Posted by admin on November 19th, 2011

Aged 71 years, Lucienne Harley lives with 800 euros per month for retirement. It certainly smiling again year after learning five years of perseverance in the courts, the finishing touches on the 10,000 euros that an advertisement had promised. "The perseverance of this remarkable person, says Nicolas Godefroy, head of legal department of the UFC-Que Choisir. Most people do not engage in legal proceedings because of the lengthy procedures and high fees. " Background: In 2006, the septuagenarian native of Lisieux (Calvados), receives a commercial e-mail Duchesne of the Belgian company specializing in the sale of household goods by mail. She learns that she has won the sum of 10,000 euros.

Having been refused the company says he is only a pre-draw, Lucienne Harley enters the District Court of Lisieux, which condemns the Belgian company to pay 10,000 euros payday loans in one hour. In March 2008, the Court of Appeal of Caen back on this decision. Enjoying full legal aid, Lucienne Haley continues free trial before the Court of Cassation, the highest French court. On 1 July 2010, the latter gives him succeed and break the decision of the Court of Appeal. "The existence of a hazard on the payment of the check was not clearly demonstrated," said the Court of Cassation.

Two months later, the Court of Appeal decided this time to condemn the company to pay his due: "The letter suggested that the pre-draw had already been made and that the gain was definitively established," justified? she said.

No matter which option you are considering while doing comparisons of health insurance, you will still want to know you're getting the best price possible, so the easiest way to be sure that's happening is by getting quotes from a variety of health insurance companies.

Posted by admin on November 17th, 2011

U.S. banks are "facing a high risk 'of deterioration in their credit rating in case of worsening of the debt crisis in the euro area, Fitch launched last night. Markets, the reaction was immediate: Morgan Stanley tumbled nearly 8%, Goldman Sachs 4.2% 4.1% Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America 3.7%, and Wells Fargo 1.4% against a decline of 1.58% for the benchmark, the Dow Jones.

The influential rating agency estimates that "unless the crisis in the euro area is resolved in time and in a sustainable manner, the credit outlook of the banking sector should be degraded." And Fitch added that if the institution's exposures to the U.S. European debts are manageable, "an amplification of contagion is a real problem."

Dexia: Mariani defends his record

Posted by admin on October 10th, 2011

In the wake of the Board, who act the dismantling of Dexia between France and Belgium, Pierre Mariani, managing director of the bank and its president, Jean-Luc Dehaene, have defended their record this morning before the press and financial analysts. The two men had taken the reins of the Franco-Belgian bank in the fall of 2008, after his first save. They provide regret today that the crisis in the euro area has hastened the end of Dexia, without giving them time to continue their work of restructuring.

Pierre Mariani has promised that he would take "responsibility to the end", while taking care to separate the action of the fall of Dexia. The bankruptcy of the institution was caused by the "strategic errors of the previous management," he said.The latter had acquired all of the huge bond portfolio of Dexia, the source of his difficulties refinancing. She even continued to invest until the summer of 2008. Jean-Luc Dehaene has evoked the astonishment of Pierre Mariani when he arrived at Dexia, discovering that he took the lead, not a bank but "a hedge fund." Both men stressed the work done. Pierre Mariani does not regret having accelerated the process of asset sales earlier this year. He said that if states had to refinance the portfolio of Dexia at the time of the rescue of 2008, they would not have had to mobilize 90 billion euros, but 300 billion.

On-balance sheet Dexia has not withstood the pressure of the crisis in the euro area, pleads management.Pierre Mariani said that all banks had received government recommendations, requiring them to maintain their exposure to debt of peripheral European countries in order not to further destabilize the country. "The group may have been naive in following these recommendations," he conceded. In the short term, the surveillance of Moody's and "repeated rumors during the last week have increased the pressure on the financing of the group."

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The iPad would revive the "smart cart"

Posted by admin on October 8th, 2011

The men will have no excuse. Useless to try to escape the drudgery of shopping by invoking the broadcast of a football match on television. In partnership with Sky TV operator, the giant British retailer Sainsbury's has started testing a new generation truck that allows customers to shop without fear of missing their favorite television programs.

The trick? These trucks are equipped with a support which can be integrated into a digital tablet iPad and speakers. A self-charging solar battery to allow the tablet to never fall behind. The user – must however bring their own iPad – can then install the Sky Go, which allows it to follow the programs offered by the Sky group's channels, in particular the five sports channels Sky Sports.Support for the tablet is attached to the front of the truck at the site usually reserved for child seats. And to avoid accidents of trucks, everything has been thought. They are equipped with a sensor that emits an audible warning when a client caught up in their screen gets too close to another truck.

"A practical and innovative gadget»

The creator of the Sky Go cart, Ian Burgess of the company Setwo Designs, said in a statement it had successfully met the "challenge" to "create a gadget that is both practical and innovative."This experiment, conducted in a single store Sainsbury's in West London, she is likely to be widespread throughout the UK? When asked about his intentions Lefigaro.fr, the distributor has been very discreet about the success of this test to its customers, as well as its intentions to deploy or not this concept to all its 934 outlets.

In France, the testing of Sainsbury's creates a limited interest in the supermarkets. Auchan, which has developed an application for the iPhone, then declined on the iPad, does not count for much install the tablet on his truck in the store. "We have no specific project for the iPad to date, but our research and development teams are closely monitoring these developments," says the distributor is instant credit reports.As for the Casino, he questioned the economic model of such an offer, which requires a significant investment to equip the truck. "This concept is interesting if it allows for example to integrate advertising," said Stéphane Bout, director of information systems group.

There is also the question of interest to consumers. The use of new technologies is not a guarantee of success. "An offer based applications for mobile phones or tablets should provide information and personalized services," says Stéphane Bout. "The goal is to meet customer expectations." To see, therefore, if the "gadget" proposed by Sainsbury's Rave.

The truck "smart" hard to take off

If the test is not processed in the UK, it could well be in China.The phone operator SK Telecom announced the launch this summer of a test in a supermarket chain Shanghai Lotus. In this store, the carts are equipped with a touch pad with which customers can synchronize their mobile phones. This time, it is not for customers to watch TV while walking on the shelves, but to receive "advice for shopping, information about products and promotions on the moment," said SK Telecom in a statement.

The adventure of the cart "intelligent" began long before the arrival of the iPad. As noted by the Telegraph, there are already in the United States carts that warn the customer when there removing the "junk food", these products considered harmful to health. In 2008, TNS Sofres conducting a study on the "Future Store".The survey found that less than 35% of consumers surveyed in France said they were interested in the concept of intelligent truck, against 70% in China, 60% in Spain and nearly 50% in the United States. The iPad, which Apple sold 9.25 million copies worldwide in the second quarter of 2011, may well make this concept more attractive.

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Premiums against dividends: the disappointment of the Government

Posted by admin on October 4th, 2011

Many companies have awarded the famous "dividend premium against" backwards. And in fact, the amounts paid are far from the expectations of the government, says a study by Deloitte from the first returns of negotiations in companies. As Labour Minister, Xavier Bertrand, was on the table before the payment of a premium of 700 euros per employee in companies that have paid dividends on the rise, the real turn around more than 300 euros. As for the maximum amount paid, it tops out at 600 euros.

Two reasons. The first is that the premium desired by Nicolas Sarkozy to "restore the purchasing power of employees in times of recovery," has been perceived by most companies as an additional constraint than an opportunity to motivate their troops.The premium has indeed added to the devices sharing the existing value, such as profit-sharing, mandatory for companies with over 50 employees who make a profit. "This is even more disturbing that the incentive for the prisoner has recently been tightened," says Emmanuelle Rivez-Domont, a lawyer in employment law at the firm Jones Day.

The other factor is the economic context. "Uncertainty room makes companies cautious," says Philippe Burger, a partner at Deloitte. The evolution of the economic situation is also evident throughout the negotiations. "Before the trouble was and he threw in the financial markets, companies thought given bonuses of around 500-600 euros payday loans guaranteed no fax. Today, the discussions revolve more around 150 euros to 200 euros per employee, "says Philip Burger.The crisis reduced the premium to a trickle.

Wage increases slightly affected

Some companies, such as Rhodia, were more generous than others. But it should not enjoy these raw numbers, without putting them in connection with the incentive policy, participation or wage increase of the company, the consultant warns. "Some companies had the tools to share value added very generous, and that worked well. Explain what they have paid premiums less important, "said he.

The study also brings its share of surprises. The dividend premium against does not seem to negatively impacted as wages were concerned that the trade unions. While most companies recognize that its influence is not neutral, only 10% of them say they have reduced the envelope increases the amount of the premium.And they are more than 60% to estimate its impact on wages has been small.

Companies have until 31 October to agree on the amount of the premium, or they are liable to criminal sanction. Evidence that firms do not rush, only one in two has already ended its negotiations on the subject. "Given the mandatory nature of these discussions, and urgency, companies are simple, says the consultant. They also generally a fixed amount equal to each employee. But if the premium is sustained, they could eventually refine their criteria for distribution. "

The Paris Bourse to raise above the 3000 points

Posted by admin on September 29th, 2011

The CAC 40 is gives a little bit of air. Having lost 0.92% Wednesday, the stock market has gleaned a few points on Thursday, rising 1.07% to 3027.65 points. Investors have been somewhat reassured by the adoption unambiguously by the German parliament building of the European financial stability, designed to assist countries in the euro area in need. During the election, 523 deputies in the assembly which has 620 members voted "yes." And German Chancellor Angela Merkel was finally able to count on the support of his majority, 15 out of 350 MPs who defected.To discuss the plan to end the crisis, President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Elysee will tomorrow afternoon Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.

Elsewhere in Europe, financial markets have ended in no particular order: the Dax in Frankfurt Stock Exchange gained 1.10% to 5639.58 points while the London FTSE lost 0.40% to 5196.84 points.

U.S. GDP revised upward

At this good news were added two macroeconomic indicators on encouraging U.S. economic health in America no fax payday loans. The weekly jobless claims fell in the week to September 24, at 391,000 against 428,000 the previous week. In addition, the gross domestic product (GDP) was U.S. revised upward for the second quarter, up 1.3% of gross domestic product.

In this context, the industry finally has clearly supported the Paris stock exchange.The three main French banks and post three of the four largest increases in the CAC 40. Societe Generale rose 5.82% to 21.08 euros, BNP Paribas has acquired 5.01% to 31.14 euros and Credit Agricole rose 4.37% to 5.40 euros. The insurer Axa also benefits from this renewed optimism, the title winner 2.85% to 10.28 euros.

EADS, which has won more than 4% over the last two sessions, continued to grow after that Airbus has won its bid on the Danish Satair, gaining 96.7% of the company. The stock rose 1.50% to 21.59 euros. For its part, EDF announced an order for 44 steam generators for nuclear power plants of 1300 megawatts and French gains 1.40% to 22.13 euros.

Growth in the euro area will continue to slow

Posted by admin on September 9th, 2011

The horizon of the global economy darkens. The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered on Thursday its growth forecasts for 2011 and 2012, warning that the level of uncertainty is extremely high. The guardian of the euro expected to grow 1.6% in 2011 and 1.3% in 2012 in the euro area, against 1.9% and 1.7% previously forecast.

"Uncertainty" was in this context, the key word of the monthly press conference of ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet: "There is a huge level of uncertainty in the world." The risk is now the forecasts rather than the ECB may be too optimistic, he implied. And, because of the negative effects of the crisis in financial markets observed this summer and the debt crisis in the euro zone in particular.

After a good start to the year, growth "will be very moderate later this year," warned the president of the ECB. Consumption may be lacking. "Unlike recent months, the ECB no longer considered as the confidence of consumers and entrepreneurs will support domestic demand," says Ken Wattret, chief euro zone economist at BNP Paribas. In the early morning, the Bank of France has published growth prospects for the Hexagon journals also down for the third quarter (0.1% versus 0.2% previously).

For inflation, the ECB has not touched its projections. It still expects 2.6% price increase in 2011 and 1.7% in 2012. As the guarantor of price stability in the euro zone estimated a few months ago that inflation was under pressure, it recognized that today the risks were "balanced."A code word meaning that it did not expect an acceleration in prices in coming months. It therefore left unchanged its interest rates, it increases instruments when it believes that inflation is accelerating payday loans lenders.

Despite the alarmist tone about the economic environment, "we do not think that the ECB will lower interest rates anytime soon," said Cedric Thellier, economist at Natixis. "We expect a rather long status quo accompanying amorphous growth and low inflation."

The rush of blood against the United States of Trichet

Questioned by a reporter relaying German criticism against the alleged lack of independence of the ECB under the European Treaties, Jean-Claude Trichet has lost some of his cool. "We're doing our job, which is not easy," he said."Our mission is to ensure price stability, what we have done so impeccable. I'd love to hear praise for the work today! "He exclaimed.

Some German observers, very attached to monetary orthodoxy, condemned the purchase of bonds by the ECB. "If we had to implement this program, because states have not acted properly. He did not exercise sufficient oversight they should have. Remember, in 2004 and 2005, some governments-France, Germany and Italy, not to name-calling for the relaxation of their obligations "deficit, he accused. "We have always asked the contrary full compliance criteria deficit.But we have not preached in the desert. "

In this context, Jean-Claude Trichet reiterated, on behalf of the ECB, the extreme urgency for the States to implement measures to restore the balance of public finances. "Governments must be prepared to cut spending if targets are not met," he said. He also called for the deregulation of regulated professions.

Laurence Parisot denounced a U.S. plot against Europe

Posted by admin on August 29th, 2011

LE FIGARO. – Economic activity appears to be a brake brutal. How do you explain it?

Laurence Parisot. – The slowdown is due to meet two sets of causes: the United States, an economic and political situation that was deteriorating, and in Europe, the States that crossed the red line in terms of debt. Once you overcome these difficulties, we find a strong growth and job creation but do not mistake in the analysis of what we experienced this summer. The situation was tense when China began to lecture the U.S. on their debt. The Americans probably wanted then iron the mistigri to Europe. There has been a kind of psychological warfare and an attempt to destabilize the euro area. The markets have overreacted, being by nature very sensitive to rumors, even organized.The moral of the story is that we should not be naive and fall for the autodisqualification: if Europe were attacked, not because it is weak but because it is strong, and if it is envy, because it is enviable.

Who was behind this conspiracy?

I call it an "orchestration" overseas challenges of Europe. See the rumors about the French banks, which were released immediately when they were absolutely unfounded. Our banks are among the strongest in the world. Some of the U.S. media yet announced the death of a particular and even the end of the euro area.We went from attacks on Spain in attacks on Italy and then France, until rumors of degradation of Germany last week! When American publications widely read by investors and financial analysts on false ads headlined drama, questions arise.

The accumulation of debts of the States, however, is a reality …

Certainly. The debts are no longer tenable. They must be absorbed quickly. As shown by the measures taken last week, the government was quick to hear the warning.

You are therefore in favor of the gold back to a balanced budget?

The principle of the golden rule would consolidate the reputation of our country and facilitate the work of any government.Many countries are engaged in it, it would be strange that we're not able to do French.

Ten billion of additional levies for a billion expenditure savings, is this the best way to fight against the deficit?

We had to quickly adjust the situation, the government has. But you are right, this is not enough, and the state must also accelerate the decline in spending. Ideally, a ratio of 1 to 2: twice as many savings on expenses for upward social and fiscal revenues. Measures such as pension reform and the non-replacement of an official two-point in this direction.Going further will require further structural reforms: focus on local communities and to decline the RGPP; work as health, including public hospitals (why does bill over to the insurance sector private for the same benefits?), and finally develop across the public-private partnerships and public service delegations. These channels have the immense advantage of not touching our social model.

François Fillon he had the "SME attitude" that you keep advocating in his anti-deficit plan?

It has indeed been attentive to small businesses but we must do more. Among the SOHO-SME-ETI today are the CAC 40 companies in 2030: they must get the best possible environment in order to grow.That's why we call for an extensive program to délégiférer and deregulate the legal system that encircles the neck to the small and medium enterprises. It should also reduce their taxes. It is shocking that the corporate tax (IS) actually paid by the SOHO-SME is (relative to the operating surplus) of about 39% against 19% for large companies. Among other reasons, the latter deduced from their result the interest on loans, while the SOHO-SME do not because of their reduced ability to borrow. That's double trouble! There is also a reduced rate of corporation tax (15%) for companies whose turnover does not exceed 7.6 million euros. Medef request that the ceiling be raised to 10 million.

Sixteen top managers were willing last week to be taxed more.Do you agree with the exceptional tax on high incomes will be instituted?

We see very high incomes in athletes, actors, professionals: it is not an issue specific to some entrepreneurs. I understand the principle of a special tax to a special moment, but the tree should not hide the forest and make us forget the need for moderation in executive compensation. Also, do not confuse everything. There would be demagoguery to compare the incomparable and put in the same bag annual revenues of 250 000 euros and 2.5 million.Let us ensure that future developments of the threshold does not affect the middle class, including the upper middle classes, which are the engine of the economy.

The inclusion of overtime in the calculation of reduced charges on low wages is not likely does not increase the cost of labor and destroy low-skilled jobs?

There are of course in this action plan that we like less than others. We also deplore the passage of the social package 6 to 8%: it penalizes the profit-sharing that we want to encourage. But all part of a clear logic of debt and that, we salute.

Are you concerned about the evolution of unemployment in the coming months?

We can stop the recent deterioration. Understanding that in TPE-PME is the greatest employment potential and the fostering.Working on better employability of job seekers, integrating strong mutations trades, adapting in real time training.

The precarious employment with the proliferation of part-time, Temporary … How about it?

As part of the agreement on unemployment insurance signed earlier this year, we will create with the unions a working group on the evolution of modes of compensation. We have also provided a social debate on the labor market. I want to bring these reflections to improve the overall employment-unemployment-training. The procedures surrounding the employment contract must further progress: as such, they are blocked by their length and excessive legalism. Fear of hiring is the biggest problem for companies.Should be conducted with the collective labor disruptions that have been done with individual outs. We do not say enough that breaking conventional setup for the first time in France "flexicurity" and everyone wins.

What is the menu of your negotiations with the unions in the second half?

The priority in the coming days is to implement the employer-union agreements in the first half of youth employment. We will also continue negotiations on the value and the modernization of the peer. We will also discussions on the social well-being at work and professional equality between men and women, in which we will include paternity leave.

What is your strategy to get your ideas during the presidential campaign?

In 2007, we published a book, Need air that marked the campaign.We prepare "Need air 2" due out in early January. "Need air 2" propose structural reforms but also bring a great European project. Some time ago, it happened that I meet entrepreneurs who admitted to having voted no to the Maastricht Treaty, now I see those same business leaders confident, enthusiastic and ready to move resolutely towards European federalism economic and social development. France will remain in France if and only if Europe is united, united and powerful.

CAC 40: 3000 points, a psychological threshold

Posted by admin on August 23rd, 2011

The CAC 40 is risky there twice this month. He was immediately returned. The threshold of 3000 points, as seen on the Paris market was down on Thursday 11 and Friday, August 19. On Monday morning, the Paris index recurred, opening down 0.85% to 2989.60 points. But again, it started to rise immediately after slipping below 3000, and closed on Monday evening at 3051.36 points (1.14%), having flown over 3100 points During the session this afternoon.

The level of 3000 points may well not be a technical threshold (it does not automatically trigger a sell order or purchase), it still plays a role of "support" on which the market arises before rebounding .Daniel Gravier, Head of Sales Trading at XTB France, believes that "this psychological level is transcribed in the courts and thus returns to a technical threshold."

The cross downward psychological sounded an alarm in markets which do not have a habit of getting carried away by their feelings. Professional traders define their purpose of orders passages through complex mathematical calculations, generated by high-powered software that constantly scan the share price indices, securities, commodities and all that is listed in order to predict the best time to invest or sell. And to build the software, the banks are recruiting the cream of engineers. But in this world of numbers, there is also a psychological dimension.So, see the CAC 40 fell below 3,000 points spurred the market to recover.

"This is a symbolic level, for its part says Harry Sebag, an analyst at Saxo Bank. In times of great nervousness, while visibility is poor, investors cling to benchmarks in the short term payday loans. It's an excuse to reposition itself for purchase. This morning, we felt that the markets began to rebound because the shares had suffered a significant discount. " And hope for regime change in Libya was a good news for oil companies operating in the country, making a breath of excitement to the Paris Bourse.

"Safeguards" but also to accelerate the panic

"These thresholds are safeguards on which the market rebounds," says Harry Sebag. But the psychological effects of contracts may jégalement ouer a role accelerator panic attacks.The violent stalls indices observed recently on global stock markets have shown. In Paris the CAC 40 fell by 32.4% since July 1, affected by short-term concerns (the debt crisis in the euro zone, bad macroeconomic indicators in the U.S. and deteriorating debt rating for American Standard & Poor's), but not only. "In late July, the market downturn downward was rational, said Jean-Louis Mourier, an analyst at Aurel BCG. However, the extent of movement and the high volatility experienced by markets in recent days show an overreaction. "

The index in Paris he could sink even lower? The scenario is possible if the disappointing macroeconomic indicators continue to grow and corporate earnings in the third quarter does not reassure investors, said Harry Sebag.Saxo Bank analyst would watch while the threshold indicated by the software, around 2850 points or even 2500 points. "But I hope we will not get to that," he adds.

Inflation is always faster on the highway

Posted by admin on August 19th, 2011

Fifty-two euros to pay for a Paris-Bordeaux, 10.30 euros for connecting Lyon to Chambery, 87 km. At the time of taking the road to return from holiday, motorists have difficulty digesting the prices of French motorways. They do not understand either why the toll rates rose by an average of 2.24% in February last, while inflation rose only 1.5% in 2010.

These prices are even more crowded than the major networks (ASF, Escota, Cofiroute, APRR, Area, Sanef, AWS …) belonging to the majors in construction (Vinci, Eiffage, Abertis), making profits accumulated very comfortable : 1.5 billion euros, for a total turnover of 9 billion last year.Jean Mesqui, the managing director of ASFA (Association of French Motorway Companies), categorically denies any suspicion of wealth on the backs of motorists, "These results are used primarily to repay the debt incurred by the operators 2005 to redeem these networks to the state 15.4 billion, "says he.

No doubt. But the disparities in prices recorded on motorways for journeys have a way similar to annoy motorists. According to the latest issue of 60 million consumers, a trip from Paris to Nantes so expensive (more than 33 euros) a Paris-Toulouse, 300 km with less. Again, Jean Mesqui disclaims any liability for motorway concession. "These disparities existed in the privatization in 2005, he argues. The state says he does everything for convergence rates.But it will take twenty years. "

Another black tariffs on recent highway. On the A65, which links Bordeaux to Pau, which opened in December 2010, the kilometer is equivalent to 11 cents, against 7 cents on the A1 between Paris and Lille payday loans. Inflation this time due to … Europe. Since 1998, Brussels forbids dealers to finance new highways by their former networks already amortized. So they compensate by setting toll rates higher.

There is still a sore subject: the "expansion", a practice that is to massively increase tolls on the busiest sections and moderate increases on routes less traveled. Starting this year, the administration banned dealers to engage in that game"But she did not return what had been established earlier, said Daniel Discalced, Chairman of the Committee infrastructure and mobility of the association of 40 million motorists. Suddenly, a Paris-Le Mans motorway is much more expensive if we make the journey directly if you come out several times to enter the highway a few miles away. "

The toll is sometimes used to 'green' network

Moreover, the commitments of the "green package" to make more environmentally friendly highways, leaving a more skeptical. For a one-year extension of their concessions, companies that belong to Vinci (ASF, Cofiroute, Escota) and those of Abertis (Sanef, AWS) have agreed to invest one billion to green their networks.But on closer inspection, two thirds of the work initiated in this context concern the implementation of electronic toll.

Barriers that prevent good to stop reducing pollution, but they also allow operators to cut jobs to tolls and sell badges needed to benefit from these facilities. This example confirms that the motorway companies are there to make money. But is it really a surprise and a bad thing for private groups?


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