International Headlines and Stories

Session auspicious for ArcelorMittal. Around 10:20, the title of the fastest rising Cac 40: 1.87% to 22.59 euros in a market down 0.78%. Investors welcomed the quarterly results of the world's number one steel.

Despite a 10% drop in net profit in the second quarter over one year to $ 1.5 billion, ArcelorMittal has been a further improvement in operating performance. The gross operating income has increased by 21.5% year on year to $ 3.4 billion (2.3 billion euros). Moreover, the turnover has won 24.7% to $ 25.1 billion (17.3 billion euros)."As we anticipated, the company reported a strong performance in the second quarter of 2011, driven by higher selling prices of steel," said CEO Lakshmi Mittal said in the statement.

But these indicators should weaken in the third quarter, the steel industry was experiencing a generally soft, due to plant closures for holidays in Europe and a slowdown in demand. ArcelorMittal anticipates a gross operating profit (EBITDA) of between 2.4 and 2.8 billion (1.6 to 1.9 billion euros).

However, the group expects strong demand from China and the automotive sector, which should prevent it from experiencing the same quarter in 2010."Although the third quarter should be somewhat affected by seasonal factors, they should not be as pronounced as last year and the performance of the group the second half of 2011 should be compared favorably with that the second half of 2010, "assured Lakshmi Mittal.

Sarkozy, the European. Since the height of Brégançon, where he sits, the head of state can be pleased to have scored twice. The first European success, first. In Brussels, on the evening of Thursday, he had a smile of satisfaction after a day and a half marathon diplomatic. "It is a beautiful agreement, and very energetic and pragmatic attitude of the president has probably played an important role," welcomes the centrist Bourlanges, which stresses that the European commitment has been "the dominant feature of Nicolas Sarkozy's five-year period, negotiation of the Lisbon Treaty in resolving the Georgian crisis, through the energy and climate plan ". But the personal victory of Nicolas Sarkozy is set to have a compromise with Angela Merkel on a second bailout of Greece, more global, more balanced – less punitive for the Greeks.The real victory lies in the Elysée in the last successful effort to lay the groundwork for coordination of economic policy of member countries of the euro area.

Early in his five-year, Nicolas Sarkozy had seen fit to go in person before the finance ministers of the Eurogroup. "The initiative seemed baroque, but now there is," pleads one of his advisers. It was not until this fall to read the Franco-German proposals on the subject. But according to Nicolas Sarkozy himself, Angela Merkel "agreed on the principle" it was notoriously hostile to this development. "The eighteen hours of intense negotiations took place after eighteen months of delays that have revealed serious shortcomings in European governance.The Franco-German initiative is urgent, "said soon MEP (UMP) Alain Lamassoure.

The other advantage to Nicolas Sarkozy, is on the domestic political scene. Firstly because he is convinced that the French are less sovereign than they say. "The polls are overwhelmingly in favor of the rescue of the euro," explains one of his advisers. It is also an illustration, hopes the Elysee, the role of "president protector" the Head of State intends to play, especially against the seizure of financial crises. Friday, Nicolas Sarkozy François Fillon has asked to hold a press conference to "sell" the agreement in Brussels.

On Monday, he personally inform the presidents of the National Assembly and Senate at a luncheon at the Elysee."We want to bring the iron against the PS on the subject of the fight against the deficit, which is at the heart of European economic policy coordination," said one minister. But take this speech under the budget will not be easy, including the right. "2012 will be the time of the arbitration between electoral interests – that is the right gifts to doctors, left, who waters the culture – and international interests that require a balanced budget set sail in 2013," sums up New Bourlanges. European and less controversial, Nicolas Sarkozy is definitely trying to target the votes of the center. It may discuss the matter with François Bayrou, he must see Monday as president.

Today, Genevieve Lethu almost a pioneer. It's been almost ten years since the specialist tableware decided to repatriate most of its production in France. The group did not wait for the rising costs of transportation and wage inflation that affects a part of Asia to relocate its production in France and Europe. While 40% are still manufactured in Southeast Asia in 2002, this proportion has now dropped to 9%. Aim of the operation to improve the quality of its products.

According to Edmond Kassapian CEO Genevieve Lethu and origin of this strategy, the manufacturing conditions in emerging markets were no longer satisfactory. "We see a lot of flaws too: for example, the colors were sometimes not good.Moreover, China does not always meet the hygiene standards required by the manufacture of kitchen utensils, "said he. Three or four people were paid full-time, just for the after sales service. Manufacturing defects that the company, positioned on a medium-high-end, could not pass up. With a significant portion of its customers for export, being a French brand was not selling enough. "Our customers are demanding products made in France, not South-East Asia," said Edmond Kassapian.

Especially these failures were added to other problems. "Our own suppliers copied our collections to sell at lower prices," recalls the CEO. Occur in Asia also means longer production lead times, which complicate inventory management.In addition to transport by ship, which takes about two months, the status of "world factory" in China in some areas it is a work organization to lean. In this context, start or restart a production cycle requires a waiting period of up to six to eight months.

Model difficult to transpose

By bringing back most of its production in France, Geveniève Lethu won as responsiveness and quality. But this shedding was not built without problems. "Finding plants in France and Europe that can ensure our production has not been an easy task. Invest in tools, machinery was necessary. The repatriation was ultimately effective only from 2004-2005, "said Edmond Kassapian.Despite the cost of transportation and the "huge mess" deplored by the specialist tableware of its products made in China, produced in France is generally two to three times more expensive.

Why the model Genevieve Lethu is not easily transferable. "Some activities simply can not be relocated. Products requiring significant labor to manufacture or those who stand out from the competition will cost products in Asian countries. Our relocation was only possible because we are positioning ourselves in the middle and high end because the argument made in France for us was a selling point, "Edmond analysis Kassapian.

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The Minister of Finance of Japan, Yoshihiko Noda, confirmed the government's desire to Naoto Kan to resign by the end of the summer. Asked this morning on the casting vote of a law allowing Tokyo to issue bonds to cover the budget deficit, the Treasury official said the Japanese team in place "take responsibility". The day before, Minister of Commerce Banri Kaieda had entrusted his intention to retire after the adoption of the famous law by the Parliament met until the end of August, adding that other ministers "may have the same intentions." The current government believes that the next budget will not be held if the law does not low fee pay day loans.

Finance Minister this morning held a press conference to present the trade figures. Japan's current account surplus fell 51.7% in May to 7.3 billion, compared to the previous year.A drop weaker than economists' forecasts, which expect a recovery in the economy, hard hit by the earthquake of March 11, faster than expected. Many Japanese factories have been forced to suspend production due to damaged sites and disruptions in electricity supplies. But exports could rebound in the coming months.

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A calm and a return was less loud than last year, that's what forecasters expect Havas Media between July and September on the French advertising market: according to figures from the Fast MPG indicator, released today, growth net investments in the media will reach 1.3% in the third quarter.

"The figure is not large in absolute terms but remains positive, and the base effect, as compared to the same period last year, will not be favorable," said Regine Tournier, Deputy Director in charge of purchasing Havas Media. The market should remain on trends in April and May, a slowdown after successive quarters of rebound recorded since January 2010."There are a lot of attention from advertisers, or the advertising market is closely linked to GDP," says Regine Tournier, underlining at the same time that one is not present provided a turnaround. "The market is fairly soft, but in digital."

In the detailed forecasts by media, Internet is the best advertising medium oriented in the third quarter, with an anticipated growth of 9.7%. "The video format is continuing to win and extend more the speeches on television, notes Valerie Ghezail, design manager at Havas Media.Advertisers of food, which were pretty far back, or those of health and beauty and luxury become familiar with the formats premium. "A dynamic that will eventually rub off on mobile investments, say specialist media agency, which noted however that the strategies "multiscreen" advertisers do not yet support this, despite the existence of audience measurement of mobile users Médiamétrie for nine months cash advance no faxing.

In comparison, the third quarter should be subdued for television (1.4%), the beginning of September does not counterbalance the traditional quiet months of July and August. The telecom sector could still surprise, departing earlier than expected from the operator which will launch its offer Free mobile and could force its competitors to defend their positions.

The display should change in the market (+1.3%).Important sector, the distribution has now become accustomed to very local campaigns, while the car tends to divest this medium.

World Cup effect

In radio, after a positive start to the year from its family of traditional advertisers (retail, automobile), the trend looks rather stable (+1.8%). Such as television and the Web, the media should take effect in September's World Cup rugby in New Zealand, with the spread of matches in the morning.

As for the press, the trend will be even negative (-2.9%), despite the proliferation of new forms in magazines and some interesting initiatives, such as the launch of e-GIE Press Premium, which brings together since June 30 eight daily headlines and news magazine.

Europe is gaining time, but did not extinguish the fire in Greece. Following a conference call Saturday, finance ministers of the euro area have given the green light to release "by July 15" 8.7 billion euros in loans that should add 3.3 billion paid out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision was expected after the adoption this week by the Greek Parliament of the austerity program imposed by his European creditors. "It (the decision) strengthens the international credibility of Greece", immediately congratulated the Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos.

As the new Executive Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, to take office Tuesday, the organization welcomed the developments."We welcome the commitment of the Eurogroup to a funding strategy that ensures that the Greek economic program is fully insured," said the spokesman for the IMF, Caroline Atkinson. No details however were given about a possible date on which the Board could meet to release the funds.

Berlin puts pressure

If these 12 billion euros to Greece should avoid going bankrupt in the short term, it is not enough to save the country permanently and fully reassure the financial markets. For this, the country has called for a second bailout International 110 billion euros. Finance ministers of the euro zone have promised yesterday decisions "in the coming weeks." For its part, the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, more prudent, spoke of an agreement by the fall only.Berlin looks indeed to be certain that Greece implement austerity measures quickly that the country has promised. "After the release of the fifth installment of the countries of the euro area and the IMF, the next step must be addressed decisively: the measures passed in Athens should be implemented quickly. Privatization, for example, must be launched without delay, "responded the German Minister of Finance. Response of Athens: the austerity plan of 28.4 billion euros will be implemented before mid-September.

Ireland, Portugal, Italy and Spain could knock on the door

These two months of rest should also help to advance on a second rescue plan 110 billion euros. Finance ministers of the euro area have not spoken on this subject last night.They expect to clarify the private sector, banks and other creditors, imposed by Berlin to a new plan to help decide. "The details and extent of the involvement of private and official sources of additional funding will be determined in the coming weeks," they said.

Time is running out: Ireland and Portugal may need a new international aid. As for Spain and Italy, both countries are under pressure from rating agencies. "The failure of European political leaders to resolve the crisis quickly and decisively hits the rest of the euro area," says Ben May, economist at Capital Economics. The United States pressed more in Europe to solve its debt problems to avoid a global impact."If Greece fell deeper into recession following the new austerity measures, it could reduce the willingness of governments to implement additional fiscal measures," says Ben May.

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Before the arrival of a new generation of video game consoles, the market declined sharply. This prediction is reflected in the figures. The French market was down 9% over the first five months of the year to 758 million euros, according to figures released Tuesday by research firm GfK distributors.

But on the whole of 2011, physical sales are expected to decline by 4% to 8% to 2.44 billion euros. The video game market is expected to be saved by the digital distribution of programs, for consoles, smartphones, Internet tablets and games for social networks. "The dematerialization of video games as an opportunity than a threat," says Pierre Cuilleret, the President of Micromania, in the bosom of the distributor Gamestop.In April, Gamestop said that $ 290 million were realized by the sale of games dematerialized, up 61% year on year credit score.

Improvement expected by year-end

For two and a half months, Micromania advises its customers to purchase in its stores codes for games on the Xbox Live network. This prevents users to leave their credit card details online. This reassures them after the theft of bank details of millions of users of Sony network.

The video games industry should see an upturn later this year, between October and November, with the launch of many games. In addition, the market should be supported by the arrival of the handheld console Sony PlayStation Vita around Christmas and a catalog provided more games for the Nintendo 3DS.Microsoft should continue to score points with its accessory Kinect.

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A year after the liberalization of gambling on the Internet, which some had as a jackpot is not insured the success expected.

While the law was intended to fight against an illegal offer bloated Regulatory Authority of online games (Arjel) has granted 49 licenses to 35 operators (25 in poker, 16 and 8 in paris sports paris horse) but some players – among the largest – continue to go on unauthorized sites. "One of the major objectives was to ensure that the French are all on sites approved by the Arjel, has not been reached," said Nicolas Beraud, president BetClick Everest Group and the French Association of Online Game (Afjel), which paints a mixed picture of the opening. Since June 2010, the French have wagered 1.5 billion euros in Paris and equestrian sports, according Arjel.In poker, the stakes are higher than 6 billion euros, plus 800 million in entrance fees to tournaments.

Newcomers complain about not earning money. They are also worried about the lack of appetite for players for their offer. "On sports paris, the number of active players accounts is down from the 7th month of the opening," says Christophe Blot, CEO Sajoo site.

Tax debate

In this context, the perspective of a possible change in the law, in November, is the subject of intense lobbying, pure Internet players (BetClick, Bwin …) are penalized by the judging rules. "We demand a change in the tax base," said Emmanuel de Rohan Chabot, CEO of ZEturf. Opinions differ."We stand for maintaining the cap are paid back to players, along with a set of taxation," says one to the PMU, while in the French game (FDJ), it is estimated that "the current tax helps contain the addiction and the risk of money ". "There is no need to change the balance of the law, thinks Bélinguier Bertrand, president of the Ffejel, which represents casino Barrière, Joa, Sharp, the FDJ and PMU. But we can simplify the formalities for opening accounts, expanding the supply of paris sports and strengthen the fight against illegality by giving more powers to Arjel. "

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Bulky Bin Hamman and Warner
Except turnaround unlikely, Sepp Blatter was re-elected for the third time as President of FIFA in Zurich Wednesday. It is not difficult to predict because the Swiss, who directs the proceedings since 1998, is the only candidate since the withdrawal this weekend in his last opponent, Qatari Mohamed bin Hammam. A forced withdrawal and the scent of scandal. President of the Asian Confederation, Ben Hamman has indeed been provisionally suspended by the Ethics Committee of FIFA because of suspicions of corruption against him. Jack Warner, CONCACAF President, Vice-President of FIFA, and support shown by Ben Hamman was also temporarily suspended for the same reasons. The two men are suspected of attempting to buy the votes of the Caribbean Confederation (CFU), which they strongly refute."I deny the allegations that I made statements to the CFU on donations from Mr. Bin Hammam," asserted Jack Warner in a statement while saying, however that "in Miami, the Congress of the Concacaf May 3, Mr Blatter had donated one million dollars to our federation, "without the consent of the finance committee of FIFA.

A gift for which an investigation had been opened before it was quickly closed by the money outright Blatter any accusation of corruption by the Ethics Commission. A past president quickly cleared and a final opponent suspended, the unfolding of events may leave pensive and may suggest that FIFA is the realm of small arrangements. Especially when the case comes just weeks after revelations of the British weekly Sunday Times about the allocation of World Cup 2022 in Qatar.Especially so when a vice-president of FIFA accredits these revelations by making public the contents of an email sent by Jerome Valcke, FIFA general secretary and confidant of Blatter. "For MBH (Editor's note: Mohamed Bin Hamman), I've never understood why he was entering the race. Or so he thought that one can buy FIFA as the Qataris have purchased the World Cup, "Valcke reportedly wrote in an email sent to Warner!

Blatter on the royal road
A blow to Blatter camp when the Swiss campaigned on a zero tolerance towards corruption.But Jerome Valcke has justified his writings stating that "it can happen to employ a less formal tone when I use this medium which by its nature, encourages exchanges" lighter "than other forms correspondence "and that" in referring to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in this e-mail, I wanted to highlight that the future host country had used its financial strength to rally much support (…) I n 'I at no time refers to the buying of votes or any behavior inconsistent with the rules of ethics. "Sepp Blatter, he is right in his boots remained Monday at a press conference in emergency to try to extinguish the many fires in the house FIFA.

"We must fight the demons, there's a bad situation, but there will be an elective congress on Wednesday and the family of football, if it wants to restore the credibility of FIFA, can do with me," Blatter said, refusing to evoke the decisions of the Commission on Ethics ("I'm not allowed to comment") and denying the existence of a crisis within the federation he heads ("football is not crisis when we see the final of the Champions League, he just some difficulty "). So everything is for the best in the best of worlds for Blatter whose reelection is no longer any doubt.Because on the eve of polling, it is unclear how the appeal of Bin Hamman, the request for postponement of the FA made on Tuesday or calls for reform from places like Australia (Editor's note: England and Australia respectively were candidates to host the World Cups 2018 and 2022), could prevent the Swiss to begin a fourth term. Starting what happens under the sign of the scandal …

Not yet a candidate, Christine Lagarde was already the favorite to succeed Dominique Strauss-Kahn to IMF management, but two rivals have already expressed. Mexico will formally nominate Agustin Carstens, Governor of the Mexican central bank, said Sunday the Minister of Finance of Mexico. He "has the capabilities and qualifications to lead an institution of the importance of the International Monetary Fund," he said. Governor of the Bank of Mexico since January 2010, Agustin Carstens has been deputy director general of the IMF from 2003 to 2006.

Moreover, the Belgian Finance Minister, in office since 1999, Didier Reynders, said Sunday also be "of course" interested in the job. "These are functions that do not refuse," he added. But Europeans seem more a united front around the candidacy of the French Minister of Finance.This weekend, his candidacy has received the support of Germany and the United Kingdom. The Congo would also like to see take the job.

In France, Martine Aubry said yesterday that the appointment of Christine Lagarde at the head of the IMF "would be a very good thing for our country and for Europe." However, Francois Bayrou is against, saying "do not approve economic policy which was followed by France" and lamenting that "Ms. Lagarde was the main actor of the case Tapie.

In a joint statement, Australia and South Africa have called Sunday a nomination on merit, not nationality.A position shared by the representative of Switzerland to the IMF.

After the resignation of IMF Managing Director, accused of attempted rape by the American courts, nominations for his successor will be officially opened on Monday, and until June 10

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