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The government keeps repeating it: there will be no general tax increase in France. However, samples that weigh on households will increase by 4.7 billion euros in 2011 (and 8.4 billion for the business)! At this Bercy contends that most of the measures include cuts in tax and social niches (10% plane, removing some features like the deduction for home use). Person who is required to use a niche, one can not speak of a general increase in taxation.Except that in state budgets and the social security in 2011, the government has also taken steps that will affect all French: VAT on Internet box, electricity tax, end benefits for newlyweds, etc. . Investors face a sharp rise in their samples. And the pending tax reform Heritage promised for mid-2011, which should see the end of the shield and planning – if not the disappearance – of the ISF.

Financial investments

Investors will be further taxed.

Life insurance levy each year

The "eCard" greeting has become more successful in France. According to a TNS Sofres poll conducted for the site * CyberCartes.com, the French number two behind the virtual card Dromadaire.com, 14.5 million French people – 29% of the population – at least send an e-card at the end of 2010, against 11.5 million (23%) in 2009. A jump of 26% in one year. "France had a disability at the start, because we sent a lot less traditional paper cards as the Anglo-Saxon," said Rafik Smati, president and founder of Dromadaire.com. Delayed largely filled on the Internet. "We are the world champions of the eCard to the Americans," he adds.

Dromadaire.com, established in 1998, calls itself a world leader in the electronic card.According to the Nielsen survey Médiamétrie-January 2010, the site has captured 73% of audience share sites of electronic greeting cards that month in France. This year, he posted a record audience of 11 million visitors the week before Christmas. "This figure is but a foretaste of what will represent the next two weeks, a period where a majority of users should contact their New Year wishes," says its founder. Last year, 18 million year-end cards were sent via Dromadaire.com, who hopes to surpass the $ 20 million for the 2010/2011 season.

Even the optimism among competing site CyberCartes.com, who recorded "25 million hits on the last greeting and expected to grow 50% this year."According to its president, Jean-Pierre Fanni, the big trend this year is the "personalized card," which notably allows to insert pictures into a video, or "talking card". "The success of virtual cards is even more intense as more and more cards are sent via the new media like social networks and smartphones," he notes.

The "new media" missed

CyberCartes.com site has created its own application for iPhone, which since late November, allows users to send a video card from the mobile Apple to choose from hundreds of proposed maps. "To date, we recorded nearly 70,000 downloads of our iPhone application that was immediately acclaimed. She has climbed into first place ranking in the class the Appstore entertainment, "the president welcomes the site.Moreover, CyberCartes payday advance lenders.com created two weeks ago his Facebook page that has already captured about 50% of items of virtual cards. "These new media boost our circulation because they facilitate the sending of greeting cards by allowing the use of all possible media."

Dromadaire.com has also made the page. "The e-card has rejuvenated through social networks and smartphones, and we believe that several million cards this year will be sent via these channels," says Rafik Smati. "These are very important growth driver for us." The site, which already had a Facebook page, has also developed an iPhone application, launched last December 10. "This application integrates all the features of the iPhone. For example, you can send a card with a snowball, which could be rocked and rolled animate.It can also blow on the screen or scratch, according to the type of card sent, "explains President Dromadaire.com, who said that" this new tool it enables us to be more creative. " Facing the tidal wave of e-card, the traditional paper map is struggling to resist. In 2009, it represented only 3% of the market for greeting cards, according to the National Union of Printing and the Professional Union of the postcard.

* Study carried out on 8 and 9 November 2010 on a nationally representative sample of the French population aged 18 and older (950 respondents in total).

The French champions of the electronic card

The poll by TNS Sofres, 61% of users of virtual greeting cards throughout the year are women. A proportion that rises slightly to 62.5% for year-end cards."The French are champions of e-card," says Jean-Pierre Fanni, CyberCartes.com president, for whom the study was conducted. "They are almost twice as likely as men to send cards later this year." Women use the electronic card as a mark of attention to all kinds of opportunities, outlines the study: send their Christmas wishes wish a happy birthday to a friend, make a nod to their office colleagues, thanking their families, saying "I love you" to their spouse or their children laugh. A trend even more pronounced in French over the age of 35, which are 70% to send cards at Christmas, against 30% for those under 35 years.

Source: TNS Sofres

The granting of environmental bonus, established in 2007 under the Environment Round Table, will be smaller in 2011, as had been announced. The Government has just published in the Official Gazette the decree tightening its eligibility criteria. The aid of EUR 2 000 paid for the purchase of an LPG vehicle is removed. Those allocated for the purchase of hybrid vehicles will also be more restrictive.

In addition, the bonus of 100 euros for the purchase of cars emitting between 116 and 125 g / km CO2 will be removed. Now, to receive a bonus of 400 euros, bought the vehicle must emit 91 to 110 g. A premium of 800 euros will be paid for cars emitting 61 to 90 g.As for hybrids, they must emit less than 111 g to give the payment of 2000 euros.

However, the government does not affect the premium of 5,000 euros allocated for the purchase of vehicles emitting less than 60 g / km of CO2, which should support electric cars.

November 16, a diamond merchant in London, Laurence Graff, disbursing 46.16 million dollars to afford a pink diamond the rarest and finest ever auctioned. Ten days later, Hong Kong, a stock bought another diamond pink diamond of 14.2 carats for $ 23 million, setting a record in Asia. These two examples alone summarize the health of the diamond market in 2010. This shows an annual growth of 5%, allowing it to regain its 2008 level.

In Jerusalem which was in November the plenary of the Kimberley Process, the system of global regulation, the diamond merchants rubbed their hands. Avi Paz, president of the World Federation of Diamond Exchange, said when the press he was "very good results since the United States are not yet fully emerged from the recession."

Asian billionaires, engines of growth

The Americans are in fact the first world consumers of diamonds. They absorb half of the $ 13 billion of rough diamonds produced worldwide each year. But since the 2008 crisis, weakening their claim to the benefit of developing countries. According to the CEO of De Beers, the world's number one industry, the demand for the latter is already able to offset declining U.S. demand. According to analysts' forecasts, Chinese consumers would dethrone the Americans in the next 10 years.

Overall, Asia has been the key driver of demand in 2010. Evidence of this dynamic: a diamond exchange opened its doors in South Korea and the Bombay Stock Exchange has been completely renovated.In the area of cut diamonds, India has also become a fierce competitor to the major exchanges in Tel Aviv, New York and Antwerp. In 2010, Israeli lapidary saw their exports to U.S. fall by 28% over the first seven months of the year while the Indian lapidary saw them surge 25%.

Opaque sector

Despite the optimistic outlook, the diamond market is largely ignored by investors. Few fund managers can speak on this subject. "This is a difficult area to define. The diamond prices change depending on the color, clarity, weight (carat) and the cup, which is not the case with other raw materials.It is difficult to invest in a company in this field because its valuation will fluctuate greatly appreciate the characteristics of diamonds that are mined, "says Emmanuel Painchault, head of equity management infrastructure and raw materials at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management guaranteed pay day loans.

The opacity of the sector also weighed heavy. The diamond market is highly concentrated. Seven countries share nearly 80% of world production: Russia, Botswana, Australia, China, Canada, Angola and South Africa. As for diamond mines, only three players control extractions: the South African De Beers, the world, the Russian state company Alrosa and Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto. Pricing is a big question mark. Diamonds worth in fact $ 13 billion in gross but their extraction weigh between 64 and 72 billion dollars in wholesale jewelry."It is not clear, prices are more determined on a case by case, we do not know the status of stocks in a market where the diamonds are kept to create scarcity," laments one in Edmond Rothschild Asset Management.

The scourge of "blood diamonds"

Moreover, despite the good performance of 2010, diamonds continue to suffer from their bad reputation. The scandal of diamonds "dirty" used to finance wars and rebellions, illustrated by the movie Blood Diamond in 2006, making investors extremely cautious. The Kimberley Process, established in 2002 under a UN mandate, trying to bring more clarity to the certification process. But difficulties remain. So last November, the 75 member states of the committee failed to agree on the complete recovery of Zimbabwe's exports, which were suspended a year earlier.According to human rights organizations of human rights, military have taken control of local mines Marange in eastern Zimbabwe, considered the most promising in Africa. They have killed over 200 people passing.

These figures are difficult to verify but they are enough to deter investors from a market which remains highly promising. "Raw materials constitute a risk area. It is important to have a vision as fair as possible to the supply, demand and stocks. So be careful, "Emmanuel Painchault slice.

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After the ashes, snow. The capricious weather this year is sowing panic in transport. Cancellations of flights, trains, airport closures … Thousands of people have been crowding in the terminals, postpone or cancel their trip. Enough to put all the passengers on the nerves, especially if they have already experienced the episode of ash cloud from the volcano in Iceland last April. The crisis management and administrative maze to hope for reimbursement of travel has left bad memories.Despite the appointment of a mediator by the government, consumer groups had expressed regret that most travelers have not been compensated.

No force majeure

Yet the law is explicit: the ash cloud, such as snowfall, are "exceptional circumstances which require European airlines, Norwegian, Icelandic and Swiss take their responsibilities," says Nicolas Godfrey, a lawyer in the UFC- Que Choisir. Force majeure can not be invoked. Carriers must assist their passengers, guarantee repayment of notes and cover the costs they incurred following delays and cancellations. These rules apply to all passengers stranded at European airports even if traveling with a foreign company to the European Union. And "assistance does not provide a cot, but a real hosting solution.If for the moment the situation seems rather better managed than the last time, we still saw too many people sleeping in airport lounges, "says he regrets that not all airlines are not the same zeal to fulfill their obligations and satisfy their customers.

Refunds for Flights

Because of new snowfall expected on Wednesday evening, several companies provide on their websites instructions to manage its reservation. Air France offers its customers who want to leave before Dec. 25, a telephone number (January 1957 October 2, 1958) to obtain the free modification of their reservation in the same class. The company says it still places and agrees to take care of tariff differences.People who want to travel after December 26 can also modify their reservation at no extra cost but will have to pay the price difference with another price. For travelers who prefer a refund of their ticket, the company invites them to approach the seller (Air France office, travel agency or online form on the Internet cash advances pay day loan. Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, CEO of Air France-KLM told AFP that there was "no additional compensation."

EasyJet and Ryanair also on site exchange service reservation and make available a form for reimbursement for canceled flights.

Finally, when the weather prevented people who had bought a trip flight + accommodation to enjoy their entire program, the agency is required to change it.If the changes are not appropriate, clients may request a refund of all or part of the trip.

Traffic near normal at SNCF

If Eurostar announces a gradual return to normal for TGV rolling in the Channel Tunnel, the railway company that no longer calls the passengers to postpone their trip, however, recalls that all its trains were full until Sunday, December 26. Persons in possession of valid tickets between 19 and 24 December, knowing that no train will flow 25 may also exchange their reservation or request a refund. Exchanges are free at the point of original sale within 60 days after the date of original travel, for travel within 90 days. For bookings made directly with Eurostar, please send an email to contactus@eurostar.com giving your booking reference.Refunds will be processed and confirmed by email within 10 days.

Few passengers of the SNCF had to face cancellation of their train. In a statement, the rail company said that despite the difficult weather conditions, 1.4 million passengers took the train last weekend and were able to go on vacation. 97% of trains and circulated throughout the territory. People who have nevertheless found blocked should not expect reimbursement. SNCF does not support the delay that the cause is not its responsibility.

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Before Christmas surprise! Bernard Arnault continued casually shares her shopping Hermes. Barely two months after announcing its entry dazzling capital, strengthens its presence. LVMH Group announced Tuesday night had crossed the threshold of 20% stake (20.21% exactly).

Initially, he had entered with a whopping 14%, it had increased to 17.1% in the following days. This new threshold crossing can be seen as a new thunder in the family shareholders of Hermes, already traumatized by the forced entry at home. If during his first statement, LVMH had "reserved the right" to increase its participation, he suggested he did not intend in the immediate future, given the levels during the action, driven by speculation related to the standoff.

156.65 euros at the close on Tuesday, even as Hermes has gained 10% last month, or 68% since the beginning of the year. That is almost double the average price that Bernard Arnault said he paid for his first 17%.

LVMH says it has acquired the 3% of the market, reducing the free float to around 7% stake. No member of the family would appear, therefore, have failed in the solidarity of the blood and transferred to the sirens of Bernard Arnault cash advance no fax. Some 60 representatives of families Dumas, Puech and Guerrand descendants to the fifth and sixth generation of the founder Thierry Hermes, the holders of 73% stake, had met in conclave on December 4 to consider a response to the arrival of this new shareholder unwanted.

The project of holding locking a majority shareholder to prevent the sale outside the family and providing a mechanism for domestic liquidity has been decided.Its implementation is subject to obtaining a waiver of the AMF for failing to trigger a takeover on the remaining capital.

With more than 20%, LVMH is now the largest shareholder of Hermes (no heir owning more than 5% individually). Crossing this threshold will consolidate proportionally the profits of Hermes in its accounts if desired. He reiterated, however, his intention not to trigger a takeover of its next capital of Hermes.

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This should be one of the great events of the winter semester. Microsoft probably will benefit the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, to introduce these two new tablets in Windows 7. Steve Ballmer's firm could make the first presentations of Windows 8, in a format suitable for tablets. However, this new operating system should not be marketed until a few months.

Good start for Google

Microsoft shelves should be produced by Dell and Samsung, according to The New York Times. That Korean should be even with a sliding keyboard: enough to make it a perfect compromise between the tablet and the notebook with no guarantee of success so far.

It's been ten years since the U.S. giant has, at various times, tested the way the touch pad. Without success.This summer, Steve Ballmer had said he intended to market its own shelves "as soon as they (would) be ready." Meanwhile, Apple iPad, launched in April, was awarded 83% of global market share in this segment, according to Deloitte. In 2012, Apple's market share fall to 44%. What remains a performance, since all the competing tablets, including those coming in Windows, would share the balance, while competition is growing.

Tablets Android (Google) have a very good start, especially the Galaxy Tab Samsung sold a million copies in just over a month. For Microsoft, the current challenge is not to be leading the shelves than to simply be present. Indeed, sales of these products should soon overtake those of laptops, according to Deloitte.She also cannibalize sales of computers, laptops or not, and those of games consoles. Consequently, sales of software should also be affected.

A few months behind Apple

It's much less opportunity for Microsoft, especially for Windows. In addition, the software company has missed the start of smartphones. Accusing nearly three years behind, he struggles to impose its solution Phone Windows 7 against the iPhone and Android devices.

Finally, launching in early 2011 the new shelves, it will "only" a few months behind Apple and could hit the market at about the same time as the iPad 2.

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The CAC 40, the gates of the 3900 points, should evolve little changed on Friday morning, while continuing on Friday the meeting of leaders of the European Union.

Thursday night, they confirmed the creation of a "European mechanism of stability" (MES), European version of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in charge of rescue packages euro countries, like Greece and of Ireland this year. He will replace interim funds installed last spring.

But the debate on Eurobonds continues, under pressure from the markets who fear debt restructurings souveraines.La ECB on Thursday urged a doubling of its capital. There would be increased from 5 billion to 10.76 billion euros. The guardian of the euro said it has to cope with volatility "in exchange rates, interest rates and credit risks."

Early this morning, Asian stock markets were changing the overall balance.Atony which checks for four days while the year-end holidays are approaching.

The economic figures to follow

• France:

– 8:45: monthly business survey in industry, construction, trade in December and indicators of business climate and economic downturn personal loans for people with bad credit.

• Germany:

10 am: barometer Ifo business climate

• European Union:

– 11: foreign trade in October

• United States:

– 16h: composite indicator of economic activity in November

The AMF extends tender offer for Seloger.com

The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) announced Thursday that the offer of Axel Springer on the website of ads was extended until further notice.

The Paris stock exchange on Friday welcomed Toreador Resources.

ADP announced Thursday a 3.5% increase in passenger traffic in November.

GDF Suez The acquisition of Britain's International Power was approved Thursday by its shareholders. The transaction creates a powerful energy company in America and the Middle East.

EDF is today an investor day in London.

Vilmorin held its Annual General Meeting

The snow and weather are not good for business. French companies surveyed by the institute Markit believe that the great wave of cold weather and has sealed their activity in December. The PMI, created from these responses, reflecting a slowdown in growth, displayed to 55.3 points against 56.4 in November.

"If the weather conditions have slowed the rise in activity in December, the French economy remains healthy at the end of 2010 as reported by the stronger growth in the volume of new business," nuance Jack Kennedy economist at Markit.

The PMI industry falls to 56.3 points, to 55 services, respectively, against 57.9 and 55 in November."PMI data indicate, for the entire fourth quarter, a growth rate lower than previous quarters," says Jack Kennedy.

The volume of new business is clear from the rise, thanks, according to respondents, improving the overall economic situation. The export sales, in particular, "recorded their fastest growth since November 2006," says Mark. In parallel with the increase in activity, job creation is continuing, especially in services.

The German motor

In the rest of Europe, Germany still stands by its strong momentum. The activity growth accelerated further to its fastest pace in four years and a half. The composite PMI "flash" rose to 59.7 against 59.0 in November. Across the eurozone, the PMI index for the industry reached its highest since April, to 56.8.In contrast, services are disappointing, to 53.7 in December against 55.4 last month.

"The PMI for the euro area countries are somewhat disappointing, despite the impressive strength of Germany," said Ken Wattret, BNP Paribas. "This implies that the peripheral countries (Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Greece, ed) continue to struggle, especially in the service sector, heavily dependent on local demand."

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