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Archive for April, 2011

In French tour operators, time is the early cancellations. Shortly after the attack that killed 16 people in the city center of Marrakech, Current Travel Agency in Paris has recorded its first withdrawal for a stay in Morocco. "Right now, we expect to learn further, perhaps to discourage strongly to reach customers," said Audrey Thuillard, an employee, who claims hold "until three or four trips per month "in this country. Ditto for the agency Solari, also based in the capital. "We have several departures scheduled soon, said her manager, Barbara Solari. Of course, we will notify our customers and there will probably withdraw.But for now, we do not close sales. "Without illusion, it considers that the fact that at least six French have died in the attack will" and against "the Kingdom of Morocco as a holiday destination .

However, if Morocco were to be shunned by tourists, the consequences could be disastrous for the economy. In fact, the sector weighs 10% of GDP and is the first post of foreign exchange earnings. Summarizing the situation, Kader Abderrahim, researcher and expert on North Africa at the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), judge that by targeting the Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, tourist mecca of the city, the attack "hit the kingdom in his heart.""You can expect an ebb in the number of tourists after the bombing of the Hotel Asni in August 1994 and those in Casablanca in 2003 and 2007," he adds, noting that "the country has of years to recover. " In another context, too violent revolutions that Arab Kader Abderrahim adds that in Tunisia, "tourism has dropped by more than 50%" since the fall of President Ben Ali.

"Morocco does not have the resources of Algeria"

What seize the ambitions of the Moroccan government on tourism, which sees in this sector the main driver of growth in the years to come. Last November, he launched the "Plan 2011-2020" which aims to make this country of 32 million inhabitants "the twentieth tourist destination," as he swings around the time of the thirtieth position World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).A total of one million new jobs must be created in particular, with an annual revenue target of $ 13.15 billion, reports Les Echos. And for good reason, "Morocco is not Algeria," said Kader Abderrahim, referring to oil and gas resources of the neighbor. "Apart from a little phosphate, the country that has tourism."

Recognizing these issues, and knowing that the French weigh two million passengers over the 9.4 million that Morocco hosted last year, Alain Juppe believes that there is "no reason today to give up a trip to Morocco. " "In this region, in general, the terrorist threat is high and permanent," has justified the Foreign Minister, saying that "the Moroccan authorities are able to provide security in the country." Statements that leave no doubt the leaders of the Centre for the Study of tour operators (CETO) perplexed.Collecting 80% of tour operators of the Hexagon, the organization did not want Friday morning "not comment" on any cessation of travel to Morocco. Before you do the same ministry in the early afternoon, just noting that "all members" hold for the time their departures.

The Paris Bourse, which closed yesterday up 0.58%, is trying to take another step forward Wednesday. Halfway through, the CAC 40 advances from 0.49% to 4065.18 points. The good humor that has helped U.S. markets finish the day on Tuesday to their highest level in three years boosts the morale of investors. Asian stock exchanges have also sent a positive signal in spite of bad news in Japan, including the threat of degradation of the country's sovereign rating by rating agency Standard & Poor's.

The atmosphere was more mixed in the rest of Europe: Dax index featuring the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ahead of 0.59% to 7399.77 points, but the London Stock Exchange was down 0.16% to 6059, 67 points.

In anticipation of the Fed

At the Paris Bourse, the attention is focused on the battery of statistics expected from both sides of the Atlantic.In the euro area, new industrial orders rose less than expected in February by 0.9%. In one year, the figure is higher by 21.3%.

In France, unemployment figures will be announced after the stock market (18 hours). Moreover, the morale of French households remained stable in April compared to March. The indicator of French consumer confidence remains at 83 points, well below its long-term average set at 100 points, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

Britain has in turn reported a GDP growth of 0.5% in the first quarter (first official estimate).

United States, orders for durable goods and stocks of crude will fall in early afternoon. But it is mainly the outcome of the monetary policy committee meeting of the Central Bank (Fed) will be eagerly awaited.The Fed will announce its decision on interest rates and monetary policy should reaffirm its ultra-accommodative.

As for currencies, the euro rose against the dollar in a market without high volume, cautious monetary policy decision by the Fed. Around 11:00 am in Paris, the European currency was worth 1.4682 dollars against 1.4636 dollars on the previous evening.On oil markets, a barrel of light sweet crude for June delivery lost 19 cents to 112.02 dollars and that of Brent North Sea also June delivery yielded 22 cents to 123.93 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

Nexans: + 0.90% to 73.76 euros

The specialist cables, which in February 2011 was a return to a growth of over 5% of its sales and a continued recovery in its operating margin to 5.5%, achieved on the first three months of year a turnover of 1.754 billion euros (+13%).

STMicroelectronics: -3.74% to 8.10 euros (largest decline of ACC)

The Franco-Italian manufacturer of semiconductors said Tuesday net income group share tripled on a year in the first quarter, but below analysts' expectations, to 170 million.Earnings per share were 19 cents, as investors had forecast 20 cents. Turnover increased by 9%.

Dassault Systemes: + 2.76% to 57.75 euros

The French software developer has registered an increase of 31% of its turnover in the first quarter of 2011 to 409,500,000 euros.

Renault: + 4.72% to 41.30 euros (largest increase in the ACC)

The manufacturer has maintained its goals Tuesday 2011 saw a strong first quarter by sales and despite the prospect of a temporary slowdown in production due to the earthquake that hit Japan in March.The designer, who speaks of "record results", also confirmed its objectives of growth, margin and earnings per share for 2011.

In its wake, Peugeot won 1.58% to 30.82 euros.

EADS: -0.07% to 21.42 euros

ILFC announced finalize an order for Airbus aircraft family A320neo, available from 2015.The final agreement is initially on a total of 100 aircraft, split between A320neo and A321neo.

Publicis: -0.82% to 37.10 euros

The group announced the acquisition of advertising agency GP7, based in Sao Paulo specializing in the tourism sector, continuing its development in Brazil.

Unibail-Rodamco: 0.10% to 155 euros

The group reported a growth of 3.3% of its turnover in the first quarter 2011 to 426.6 million euros, and announced it had sold assets during the first three months of the year for a total net 422.5 million euros.

Seb: + 3% at 75.55 euros

The group reported a net revenue growth in the first quarter despite a sluggish macroeconomic environment, and saw its operating margin reached a record level for this time of year.

Sopra: -0.23% to 79.30 euros

The group announced an increase of over 10% of its turnover in the first quarter, driven by growth in all its activities, and confirmed the timing of the proposed demerger of its software division of Axway.

After market, PPR, Klépierre NextRadioTV, Ipsos, Ingenico and Gameloft will publish their turnover for the first quarter.

Zhou Mingwang is a young Chinese entrepreneur very reactive. Twenty-four hours after the official announcement of the royal wedding between William and Kate, 16 November, Zhou placed online on its website chinamingwang.cn a copy of the engagement ring, a large blue sapphire set with diamonds, worn at the time by Princess Diana, she received a gift from Prince Charles.

The jewel, consisting of a zircon crystals and 14, is sold for a whopping $ 2.75 to $ 8 per piece, the price varies depending on the quantity purchased. Located in Yiwu city, south of Shanghai, a center of low-cost production, Zhou took care of changing the jewel just enough to avoid infringement litigation payday loans in one hour.

For the first orders from Great Britain, flocked applications everywhere, even Australia. Recently, a French magazine has purchased 35,000 for a commercial transaction.

If the idea has since made a few followers among the competition, the young man, who has already sold more than 100,000 copies, table for this year on a strong rise in earnings thanks to Kate and William. Friday, he will follow the ceremony in his factory with 40 employees.

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It is not just in France that soaring fuel worries. Whether in Beijing or Washington, the great powers anxiously watching the prices soar. United States, the phenomenon begins the popularity of President Obama. In China, leaders tried Saturday to end a protest by truckers of the Port of Shanghai. These last Friday blocked access to the terminal docks Baoshan.

After closed-door negotiations with the local road, the authorities announced on Saturday a "lower standard fees and the abolition of taxes outstanding." The decision was announced by making an effort to reduce "the pressure on carriers 'costs' and mitigate the effects" of rising inflation, is it explained in a statement. No mention of the strike.

Not sure the extent sufficient to satisfy the carriers.According to testimonies collected on the spot Saturday by news agency Reuters, the drivers intended to continue the movement until you see the concrete effects of tax cuts. "It's not that I strike, but what's the point of working if I lose money?" Said one trucker.

Beijing is trying to stifle any rebound media movement. No public statement had been made to this press Saturday and it was broadcast in English. It was only taken up by the official Xinhua News Agency, also in English. Chinese leaders fear that the waltz prices facing the country could trigger a vast movement of popular protest. Despite efforts to cool an overheating economy, inflation has been above expectations in March fast cash now. It reached 5.4% on a year to a growth rate of 9.7%, also higher goals of Beijing.

Obama disapproved

Across the Pacific, even dissatisfaction at the pump. In the U.S., the price of fuel has surpassed the symbolic $ 4 a gallon (unit equivalent to about 3.8 liters). The popularity of President Obama suffers. According to a survey New York Times / CBS released this weekend, 57% of Americans disapprove of the economic policy of the host of the White House. They are also 80% believed that the economic situation stagnates or deteriorates.

After a week to defend his choices for the federal budget, Barack Obama was forced to admit Saturday that rising fuel prices for Americans is "a burden when the situation is already difficult." But it does not mean advanced solution in the short term.Changes in gasoline prices more than justifies any investment in green energy, he was merely hammering during his weekly radio address this Saturday: "In the long term, the response. This is the solution to help people who are full and reduce our dependence on oil from abroad. "

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After two difficult years, the market for used cars has finally erased the impact of economic recession and scrapping. With over 510,000 registered vehicles in March, he returned to a level he had not met since April 2008. This is twice the new home market, as 257,000 new cars were registered in the period.

The recovery appears sustainable. 38% of members of the National Occupational automobile (CNPA), which includes dealers and professionals the opportunity to anticipate an increase in their turnover in their activity during the second quarter of 2011. There were only 14% to be optimistic about a year ago. These professionals do indeed represent only 40% of the market, 60% being made between individuals, but they give a good idea of ​​its evolution.

It was the next level to reach for gold. The 1500 dollars, a level ever recorded for the yellow metal, have been hit on Wednesday in Asian trading. At the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong specifically, an ounce of gold reached 1,500.70 dollars in the afternoon. This performance was predictable when reached 1,499.32 dollars an ounce the previous day in London. The pace of growth is dazzling but in less than a month, gold has made close to $ 53. March 24, the yellow metal was trading at 1447.82 dollars yet.

This acceleration reflects a broad movement of deferral of investors in risky assets to what they see as the ultimate safe haven. Gold is indeed a physical asset with intrinsic value is backed by any issuer. He is considered an effective barrier to escape threats currently facing inflationary in most economies.China announced last Friday that inflation rose to 5.4% in March. In Europe, inflation rises to 2.4% while in the U.S., it reached 0.5%.

Alert on debt

The surge in gold can also be explained by rising concerns over the sovereign debt of countries in the euro area. Rumors of the restructuring of debt of Greece sow confusion in the markets. In parallel, operators wonder if Portugal, which will launch an austerity measures, will overcome its difficulties. The degradation of the sovereign rating of Ireland only complicated the situation. Very worried investors finding more than in Finland, nationalists opposed to helping fragile countries, became the third force in the country.

More ominously, investors realize that even the world's largest economy is not immune.For the first time in its history, S & P has downgraded the debt of the United States. Monday, the day the ad crashing, gold has gained almost 10 dollars to 1496.50 dollars. The purchases were supported by a bout of dollar weakness which makes it even more attractive purchases of commodities, including gold.

For the rest, the next goal is the threshold of $ 1600. According to experts from research firm specializing in the GFMS gold, it will be reached and even exceeded by the end of the year.

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U.S. exchanges to raise. After closing sharply lower Monday, Wall Street opens on Monday, up slightly Tuesday. The Dow Jones gained 0.12% and the Nasdaq rose 0.22%.

Before the publication of the results tonight Yahoo and Intel, the return to stock market indices through better than expected corporate earnings and renewed housing construction in March.Housing starts rose 7.2% and building permits by 11.2%.

The day after lowering the outlook on the U.S. debt by Standard and Poor's, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the country was "in a much stronger position (than other countries) to deal with its difficulties. "

Oil prices continue to fall Tuesday in the opening exchanges in New York, as investors questioned the impact of high prices on demand.In early afternoon on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery traded at 106.25 dollars, down 87 cents from the previous day.

Citigroup: 0.90% to 4.46 dollars

Citigroup announced Tuesday that he gradually got rid of a portfolio of 12.7 billion dollars of toxic assets account for a large portion of its losses during the crisis in order to mitigate the anticipated effects of the implementation establish rules of Basel III.

Johnson & Johnson 2.98% to 62.26 dollars

Johnson & Johnson on Tuesday net profit down 23% to $ 3.47 billion for the first quarter but remained higher than expected (3.2 billion dollars). Turnover, up 3.5% to $ 16.2 billion, also exceeded expectations (15.83 billion U.S. dollars).The group raised its forecast for annual earnings per share, taking it to a range of 4.90 to 5 dollars, against a previous range of 4.80 to 4.90 dollars and a forecast of analysts of 4.83 dollars.

NYSE Euronext: 1.17% to 38.77 dollars

Nasdaq OMX stock exchange operators and IntercontinentalExchange noted Tuesday their proposed purchase of NYSE Euronext board of directors of the places in New York and Paris payday loan.

State Street: 2.08% to 45.60 dollars

State Street issued on Tuesday a quarterly operating profit rose to 444 million, or 88 cents per share, slightly above the consensus.

General Motors: -1.33% to 29.57 dollars

The U.S. Treasury could sell much of 33% of shares he still owns stake in General Motors this summer or fall, according to a source familiar with the matter.Neither the timing nor the size of the sale, however, have yet been determined.

Goldman Sachs: -0.42% to 153.14 dollars

Goldman Sachs announced Tuesday a 72% decline in earnings in the first quarter compared to last year to 908 million. Analysts expected a profit of about $ 477 million. The turnover of the bank stood at $ 11.9 billion in the quarter, down 7% year on year but higher than the 10.2 billion expected by analysts.

Bank of New York: -1.78% to 28.68 dollars

Bank of New York reported Tuesday in a 4% rise in quarterly profit to 625 million, supported by higher asset management revenues and commissions.

Seagate Technology: -2.91% to 17.32 dollars

Seagate Technology will buy the operations of disk drives from Samsung Electronics for $ 1.4 billion in cash and stock, said on Tuesday South Korean group.

Texas Instruments: -0.98% to 34.45 dollars

Texas Instruments on Monday announced a quarterly profit slightly below expectations. The first quarter earnings rose to $ 666 million, or 55 cents per share, against $ 658 million and 52 cents a year earlier.

Harley Davidson: -1.68% to 39.04 dollars

Harley Davidson reported earnings per share of $ 0.51 in the first quarter, below the consensus at $ 0.53. The group recorded quarterly revenue of 1.06 billion euros, against 1.05 billion expected.

While the Arab riots continue, the World Bank has sounded the alarm. In Washington, facing the 24 countries that make up the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) responsible for setting broad policy guidelines of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the institution said that "a worsening of conditions in the Middle East and North Africa could derail global growth. "

It considers in particular that "if oil prices were to rise sharply and permanently, whether due to growing uncertainty or a significant disruption of oil production, global growth could slow by 0.3 percentage point in 2011 and 1.2 points in 2012.The World Bank said that volatility in oil prices and agricultural products had been "even higher" than usual in recent weeks.

"Act Now"

The World Bank has, however, tried to reassure his interlocutors: currently, the impact is limited to local economies themselves. The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt for example cut the growth of both countries about three percentage points in 2011, compared to what was planned three months ago. "The growth in Egypt and Tunisia should be about 2.5% and 1.5% respectively," says the Bank.A very inadequate compared to their population growth in a context of energy prices and food costs.

Internationally, the economic disruption, "if they remained at this stage, should have limited impact globally," said the World Bank payday loans. Its president Robert Zoellick, however, urged the international community to act now. "Wait until the situation stabilizes, it will lose opportunities," he said

The IMF on the alert

The signal seems to have been well received by IMFC. Its 24 members and confirm that "the immediate economic impact of developments in some Middle East and North Africa require particular attention."The cards are distributed: the World Bank's objective to "strengthen its support" in these two areas and the IMF's role to conduct "economic evaluation" for an "action plan".

"Of course we stand ready to assist, on the side of technical assistance and funding on the slope," assured the IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said at a news conference. "The example of the Middle East has highlighted this issue, the fact that you can have good numbers in terms of sustainability without growth," he added. Remarks relayed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner: "Today, the change underway in the Middle East calls for rethink and refocus the commitment of the international community.These transitions involve ultimately the people, increase their opportunities and their freedom. "

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A supervisory board was held Friday night at Areva, with the menu preparation of the general assembly of the nuclear group, on 27 April. While some members of the supervisory board mandate coming to the end, these included establishing the list of those whose names will be submitted to shareholder vote.

Unsurprisingly, Jean-Cyril Spinetta is part of the list. The current president will be renewed during Supervisory Board provided at the end of the GA. However, Rene Ricol, author of an audit on behalf of the government leaves office, as he wished. Anne Lauvergeon, Chairman of the Board whose term ends June 30, reappointment of Jean-Cyril Spinetta is a good thing: he wants his support.

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The false Renault spy case comes to an end for Matthew Tenenbaum. The youngest of three executives dismissed earlier this year accepted its reintegration into the group, according to the agreement reached with management on Monday. "I can confirm that it is reinstated. It remains to determine what functions, it is being discussed these days, "said Thibault de Montbrial, his lawyer. The other two concerned Balthazard Michel Rochette and Bertrand, they have decided not to return.

The other part is returned Philippe Clogenson. The latter had been dismissed for corruption in 2009, also on the basis of anonymous accusations that proved unfounded. Renault reinstate it next month as director of "business development" Renault Consulting, the consulting division of the group.

Back to the wall

The return of Matthew Tenenbaum Renault may have a bitter taste.A new audio document, published by L'Express on Tuesday, makes indeed account for the severity of the direction towards him during the meeting on 3 January with Christian Husson, legal director of the company. That day, part learned with amazement accusations of industrial espionage and the dismissal proceedings against him.

Confident Christian Husson Matthieu Tenenbaum launches: "We know that you have committed serious acts, unethical at Renault, and constitute criminal offenses. You'll leave here earlier with a layoff conservatory. The latter seems stunned: "I do not see at all what you mean." Then follows a real game of ping-pong between the two men Proceedings:

– "I think you know very well," said Christian Husson.

– "No! "Replies Matthew Tenenbaum.

– "Yes, yes Matthew …"

– "We know each other!"

– "Of course we know each other. But here, we know "

– "But you know what?"

– "We know."

– "But you kidding! It's not going head! "

– "It's going very well," said Christian Husson, which states in part that his "cronies" are examined in the offices nearby no fax payday loans.

Confession or resignation discrete

Despite the pressure and lack of explanations, Matthieu Tenenbaum continues to blanket denial: "To be escorted by hounds and finish it tells me that I have two choices, either confess or I am made walk for eight days, excuse me fall out of the closet like that, but what you speak? "

Tired, legal director offered him a "deal": "Either you cheek me, Commissioner Mills and the suspect who denies any ', or you end up in more discrimination (…) If you deny everything, that's what will happen .It will trigger a cumbersome procedure, criminal, and certainly with the key to serious consequences for you (…) Let you have more discernment, and it leads to resignation (…) that is to say that you hand your resignation with some details on what information you passed to the Chinese. And it stops there. "

Christian Husson Tenebaum then invites Matthew to "think carefully" to the maintenance of 11 January with Jean-Yves Coudriou, the chief executives. "Stop saying that you did nothing. We know, "he says.

"My hands are clean"

At this stage, the choice of frame is yet done: "If the only way to restore the truth is the hard way, I will take the hard way. But I do not see anything else I can do, "says Matthew Tenenbaum. "You can check all my accounts, my emails, my stuff, digging my home search …but never in my life I would have given any thing outside of the company! "he protested. "I have clean hands so you can do anything you want. I never turned a penny of this company. "

Despite the determination displayed frame, Christian Husson does not bend. "You'll go to your office seeking your business quietly without wishing the wishes to your colleagues. Hello Matthew! "Says he at the end of the interview.

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