International News

While the crucial talks between government and private creditors of Greece continued the last few hours across Europe, they rose sharply in Paris. Reportedly, the French Treasury and financial institutions have agreed on the night of Friday to Saturday on a proposal that they hope to win their European partners now. Important first step, a highly anticipated meeting of the IIR (International Institute of Finance), which groups 400 banks worldwide, will be held on Monday in Rome.

It will be remembered, European governments have launched negotiations Wednesday with the holders of Greek debt. They are seeking a contribution of banks, insurers and other pension funds to the tune of 30 billion euros, backed by a new extension of Europe and the IMF to Greece.So far, the proposal on the table was simple: the voluntary, private creditors agreed to reinvest in due proportion the debts repaid by Athens over the next three years in new loans Greek to 5 years. It is the "rollover". However, private capital, especially German, had requested that these new loans are guaranteed in one way or another by Europe. But Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, refused this demand, which is to transfer the responsibility of the public an additional part of the burden.

Hence the impasse. The problem for private financiers, is to pay a state that nothing says it will be out of trouble in five years, the plan has expired. Of course, under pressure from governments, banks and insurers could be convinced.But specifically, if the process is not perceived as voluntary, rating agencies may raise the flag of the "default" and the plan falls overboard because the ECB can no longer accept sovereign debt and stigmatized in the refinancing of Greek banks cheap business cards.The French proposal is a parade, making the "rollover" both more attractive and relevant to them and to Athens, by lengthening maturities.

New loans to 30 years

In addition to the original proposal, a working group led by BNP Paribas, in fact, imagined an alternative, opening the opportunity to reinvest only 70% of amounts received in connection with the Greek borrowing fell 50% are allocated to Greek new loans issued this time in 30 years as to 20%, they are placed on what the financial call a "zero coupon", ie a fund invested in securities of high quality self-reinforcing through then cumulation of interests: the piggy bank somehow secures new borrowing Greek, as would have government guarantees.According to the discussions, these borrowings could be long carry an interest rate equivalent to that of Greece pays vis-à-vis its "rescuers" public, with the addition of a variable interest rate likely to be linked to an economic indicator Greek, such as GDP.

In any case, this alternative would yield less per creditor only 50% returned to the Treasury Greek but is likely to attract more people. And above all, by providing funding for 30 years, she pushes the horizon in part refunds for Athens. The French solution began circulating in the corridors of the European Council on Friday. "We received an initial favorable response," says a close case.

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The concern comes on Wednesday in U.S. markets. At the close, the Dow Jones, who was sitting in the balance, lost 0.65% at 12,111 points, the Nasdaq 0.67% to loose 2669 points and the S & P was down 0.64% to 1287 points. On Tuesday, the New York Stock Exchange finished sharply higher.

Markets have plunged into the red after the speech of the U.S. central bank. This has lowered its growth forecast for the year and maintained its interest rates near zero.

These announcements were sealed atmosphere. But Wall Street seemed relieved by the vote of confidence of the Greek Parliament in the new government. In fact, last night, the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, was full of socialist votes. But despite the vote of that night, Greece remained in a serious situation.The country needs to pass before June 30, the austerity plan that provides savings of 28.4 billion and 50 billion privatization until 2015. On the foreign exchange market, the vote of confidence of the Greek Parliament supports a slight decline in the European currency. At the time of the opening, the single currency was worth 1.4402 dollars against 1.4408 late Tuesday.

In terms of oil, U.S. crude stocks fell more than expected last week, said Wednesday the U.S. Agency for Energy Information (EIA). On the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in August finished at 95.41 dollars, up $ 1.24 from the previous day.

Rain orders for Boeing at Le Bourget

The U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing (-2.50% to 72.13 dollars) is particularly surrounding this Wednesday while orders are pouring at Paris Air Show.The U.S. should, however, is exceeded by its European rival Airbus.

Always on the side of values, after the close of Wall Street Adobe Systems (-6.26% to 30.01 dollars) announced a 54% increase in earnings in the second quarter thanks to strong demand for its software, despite a depressed economic conditions. The leading design software has reported a net profit of $ 229.4 million, or 45 cents a share, against 148.6 million (28 cents) a year earlier. Excluding items, earnings per share were 55 cents, while the consensus gave 51 cents.Revenues increased 9% to $ 1.02 billion.

Also in the technology sector, Apple (-0.81% to 322.67 dollars) could launch the new version of the iPhone in September and work on a version of the famous low-cost phone.

The search engine Google (-1.22% to 487.01 dollars) has crossed the symbolic threshold of one billion unique visitors last month. This is the first online service to achieve this level of attendance, according to data collected by comScore. Microsoft sites (-0.46% to 24.65 dollars), however, follow closely with nearly 900,000 unique visitors in May

For his part, Jabil Circuit (3.29% to 19.47 dollars) made from earnings per share in the third quarter of $ 0.58 against $ 0.57 and $ 0.25 expected last year.Turnover reached 4.23 billion dollars against 4.14 billion expected.

U.S. bank JP Morgan (-0.54% to 40.69 dollars) is ordered to pay $ 153.6 million for taking positions against one of its own customers, the fund Magnetar. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), gendarme market, estimates that JPMorgan did not inform his client of positions on a lower mortgage when he invited him to invest. Also note, JP Morgan announced Wednesday the launch of its offer of "prime brokerage" services (investment funds) in Europe.

The shareholders of National Semiconductor (-0.36% to 24.65 dollars) approved the acquisition of Texas Instruments.

Western Union (-1.90% to 19.59 dollars) announced an agreement with Serviban that will allow the launch of an international service PAYMENTS Peru.

China is disappointed and all stock markets suffers. While the Middle Kingdom has unveiled a disappointing trade surplus in May, the S & P Asia fell back by 0.7% shortly before the close of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Nikkei, the benchmark index of the place in Tokyo, which gained 1.3% even in mid-session before the release of Chinese statistics, not put more than 0.6% to 9,522 points shortly before the close. The S & P ASX 200 Index Australian star, he has ended up slightly from 0.1% to 4553.90 points. Of the other major Asian markets, the red predominates. In Shanghai, the China Shanghai Composite fell back by 0.4% while the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong landmark, losing 0.7%, South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.5% and the Sensex Stock Exchange Mumbai was down 0.3%.

China's trade surplus in May released by China Customs reveals to be significantly below expectations.He came to 13.05 billion against $ 11.4 billion in April, but analysts were betting where, on average, about $ 18.6 billion. Chinese exports totaled last month in May reached a new record value of $ 157.16 billion, up 19.4% while imports reached 144.11 billion dollars, up 28 , 4%, according to the joint Customs. These figures were even more disappointed investors they contrast with those published in the United States. The trade deficit the U.S. has significantly reduced in April, falling to 43.7 billion dollars as a result of lower imports, according to figures released Thursday by the Commerce Department.

Moreover, the consequences of the nuclear disaster that followed the tsunami of 11 March the authorities continue to worry.Japanese Minister of Economy has warned Friday that the prolonged suspension of nuclear reactors beyond the areas affected by the tsunami of 11 March, notably in the west, could lead to electricity shortages and hamper recovery. "Energy production may fall, especially in western Japan" if utilities can not rely on their nuclear reactors, Banri Kaieda warned during a press conference, the agency Jiji.

The Bank of Korea raised its key rate

Also on the macroeconomic chapter, the Bank of Korea raised its key rate a quarter point to 3.25%, defying predictions of economists who expected a freeze for the third consecutive month.Seoul remains concerned about inflationary pressure continues to threaten the performance of the fourth largest economy in Asia.

As for values, the title of the Chinese bank Citic Securities fell back by 0.6% to 5.08 HK dollars after it bought 19.9% ​​stake in the trading business in Europe and Asia two subsidiaries of Crédit Agricole Cheuvreux and CLSA. The transaction, valued $ 374 million, confirms the global ambitions of Citic, and should help make Cheuvreux and CLSA a global leader specializing in research on the equity market.

Also, Takeda Pharmaceutical folds of 2.7% in Tokyo while France wants to remove two blockbusters dulaboratoire its market.

Hynix Semiconductor fell back by 4.7% while its shareholders that the group of semiconductors intend to transfer 15% of their participation, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) maintains its pressure on Switzerland and its banking secrecy. The Global Forum on transparency and exchange of tax information, which includes 101 countries, under the auspices of the OECD released Wednesday night, Bermuda, his verdict on nine countries, including France, United States, Switzerland and Singapore, two financial centers deemed opaque.

Not surprisingly, the OECD does not spare the Swiss Confederation. The report highlights several "shortcomings" of the Swiss legislation in the light of new international agreements on tax matters. In March 2009, following the UBS scandal in the United States, and under pressure from the G20, which forced the OECD to draw up lists of black and gray havens, Switzerland pledged not to oppose its banking secrecy when investigation for tax evasion.To exit the "gray list", where she had fallen at the time, the Confederation has revised most of its bilateral tax agreements – 29 new agreements have been signed since – to include the latest standards of fiscal transparency required by the OECD.

Problem: According to the OECD Global Forum, the Swiss legislation, pending approval by Parliament, is still too restrictive, preventing the de facto transfer of information on tax evaders. Indeed, the new Swiss legislation stipulate that the requesting State must have the name and address of the alleged fraudster, to avoid "blind fishing" for information.

New promises

Result: "a minority" of the new agreements are found to comply with OECD standards.Alerted this winter, it might be re-pinned to its opacity in the exchange of tax information, Switzerland has made amends, at least orally. Last February, the Ministry of Finance Helvetian committed to make adjustments in its legislation by February 2012 so that the absence of name of alleged fraudster is no longer a barrier to information sharing.

Hailed by the OECD, this new concession Bern was very badly received by the Swiss financial sector, which fears of losing the whole banking secrecy fearing further withdrawals of funds for the benefit of Asian financial centers, less scrupulous. In Switzerland, where the subject is very sensitive, conservative politicians of the UDC accuse the federal government to yield to the injunctions of Paris and Berlin.They hope that at the end of the race, a referendum will force the federal government to reconsider its promises.

Helvetic anger is even stronger than the OECD report on Singapore, released at the same time, is more lenient. The gaps relate to the authority in charge of investigations for tax evasion. According to the World Forum, this institution is not equipped with adequate investigative powers to obtain information from banks and offshore companies. Now it is to Singapore as the most hidden funds have sought refuge in Switzerland for two years.

It is in six weeks from 1 July that the law on the reorganization of the electricity market is to take effect. In the coming days, the gazettal of orders on prices will end a long series of months.

In this folder to boost competition in the sector, there is more suspense since the government has established conditions for redemption of nuclear electricity from EDF for its rivals: it will be 40 euros per megawatt hour (MWh ) from 1 July and 42 euros from 1 January 2012. A scheme which largely corresponds to the aspirations of EDF: the company, below 42 euros, had discussed the scenario of "looting".In front, the other operators have defended the basis of 35 euros, which are calculated on the current regulated rates.

But now the Regulatory Commission (CRE), Constable of industry practices, offers a different vision, and especially more reasoned, that of government. These, indeed, have given their price scenarios, but without much explanation to the key.

In its decision of May 5 – Le Figaro has procured – the regulator first recall that to make a reasoned opinion on the draft decree, he had to "establish the identification method and cost accounting (…) to reflect the economic conditions of production of nuclear power history. " But this method of calculation, according to the resolution of the CRE leads to a price ranging from 36 to 39 euros per MWh.This estimate is below the repurchase rate set by the government.

Formally, the regulator therefore not permitted under the price of 42 euros per MWh. Certainly, he said that the government wants to anticipate "the investments needed to promoting safety in nuclear power plants," but "these costs are not known to date, and the CRE is not able to appreciate" .

The controller is not alone in discussing the figure of 42 euros. On Monday, the Supreme Council of Energy, which brings together all actors involved in this case, adopted an amendment deeming it inappropriate.This amendment has no impact on law enforcement, but it is indicative of the perception of the situation.

Audits of nuclear

Rather than this threshold of 42 euros, the CRE recommends "that the potential effects on production costs of measures undertaken audits on all French nuclear power are valued only as they materialize in the accounts of EDF and are then fully integrated into the regulated price of access to nuclear power history. "

Is it provided a negative opinion given to the law? In reality, it is rather a surveillance.The controller takes note of any additional expenditure on nuclear power in the wake of the disaster Fukushima, but even if the pass, he prefers to know the exact amounts to be allocated.

Remains to the European Commission, guardian of the reality of opening to competition, to address the issue. "It will certainly ask for accounts in the true sense of the term in government. Similarly, operators will be heard, said one observer. But do not expect a decision very quickly, given the time required. "The start of the new system will be thoroughly examined.

In the light of an early meeting smashing, with the Dow Jones up more than 1%, the NYSE closed modestly in the green Friday. The Dow Jone gained 0.43% to 12,638.81 points. The Nasdaq index of technology stocks has taken its share 0.46%, to 2827.56 points.

The mood on Wall Street's opening, driven by the release of employment figures better than expected, has been tarnished by rumors from the euro area. Greece had indeed threatened to leave the eurozone, according to the German magazine Der Spiegel, citing sources close to the German government. A ifnormation quickly rejected by the major European capitals and in Greece itself.

U.S. stocks have opened sharply into the green on Friday, strongly supported by the publication at 14.30 good employment figures for the month of April.The Dow Jones advanced 1.10%, to 12,723.12 points and the Nasdaq by 1.09% to 2845.48 points.

Thursday for the third straight session, Wall Street had ended in retreat, investors are unpleasantly surprised by the rise in weekly jobless claims. The fall in commodity prices had also weighed on Wall Street and on most stock exchanges. Asian markets were down this morning.

Oil, for his part ended in the red, a barrel of light sweet crude for June delivery touching down to 97.18 dollars. In one week, falling 15%. This is the largest decline in weekly percentage terms since the week 19 December 2008 when prices fell by 26.8%.

The commodity index had plunged by 5% Friday, its heaviest correction since the 2008 financial crisis and one of the largest in its history.This violent decline in oil and metals weighs heavily on many sectors like oil and steel or producers.

On the foreign exchange market, the acceleration surprise hiring in the U.S. and the turmoil associated mainly in the euro zone have precipitated the rise of the dollar. After passing during the session under $ 1.45, a first for 10 days, the euro traded at 1.4341 shortly before 22.30, down 1.37%.

Kraft Foods profit down

Values ​​to follow

Kraft Foods 2.91% to 34.36 dollars

No. 2 worldwide agribusiness has announced a profit of 799 million dollars in the first quarter, down from $ 1.8 billion last year. The benefit was then boosted by asset sales. Turnover was up 11% to $ 12.6 billion. Organic growth was 4.5%.For 2011, the Group expects organic growth of 4%, against 5% previously announced, and a total growth between 11 and 13%.

Sara Lee: +0.99% to 19.47 dollars

In the same sector, Sara Lee announced a quarterly profit of $ 153 million, against a loss of 336 million last year due to exceptional items. Turnover was up 6.8% to $ 2.22 billion below the $ 2.23 billion expected. Gross margin was down to 33.2% against 37.6%. The group has raised its selling price by 3% on average and anticipates further increases over the next 6 months.

Visa: 0.58%, to 79.16 dollars

Visa has announced his side a 23% increase in profits in the first quarter to 881 million.Net banking income of 2.2 billion, up 15%, driven by higher payments to international and a positive currency effect of 2%. The main uncertainty for the group focuses on the reform sought by the Fed on the fees charged on payments. The new law could reduce the turnover of the group between 11% and 15% and earnings per share of 20%. In addition, the group announced a new share repurchase program of $ 1 billion.

AIG: 1.36%, to 31.21 dollars

The insurance group has achieved for its first quarter 2011 net income of 269 million dollars against 1.8 billion a year earlier.However, the insurer posted a loss of $ 0.35 per share against earnings per share of $ 2.66 last year following the redemption of shares held by the U.S. Treasury for $ 385 million and the additional cost of 427 million related to the redemption of preference shares.

CF Industries: 5.28% to 136.07 dollars

CF Industries announced for first quarter 2011 net income of $ 282 million after a deficit of 4.4 million last year.

Fluor Corporation: 7.27%, to 70.49 dollars

Fluor Corporation completed the first quarter 2011 net income of $ 140 million against 137 million last year.

Microchip Technology: 1.04%, to 40.96 dollars

Microchip Technology has reported for the fourth quarter of 2010/2011 with a consolidated turnover of 380 million up 37% year on year and net income from continuing operations of $ 131 million, up 72% over the year.

Priceline.com: -1.02% to 528.59 dollars

Priceline.com posted a net profit in the first quarter of $ 137 million, up 57% over one year, earnings per share $ 2.66 $ 2.44 against the dollar and 1.7 expected last year .The turnover amounted to 809 million, an increase of 38.5% over one year.

Public Storage: 0.61%, to 24.80 dollars

Public Storage has announced a net profit in the first quarter of $ 148 million against $ 35 million a year earlier.

Sunoco: 3.44%, to 41.44 dollars

Sunoco recorded a deficit of 101 million dollars in the first quarter against a deficit of 63 million last year. The board of directors also declared a quarterly dividend of $ 0.15 per share.

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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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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France-Soir has missed its target. Relaunched on January 17 with great fanfare with a promotional campaign for a $ 4.5 million, the newspaper of the young Russian Alexander Pugachev can not take off in sales. According to data reported to OJD, the distribution of the daily France paid amounted to 71,361 copies in January 2011 against an average of 74,531 copies in 2010. The new France-Soir has witnessed a drift of its newsstand sales. These are lowered in January to 46,000 copies, the worst month ever recorded the title since its first revival in March 2010, where he sold more than 73,000 newsstand copies. The situation had deteriorated again in February.At the same time, sales by third parties (airlines, restaurants …) journal has never been higher, at 22,000 copies in January, compared to less than about 4,000 copies in March 2010.

The new formula was launched under the leadership of Remy Dessart, managing editor since last August, would enable France-Soir "to pass more quickly to more than 100,000 copies," hammered in early owner. But Alexander Pugachev, who has already invested over 50 million euros in the newspaper, took the risk of destabilizing its faithful readers.It has increased the selling price of 10 cents to 0.60 euro for a paging maintained at 32 pages, and especially his book horse was reduced to almost nothing, pagination as the racing decreased from 8 to 3 pages .

Crédit mutuel sought

The son of Russian oligarch Sergei Pugachev, who plans to inject another 20 million euros this year, he will continue long to replenish the paper? "Everything goes well, we work hard to make the newspaper," Remy loose Dessart, who does not wish to comment on the financial difficulties of France-Soir. Last Tuesday, Alexander Pugachev convened a crisis meeting with his directors, as revealed by Press News. While its monthly losses always exceed two million euros, France-Soir was hoping to break even in 2012 with a circulation of 150,000 to 170,000 copies.Goals that are too far pushing Alexander Pugachev to seek partners. He recently asked Michael Lucas, chairman of Mutual Credit and leading publisher of regional newspapers throughout the Group Ebra.

After opening down, Wall Street back into positive territory on Friday. The Dow Jones gained 0.16% to 12,003 points, the S & P 500 ahead 0.50% to 1302 points and the Nasdaq rose 0.33% to 2710 points. Caution remains appropriate. Investors fear the consequences of the earthquake that hit Japan last night. Bad news that comes on top of disappointing indicators released Thursday and the tensions that persist in Libya.

Oil continues to unwind

These concerns, however, help to relax the price of oil which opened Friday down $ 3.05, passing below the 100 dollars to 99.65 dollars exactly.

On the macroeconomic front, retail sales in the U.S. rose 1.0% in February from January, as analysts anticipated, according to figures released Friday in Washington by the Department of Commerce.

U.S. consumer confidence fell in March, according to an index released Friday by the University of Michigan, which was 68.2 against 77.5 the previous month.

Restocking of manufacturing firms and corporations increased 0.9% compared to December in the U.S., according to figures released Friday by the Washington Department of Trade and rather good news for the U.S. GDP.This increase is slightly greater than the median forecast of analysts who gave 0.8%.

AIG: -0.49% to 36.30 dollars

The insurer American International Group said on Thursday to buy back $ 15.7 billion in cash (11.4 billion) of mortgage assets that the U.S. government had recovered during the financial crisis through the bailout group.

National Semiconductor: 3.88% to 14.71 dollars

National Semiconductor has published an annual turnover less than expected for the third quarter of fiscal year due to destocking at its distributors, but its forecast of sales growth for the current quarter is in line with expectations .

Clearwire: -1.74% to 5.65 dollars

The Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow has resigned as part of a wider reshuffle at the head of the wireless network operator, amid difficulties to finance its investments and dispute between the group and its majority shareholder Sprint Nextel.

Chevron: 0.64% to 99.71 dollars

Chevron announced the sale of its refinery in Pembroke, Great Britain, for 730 million dollars U.S. refiner Valero. The latter said in a separate release that the acquisition would be accretive to its earnings immediately, adding that the transaction should be finalized in the third quarter.

Apple: +0.41% to 348.09 dollars

Apple launches this Friday the marketing of the new version of its iPad tablet.