snowball. But Greece also must avoid at all costs the social explosion that growls at her.

2) Why so much reluctance in Germany?

The German Chancellor has requested that a country can be excluded from the euro area "last resort" in case of repeated infringements Maastricht rules. Photo credits: AFN

For Nicolas Sarkozy, "nothing would be worse than to change course." Three days after the defeat of the right in regional elections, the Head of State said "understand the impatience of the French", but promised to "continue the reforms."

In a television address after the Council of Ministers, the President detailed the major projects to come. Regarding pension reform, one of the most important issues of his mandate Nicolas Sarkozy has promised "not to go into force" while ensuring that it would be adopted "six months".

Also on the economic front, he expressed his desire to "continue to reduce labor costs and investment" to help France to recover from the crisis.Regarding agriculture, the Head of State expressed its readiness to provoke a "crisis in Europe rather than accept the dismantling of the Common Agricultural Policy.

The president also announced he would launch a "concerted" on the medical outreach. Several unions went on strike March 11 to demand a revaluation of the base rate of consultation, and a new operation is scheduled April 8

A law on the full veil

On social issues, Nicolas Sarkozy was back on the table the issue of the burqa guaranteed payday loans . "The full veil is contrary to the dignity of women. The government will introduce a bill banning "he said, without specifying the timing.

The president also brandished the threat of suspension of allowances for parents of children skipping classes. To the head of state, "the responsibility of parents must be committed." Moreover, "young people who can not attend a normal school will be placed in appropriate facilities where they disrupt the lives of most others and they will receive special support," he said.

The carbon tax postponed sine die

While stressing "the choice of a green tax", Nicolas Sarkozy confirmed on Wednesday that the Executive conditioned the establishment of the carbon tax to a hypothetical European Agreement on the device."I makes the creation of a carbon tax to a tax internal borders that will protect our agriculture and our industries against unfair competition from those who continue to pollute without shame", was it right after the first council government ministers slightly modified, which the Secretary of State for Environment Jouanno Chantal did not participate.

An ad that was not one. The Russians do not enter the race for the tender of 35 billion dollars to supply 179 tanker aircraft to the U.S.. The company export Russian Rosoboronexport arms and aerospace manufacturer United Aircraft Corp (UAC) denied Monday to prepare a proposal.

Friday night, it was about a partnership between UAC and "a U.S. publicly traded" interfering in the list of contenders for the giant contract.At least that's what John had said Kirkland, who appeared as counsel for the future identity.

April Fools before the hour

"We know absolutely nothing of this tender," said Vyacheslav Davidenko, spokesman for the Russian arms exporter, the only Russian company authorized to participate in tenders of foreign military personal loans for people with bad credit .

With UAC, the news was taken with humor: "I think someone is preparing to advance an April Fool," said spokesman UAC, which said not even know "the lawyer "he read the name" first Friday "on the Internet and in newspapers.

Boeing still alone

For example, Boeing is still single track. But EADS could seep again.The European manufacturer has applied for a period of 90 days for the closing of the tender to submit a new proposal. At the Pentagon to decide. The installment is currently scheduled for May 10.

EADS had been ejected from the race in February, while its U.S. partner Northrop Grumman had withdrawn from a competition judged biased.

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And if EADS came back in the race for tanker aircraft? The Pentagon expressed willingness Thursday to extend the tender for its tanker aircraft, while its recent withdrawal had caused anger in Paris and Berlin against Washington.

"The Defense Department has received notification from EADS North America showing its possible desire to contribute to the replenishment of the Air Force and U.S. we would support," said Geoff Morrell.

He added: "If necessary, we may reasonably consider extending the closing date of tender, currently set for mid-May, which" would not be unusual, "he said.

Louis Welsh, head of EADS, stated, however, at a press conference in New York, that such an initiative would require the postponement of the deadline for response to the call for tenders for the currently scheduled for May 12But he says it is "impossible" for his group to submit to the Air Force bid for U.S. tanker aircraft in 60 days, however, leaving the door open to any proposal.

He said EADS had not taken any decision on a possible new bid for the contract, while Boeing is currently the only candidate. He also said that EADS had not sought another partner or been contacted by other groups to raise its offer.

A tender twice canceled

EADS and its U.S. partner Northrop Grumman withdrew from the bidding of the Pentagon, arguing that the terms of that favored Boeing.

The tender to supply 179 tanker aircraft to the U.S. Army, valued at 35 billion dollars, was awarded a first for Boeing in 2003, then again at Airbus (EADS) and its American ally Northrop Grumman in 2008, and each time canceled.

On Wednesday the European Commission has strongly urged the France "to clarify the budgetary strategy which will enable it to correct its excessive deficit and reduce its debt. The latter has in fact intended to increase "substantially because of the likely deficit, but also as a result of the issuance of public debt to finance public investment."In other words, Brussels is concerned about an economic policy which aims to increase the debt …

Ambitions intact

The Government does not intend to revisit all his ambitions downwards coincidence, Fran?ois Fillon returned Wednesday by the Council of Ministers launched the operational program for future investments – 35 billion that will go into teaching Higher education, research, industrial clusters and SMEs, sustainable development and digital.

The Prime Minister announced the holding of an interdepartmental committee before the end of April, "after which will be signed the first agreements between the State and operators responsible for the granting of funds" (OSEO, National Agency for Research Fund deposits …).

These agreements specify the selection process of projects – they will catch up to France, while creating wealth and jobs – and the arrangements for monitoring investments. They make it possible to launch "within weeks" of the first calls for projects for their selection as 2010.

The first would involve investment in high speed, "a subject on which we want to go fast," said a government source.

Moreover, the list of international juries who must select the campus of excellence is almost ready and their choices, investment monitoring, should be done quickly.In the field of nuclear research, the government also wants early investments occur this year.

Other actions, which do not require the launch of calls for projects, will lead "to finance faster," says Matignon. This applies for example to strengthen the core of OSEO to 1.5 billion euros, the granting of "green loans" subsidized industrial enterprises and aid for thermal renovation of housing for households with low incomes.

The Commissioner General for investment, Rene Ricol, has his eye on a single euro spent … What reassure Brussels?

Antoine Gosset-Grainville, deputy director of Fran?ois Fillon's office for nearly three years, will soon be appointed Director General of the Caisse des Depots et des Consignations (CDC). A decree of the President of the Republic should, except surprise formalize the appointment.

Revealed last week by Le Point, arriving rue de Lille, where they are officially "no comment" – is not expected until May. It would also be included in a broader reorganization of the management team of the Caisse des Depots, whose mission has grown with the crisis of the past two years.

Antoine Gosset-Grainville, 44 years Wednesday, should be specifically in charge of financial matters and strategic subsidiaries and shareholdings.Alain Quinet, currently director of finance, strategy and sustainable development, would be offered another position in the house.

Inspector of Finance, former lawyer for competition at Gide Loyrette Nouel, "the man with suspenders" Matignon is both well-versed in the intricacies of state and business community for having had the upper hand with the Prime Minister on economic issues: strategist, he has "all the qualities for the job," says a former employee.

The idea of the director general of the public, Augustin de Romanet, is among other muscles of the piloting of subsidiaries – NPC, Transdev, ISPs … – and the role of shareholder faxless payday advance .The CDC is indeed present in this capital of many companies, some of which (Post, Dexia) will be on center stage in the months ahead.

By calling to him near the existing power-AGG is not only close to Fran?ois Fillon but also appreciated the team-Elysian former Deputy Secretary General Jacques Chirac is also an asset in his game Admittedly, Augustine Romanet is now guaranteed to go to the end of his term when his post had been many rumors at the beginning of the quinquennium.But the CDC and its branch are under surveillance, to the end of March 2012 will arise when the question of renewing the current mandate.

On Monday, the CGT said that "if confirmed, the arrival (Antoine Gosset-Grainville editor's note) would complete the questioning of the republican principle of autonomy of the CDC, which is threatened to" UMPisation " . Outside of any political stripe, the CDC has seen in recent years, several deputy directors of the Matignon office. Dominique Marcel (with Lionel Jospin), Augustin de Romanet (with Jean-Pierre Raffarin) and Alain Quinet (with Dominique de Villepin) especially had before him, opted for the venerable institution.

Finishing the week? Difficult even within an hour of the closing address. The CAC 40 was indeed well embedded in the green, but 16 hours, the morale of Americans showed degraded. The investors in the United States and Europe reacted immediately.

Around 16.45, the flagship index of Paris evolves close to equilibrium after being tipped into the red. The CAC 40 is around 3930 points. The index of consumer sentiment fell to 72.5 in March against 73.6 in February. Americans are less optimistic about employment prospects.

Earlier on Friday, retail sales in the United States have however withstood the bad weather in February.Against all odds, they rose by 0.3% compared to January (in data seasonally adjusted) while analysts felt they had declined by 0.2%.

This supports other new ad, released Thursday, which was rather reassuring, even if they still underscore the difficulties overseas cheapest one. Like the U.S. trade deficit fell to 37.29 billion dollars from 39.9 billion in January. Other good news side of the labor market "listings weekly unemployment fell to 462,000 from 469,000 the previous week. Perhaps, then, that the ACC will manage to close the week at the Green …

Mixed signals

But some lingering doubts in the markets due to the mixed signals sent to the assumption by the United States, Japan and China.The latter confirmed his great form with a rise in industrial production by 20.7% yoy in January and February, coupled with increased investment in fixed assets of 26.6%. But the United States, the government announced a record budget deficit of 220.909 billion dollars in February, while the decrease in the number of newly unemployed was less than expected, with 462,000 new registrations against 460,000 estimated.

In Japan, meanwhile, lowered its estimates of GDP for the fourth quarter 2009, up 0.9% from the previous quarter, instead of +1.1%. This is in addition a possible credit crunch in China because of rising inflation (2.7% in February).

Firstly, the current account deficit remained virtually stable in France in January over December, to 3.4 billion euros, against 3.3 billion euros in December, by BdF cashadvance .

The automotive sector in the form

The CAC 40 is pulled up by the automotive sector. Renault (+1.85% to 33.885 euros) is the fourth largest increase in the index. It is preceded by Peugeot (+1.90% to 21.990 euros). Far behind Michelin earns 0.46% to 57.19 euros. Valeo lost 0.22% to 24.91 euros.Faurecia is gaining 0.53% to 14.33 euros.

The bank also support document: Credit Agricole (+1.20% to 12.2 euros), BNP Paribas (0.67% to 57.28 euros) and Societe Generale (+1.66% to 44.730 euros) seem announcements have given the Chinese tighten credit.

EADS (-0.07 to 14.840 euros): the controversy swells around the financing of the A400M. Matignon is mulling an appeal to the general loan or option focusing on the state budget.

Pernod Ricard (+0.10% at 60.30 euros) which has launched a bond issue of 1.2 billion euros on Thursday, brought together an order book exceeding 5.5 billion euros. The proceeds from the offering will be used to repay the installments shorter credit union to extend the maturity of the debt.

Total (stable at 39.10 euros) is always under pressure.The CGT oil group called for a resumption of the strike in the refinery when the Justice will rule on his request for interim measures for the crime of interference with employee representative bodies. The CEC will file early next week a motion to that effect.

Mich?le Bellon, Assistant General Manager of Dalkia, will succeed Michael Francony at the head of the ERDF, the distribution subsidiary of EDF (-0.42% to 38.125 euros).

EDF Energies Nouvelles has announced Friday that U.S. power company Indiana Power and Light (IPL) had canceled the contract of sale of electricity on wind project Lakefield, in south-west of the State of Minnesota. The Exchange sanctions: -2.80% to 36.160 euros.

Cellectis (-0.69% to 10.02 euros) on Friday announced a turnover in 2009 rose 14% to 12.1 million.The group also announced a strengthening of its cash to 45.6 million euros against 28.7 million a year earlier.

As for publications, Rally (-1.18% to 25.9 euros), which controls Casino (-0.25% to 60.86 euros) will announce its annual results.