World and National News

Calming the game at any price. Nicolas Sarkozy, took up the cause of creation. He does not want to destabilize the economy and finance virtuous cinema in France. He could receive tonight and tomorrow morning before the world of cinema and audiovisual media to reassure and to assure them of his support. Support – it does not fail to remind them – which has already manifested by the establishment of the web laws, preventing piracy of works on the Internet.

So at the highest level of the state that it extinguishes the fire started in the summer by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in search of tax revenue. They would have liked to go back VAT on Pay Television from 5.5% to 19.5%. The sector enjoyed a far reduced rate by virtue of his substantial contribution towards the financing of entertainment and art.This 15% increase in VAT could bring almost 1 billion euros in state budget 450 million from one group Canal +, the first financier of French films and several tens of millions – we are talking about approximately 80 million euros – Numericable.

All last week, operators and the creation of the world have mobilized to protest measures that would have destabilized the entire system, far beyond the cinema alone. Indeed, retailers were planning to scale down the pay channels to the already fragile economy. Finally they also threatened to raise subscription prices, what influence the purchasing power of French pay-TV subscribers. Thus, on average, cable subscribers have seen their membership increase by 4 euros while subscribers to Canal + would have faced an increase of 6 euros.

Until then, BP has launched a program of asset disposals to 30 billion euros over the next eighteen months to meet the costs of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. But, according to information from the Sunday Times, the British oil group's needs would be reviewed at 40 billion dollars (31 billion euros).

The decision to sell 10 billion dollars in assets and more would occur just after BP announced a swelling of her bill to $ 8 billion today, while a month and a half earlier, the note was 4 billion dollars. In addition to the means used to seal the oil wells, oil giant gradually perform compensation for the victims' families, fishermen and residents, while continuing the cleanup.

When BP has reported a loss in its quarterly accounts abysmal end of July, a provision of $ 32.2 billion was included to address these future expenses. The group had relied on $ 20 billion for families and nearly 3 billion for cleaning.

10 billion more for sale

According to British newspaper, the staff is weakened to market the 26% stake it holds in the largest U.S. oil field, located at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska. A transaction that could bring him 20 billion dollars.

Negotiations are also on track to sell international assets, a value between 5 and 10 billion dollars at its Russian joint venture TNK-BP, including a "large number" of offshore deposits of North, according to the Sunday Times.

A month ago, BP has sold nearly two billion dollars in assets to a consortium of British group of Colombian Ecopetrol (51%) and the Canadian company Talisman (49%). And one month earlier still, the group confirmed it would be pulled apart from its marginal activities in Pakistan and Vietnam, but without specifying their value.

The U.S. stock market should open a very slight decline on Thursday. The index futures are predicting a small opening in lower indices on Wall Street. Futures on the Standard & Poor's 500 symbolically retreating from 0.02% to 1 081.50 points and those on the Nasdaq 100 grappillent 0.04% to 1 820.50 points. On Wednesday, the NYSE boosted by the publication of an indicator better than expected U.S. manufacturing, which has eased concerns over the takeover led to depression of investors in August surged forward. The Dow, which fell 4.3% in August, its worst performance this month for nine years, rebounded 2.54% to 10,269 points.The Nasdaq gained 2.97% to 2177 points while the S & P advanced 2.95% to 1080 points.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro was up slightly against the dollar in the morning, but struggled to increase its gains amid anxiety before the monthly monetary policy decision of the European Central Bank (ECB) and on the eve the very important report on employment and unemployment in the United States. The European currency traded at 1.2819 dollars against 1.2807 dollars late Wednesday afternoon.

Overseas, a new set of indicators is the program on Thursday, pending the release of employment figures tomorrow.Investors await including weekly claims for unemployment benefits, the second estimate of productivity in the second quarter, industrial orders for July and the promises of home sales for the month of July.

On the side of values, the automotive sector should stand today. The month of August has actually been the worst for U.S. auto industry since 1983. Sales fell 21% to 11.47 million vehicles. Ford Motor has reported a sales decline of 11%. General Motors, which is preparing an offering of securities to reduce by nearly 61% of the state capital, reflecting a drop in its sales by 25%.

Always on the side of values, the U.S. computer giant Apple has unveiled the updated version of its iPod portable should be very surrounded.The Apple brand has also significantly lowered the price of its Apple TV boxes, for playback on a television screen high definition video from a computer.

Also note, Henri Termeer, the boss of the U.S. biotech Genzyme, acknowledged that his company sought after by Sanofi-Aventis is for sale. Genzyme is good to sell, "but not at $ 69 per share, or $ 18.5 billion in total, as proposed by the French said parton biotech.

"A fragile recovery is underway in France," J. International Monetary Fund in a report released Friday. The international institution chaired by Dominique Strauss-Kahn expects a growth of 1.6% in 2011 and 1.8% in 2012 no credit check payday loans. This is well below the government forecast of 2.5% from 2010 to 2013. The IMF had already lowered its forecast for early July 2010 to 1.4%.

The report Roussely, devoted to the layout of the French nuclear industry, was discussed at midday in the context of a council of the nuclear policy statutorily chaired by the Head of State.

Written in a mission entrusted to the former President of EDF, this report was sent to Nicolas Sarkozy last May, before being classified "top secret" in the name of protecting a number sensitive data.

Eagerly anticipated by the industry, it delivers several lessons particularly interesting. Like this recommendation to create a Department of Energy. Meanwhile, the role of EDF as team leader of France's nuclear part of an international development – is clearly stated no fax cash advance.

However, this leadership role of the electrician is first and foremost, reserved for countries new entrants into the nuclear. The report also states that Roussely relationship between EDF and Areva must be much more successful. In other words, the strategic partnership between the two companies are held without being recorded numerous clashes. Finally, it is not any conclusion of this report, the GDF-Suez will become a nuclear operator of reference in France is totally ignored. In short, EDF retains all hands on this sector.

The sun should be looking good these next few days on the coast of the Vendee and Charente-Maritime. In this time of summer vacation, the sea should also be delicious. Nothing like with the weather of February 28 last, when the storm Xynthia that swept the country sowed chaos in this part of the Atlantic coast. In the only common Vendée La Faute-sur-Mer and The Sting-sur-Mer, the most affected by the storm, 29 people died. Nearly five months after tragedy, these two villages devastated recovering gradually. But in this popular tourist region during the summer, Xynthia has left marks that plagued the start of the season.

If the Office of Tourism Osten-sur-Mer laments a decline in attendance of about 10%, traders stand more negative findings."The customer is down 30% to 40%," says Pascale Soussi Restaurant La Terrasse in Sin-sur-Mer. "And it was discussed among traders: It's the same for everyone. At the restaurant La Marina, sixty meals are served daily on the usual hundreds. At the Hotel du Port, Osten-sur-Mer, Sophie Ramon prepare a statement even less favorable in the hotel which was flooded by 82 inches of water in late February and closed more than a month, attendance was halved.

Three campgrounds closed

In case the destruction of several campsites and many second homes have contributed to empty the streets of the town. A La Faute-sur-Mer, the municipal camp was finally closed and that the Blue Waves should not reopen until April 2011.As for camping Municipal The Sting-sur-Mer, it is only half available: caravans and tents can again take up residence in the "upper" since July 1. But the other part, where you could rent mobile homes, chalets and caravans, remains closed for repairs. It represents, in itself, a hundred beds and less.

Overall, La Faute-sur-Mer, about 8000 tourists were least expected, on the 35,000 usually greeted each summer. Added to an unfavorable economic situation by traders, these accommodations are destroyed a significant shortfall.

Ile de Re also shows a small decrease

A few dozen kilometers south of La Faute-sur-Mer on the Ile de Ré, the damage from the storm were less important. "The island is absolutely destroyed!", Recalled the manager of a hotel restaurant.A campsite for a works council remains closed this season and the hotel Odalys does not welcome new visitors that from 31 July.

Le Relais Thalasso, also closed after the storm has finally reopened its doors on July 4. Four months of work have been necessary for the institution to recover from the flooding that devastated forty rooms. "Today, activity resumed normally," said facility director Didier Gireau. Our forecast for the month of August are in the standard, or even good. We have made efforts to forget the flood and that the center image is not tarnished. "

But many merchants and restaurateurs of the Ile de Ré deplore this was a small decline in attendance. Some highlight the consequences of the storm, others are pointing the finger particularly the unfavorable economic environment."The economic situation is worrying," says director of Ile de Re Tourism, Catherine Senand, refusing to incrimer the storm that left "little effects" on the island. She admits that the season has "started slowly, but expects a better August.

A "moderate" impact on departments

For François Riou, assistant executive Tourist Board of the Vendee, the impact of Xynthia remains "very moderate". Only 2% of the Vendee coast has been destroyed by the storm, "a tiny fringe" which does not affect his view, the department's tourism season. Faced with a peak at half this year, local tourism professionals will therefore want reassurances on their prospects."Only two campsites are closed on the 400 account the Vendee," he recalls.

Even finding across the neighboring department: "After the storm, only 3% of the infrastructure of Charente-Maritime have been affected," said Stephane Villain, president of the Tourism Committee of the department. "The summer looks very good," he says. "The reservation rate is substantially identical to that of 2009 which was a very good year." And we promise to visitors that the hospitality will be at appointment: "People have worked hard to accommodate visitors in very good conditions," says Stephane Villain. They may be even better than usual ".

The image of the region involved

The image of the Atlantic is at stake, as evidenced by the television campaign to promote tourism in the Vendee.Circulated in early June, the commercials were intended to "remind the values of hospitality and tourism" of the department, according to François Riou.

The regions affected by Xynthia therefore trying now to convince visitors that they are again ready to welcome them, with their usual charm and tranquility.

Turnaround at the Paris Bourse. The CAC 40, which had started the session on a drop of 0.59% to 3473.48 points, the green is gone over in around 10:30 am and continues to increase its gains since. Halfway through, the key index in Paris gained 1.48% to 3545.56 points. After the opening of Wall Street, the ACC has added to his lead to cross over the 3600 points at closing and post a gain of more than 3.05% at 3,600.057 points.

Main explanation: the set of indicators published in the euro area, which show a recovery in the private sector. Can better results than expected for a large number of American business.

– Composite Index Purchasing Managers (PMI) of the area rebounded in July for the first time in three months, to 56.7 points against 56 points in June, according to the firm Markit.In detail, the PMI manufacturing stood at 56.5 in the first estimate in July against 55.6 in June, while economists polled by Reuters had expected 55.2. The equivalent index for services rose to 56.0 against 55.5 last month and a consensus of 55.

– The industrial orders in the euro area recorded its strongest growth for 10 years + 3.8% in May from April and 22.7% compared to May 2009. Economists and analysts surveyed last week by Reuters on average expected stability for May compared to April and up 20.2% over one year.

– The German manufacturing PMI index stood at 61.2 against 58.4 seen in June and 58 expected by economists. As for Britain, the Office for National Statistics reported a 0.7% increase in retail sales compared to May and 1.3% over one year.Economists and analysts on average had forecast a rise of 0.5% a month to month and 1% compared to June 2009.

In France, INSEE announced before market that the morale of French consumers had stabilized in July after five months of degradation remains unchanged at -39, -40, when analysts had expected. The business climate indicator in industry climbed two points to 98, well above the 94 expected by observers. This is its highest level since July 2008. According to INSEE, the order books are filling up again but are still scanty.

The good news is a bit overshadowed the remarks of Ben Bernanke on the U.S. economic recovery. Judge it still too slow and the outlook remains uncertain, paving the way for new measures to support monetary policy.These ads were yesterday meant to topple the Red Wall Street, while the U.S. stock market is moving in the green throughout the session credit reports free.

The bank climb until the stress test

Investors also await with anticipation the release Friday of the results of resistance testing What happened to the European banks. In an interview with Le Figaro, the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde said she was "totally confident" about the results of French banks.

The banking sector appears up on Thursday, the eve of the results of stress tests of European banks.BNP Paribas (4.76%), Societe Generale (5.08%), Credit Agricole (5.55%) or Dexia (3.74%) were searched

Good resistance values related to the automobile

The supplier Faurecia (1.15% to 15.49 euros) announced before market coming out of the red in the first half of 2010, net income of 102 million euros against a loss of 365 million a year earlier. The group has also sharply raised its guidance for full year. Peugeot (3.15% to 23.73 euros) and Renault (3.36% to 34.26 euros) react to this new optimistic that counterbalances the announcement of a sharp decline in car registrations in Europe in June

For his part, Remy Cointreau (0.65% to 45.14 euros) announced a turnover in the first quarter of 2010 to 2011 of 170 million euros, up 23.6%.The group will propose a dividend of 1.30 euro to the general meeting of July 27, 2010.

Plastic Omnium (2.13 to 38.90 euros%) has announced a net profit of 72.3 million euros in the first half against 8 million euros a year earlier. Turnover amounted to 1.518 billion euros and the group expects a second half "dynamic".

Technip (7.42% to 52.07 euros) published a decline in its net profit by 8.7% to 106.1 million euros for a turnover down 14.3% at 1 48 billion euros. The objectives are confirmed.

Naproxcinod of Nicox rejected the U.S.

NicOx (-21.07% to 2.24 euros) could be heckled.The FDA, the authority of medicine in the United States, has rejected his request for the U.S. market Naproxcinod of this treatment against osteoarthritis, a product NicOx expects a lot.

Unibail-Rodamco (5.42% to 147.70 euros) on Wednesday decided to distribute 1.8 billion euros to its shareholders, or 20 euros per share in respect of a return of capital. The land has issued a recurring earnings per share of 4.70 euros in the first half of 2010. The band reveal all its first-half results after market close.

End of suspense. The British oil giant has reached an agreement on Tuesday with U.S. rival Apache to sell him for $ 7 billion in assets. In a statement, it said that this sale is "all production activities of oil and gas, land and infrastructure BP" in West Texas and New Mexico, and in the desert west of Egypt. In Canada, it sells its BP exploration and production of natural gas in western Alberta and British Columbia. A total of 385 million barrels of oil equivalent.

These assets accounted for in the first half total daily production of 28,000 barrels per day of liquid hydrocarbon and more than 9 million cubic meters of gas.

Moreover, a spokesman announced Tuesday that the oil company would lay off some activities within Pakistan and Vietnam.These activities mainly concern the production of natural gas. If the amount is secret, BP said that the fields had produced Pakistan last year only 4.89 million cubic meters of gas in the country, a mere 2% of its total gas production. Activities include two Vietnamese gas fields, pipelines and an electricity generation plant.

These operations are part of the creation of a fund of 20 billion dollars to reimburse the victims of the spill. BP's objective is to sell 10 billion dollars in assets.The British group said Monday that it had already disbursed $ 3.95 billion so far in miscellaneous expenses, including compensation already paid free credit report.

David Cameron "understands the anger"

The "case" BP is in any case more than ever become a political issue, potential source of diplomatic tensions between the United States and Great Britain.Following a head to head with President Barack Obama on Tuesday, British Prime Minister, David Cameron, tried to calm things down, saying that included "completely anger that exists across the U.S. "against BP and it was necessary for him" BP mouth leak, clean the area and pays just compensation. "

"BP is a major undertaking for both the British economy and for the U.S. economy thousands of jobs depend on BP on both sides of the Atlantic. So in the interest of both countries that the group remains strong and stable future, "said David Cameron.

In a study received Tuesday, ratings agency Moody's estimates that if the spill had to stop short term, it would get at least 1.2 billion dollars in lost business and loss of 17,000 jobs in the region Gulf by the end of the year."Under a more pessimistic scenario in which the oil spill would continue until December, and the moratorium decided by Obama on drilling in deep waters until the end of the year, 7.4 billion dollars of activity would be lost and more than 100,000 jobs, "concludes the study.

ALSO READ:

"Oil slick: the well may remain blocked

"BP ads to reassure markets

At almost exactly the meeting between Eric Woerth and civil service unions on Friday morning, turned to dialogue as Marchais Duhamel: "Maybe it was not your question, my answer is yes, but …" The Representatives of the eight federations have asked the public to appropriate Minister if the increase of 0.5% of the index, promised two years ago by the same Eric Woerth, would take place on 1 July. It has not responded, sticking to the planned agenda – a review of the changing purchasing power of workers over the past year.Unions have all left the meeting, half an hour after its opening.

The Minister of Labour and Public Service has, in fact, provided that the arbitration were not made, ironically on the fact that it seemed "much more difficult to reach agreement between the government trade unions" … He returned the answer to your next appointment, which could take place Tuesday morning.

A lesser evil

A few minutes later, however, at Matignon, the prime minister seemed to reassure staff: "This commitment is not undermined," said Francois Fillon.A way of saying that a freeze point clue is the lesser evil … Then the purchasing power of civil servants grew by 3.6% the previous year, taking into account the effects of seniority , promotions or revaluations granted to certain categories of staff. An old debate: the unions, they do take into account that the index points in their calculations, because it benefits all agents.

These unions – united for the first time in years – in any case have expressed their displeasure at the end of the meeting Friday. "The minister has stirred every red rag" has annoyed Elizabeth David (UNSA).

The announcement was delayed but brutal. While markets have somewhat relaxed their attention on Greece, the rating agency Moody's downgraded four notches Monday of the note of most indebted country in the euro area, "A3" to "Ba1". After his colleague Standard & Poor's, the second of the three agencies have downgraded the debt of Greek in junk bonds.

The announcement comes as setbacks. "Moody's has not sufficiently changed its ratings on European countries, the sudden it went off the crisis," Norbert J. Gaillard, a consultant to the World Bank and specialized rating agencies. The degradation of the note in Greece four notches therefore reads as an attempt to "catch up past blindness," said the economist.

A blindness that also concerns Spain, according to some analysts. And the investors live badly."What is it to follow a triple A rating agency that a country undergoing a difference in rates reflecting the risk very high?" Critic Jean-Francois Robin, strategist at Natixis, referring to Spain . The latter receives the same notes that France and Germany, so it pays interest rates much higher.

Sign of disapproval or casual coincidence? Pierre Cailleteau, the head of the sovereign rating from Moody's, that is to say, fixing States Notes, recently left the company. The agency would not comment on his departure.

Stoicism

Greece, or Spain, are textbook examples and betray policy at Moody's. The agency notes in effect "through the economic cycle", without giving too much importance to the market turmoil. This stoicism was removed Moody's market reality, but had a beneficial effect.The agency has helped calm the markets by keeping his notes. His rivals, degrading the height of the crisis, have instead fueled the panic.

Now, even out of season, the degradation of the note in Greece by Moody's has led to protests. The European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Olli Rehn, said that Moody's decision on Greece on Tuesday "comes at a rather surprising and unfortunate, following the agreement on a program of macroeconomic adjustment between Greece, the Commission, the ECB and the IMF. "