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Christine Lagarde has not found his dream home in Washington. Arrive early July to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF), she still lives temporarily in a furnished apartment, close to his office. "Initially, I looked pretty houses in the neighborhood of Georgetown, but I realized it would be impractical and it was better to look for an apartment. Now I prospect in areas not too far from my office, "said Le Figaro the new executive director of the monetary institution. "I have a pool, but not just to bathe. A pool where we could really swim … I have not taken a subscription to a sports club, but in my building there is a proper gym, "says the former champion synchronized swimming enthusiast – disciplined – physical exercise daily.

Since joining the IMF, it has worked and has not been able to enjoy a city that is much changed since she lived there in 1974, when she spent a year at a time of joy and studious the benches of the Holton-Arms School, a school for girls located in the posh western suburb. "In my new life in Washington, the work never stops. But the restaurants are ten times better than what I experienced, "It has already his favorites:" the canteen of the IMF and the Blue Duck Tavern at the Hyatt. " However, between briefings, seminars with the teams of the Fund that it must learn about his travels to London to Marseille for the G7 and Jackson Hole (Wyoming) for a symposium of central bankers to prepare his speeches and conversations with senior business leaders from every continent, Christine Lagarde has had little time to breathe.Those close to him are even already looking a little tired …

She will not rest this week as the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank are converging towards his office finance ministers and heads of central banks in 187 countries. For several days she prepares for the event. Moments of summer vacation between Marseille and Corsica with her partner, Xavier Giocanti may have seemed far away. To complicate matters, the latter, who founded his company in France, will not live with her in Washington. "He loves the U.S. capital. But his work is in the south of France. He promised to arrange to come one week per month. I also want it with me in some missions abroad, "says the former French Minister.This rate, "is it better than their last weekend aborted by meetings at the Elysee on Sunday afternoon?" Asks one close to the couple.

Critical time

Christine Lagarde did not wait two and half months to start to make its mark and recommend solutions to the crisis. In late August, on the occasion of his first major intervention in Jackson Hole, she took against the established European friends who have yet worked to his appointment in June She has dared to advocate for a rapid strengthening of bank capital of the Old Continent, as required by public money. Taking up the old refrain of the IMF, the former "good soldier" of Nicolas Sarkozy marked its independence vis-à-vis his former boss.Showing how far is now the time in his office in Bercy, when not agree with a decision of the Élysée, she smiled, gritted his teeth and let go … "is the head of State decides "*.

This position, criticized by many European officials, but in line with IMF recommendations for months, proved that the new patron of the institution was not, as some suspect, "the elegant performing" chosen by old European countries in crisis to justify their monopoly once more become anachronistic in the direction of the IMF. Even the laudatory article in the American edition of Vogue magazine in September of Christine Lagarde said that his French elegance accompanied by substance, "Lagarde is as natural, open and very feminine.His way of being simple, clear it rose through the ranks through his work seriously, not because of its ability to attract, "says the prestigious fashion publication. This is the first time a director of the IMF in Vogue poses cross-legged on a couch. Some saw a dim, fast debt crisis in Europe. But now that clears a little sordid chronicle by the New York tabloids and sexual exploits of his predecessor.

In his office on the 12th floor of the concrete block that is the IMF headquarters, Christine Lagarde strives to maintain at all times smile and kindness that are his trademark. However, she also knows that this is not that quality be the judge.Some leading experts in the world of high finance, as Simon Johnson and Raghuram Rajan, former chief economist of the IMF expressed concern that "non-economist" is selected for this feature to a critical time. It can be a handicap in an institution with more than doctors in economics per square meter than any other. Eager to rectify this perception, she was quick to declare taking office in early July: "I'm not going to brag about my qualifications or my lack of qualifications. The proof of the quality of the pudding is measured by how it is enjoyed by those who eat it, as the saying goes. I come with an open mind, with my ability to manage, leverage resources and my desire to help as many people as possible to the decisions and solutions … I will ask many questions.I will evaluate and I'll rely on the advice of those who know their sector. Without wishing to poets, all conductors can not play the piano, harp, violin and cello. I will try to be a good conductor. "To Christine Lagarde, the concert starts this week.

As shown in the tone of his speech a few days before the Royal Institute for International Affairs in London, Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington or on the financial news channel CNBC, the CEO wants to politely shake the leaders of the world, push for action to prevent a relapse into recession generally. Barack Obama, which she first received a phone call late August, requires only that.His plan to revive the use is consistent with IMF recommendations: do not cut right away in public spending.

His recent media offensive, the contrast between the start humiliating DSK, which has placed the IMF on the front page of American newspapers, not to mention the seriousness of the economic situation, are all eyes are on her. Not just those of "Planet Finance." "I am no longer anonymous to Washington. Many people recognize me on the streets and shops. The youngest often ask me to pose with them for a photo. And taxi drivers spotted me right away, "says she honestly.

It is too early to say whether it will be "Keynesian" or "monetarist". But in style, some have noted its refreshing approach in the austere environment of the IMF."I do not know if his style is a little sixteenth arrondissement, or if it is his sincere desire to be considerate towards its employees, but it is very human … I saw her invited to eat at his table his bodyguards after long hours of work, "says one observer. I must say that – status of the Fund requires – one of his bodyguards Bercy could follow. Not even his faithful collaborator for eighteen years, Sonia, who had started with her at Baker & McKenzie and on which it could rely at all times. Being a "woman power" always has a price …

* In "Christine Lagarde: investigation of the most powerful woman in the world," Cyril and Mary LACHEVRE Visot (Editions Michel Lafon).

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After two sessions of gains, the Paris Bourse off again into negative territory on Friday and gives up 1.69% to 3033.78 points to 11:50. London and Frankfurt follow with respective losses of 0.73% and 1.25%.

The banking sector raises again the concerns of investors. They accentuate its losses from the statements of Christine Lagarde whereby a liquidity crisis could not be ruled out and that some banks needed additional capital. "This is the effect Lagarde. These statements primarily affect banks that are considered the least well placed in terms of capital ratios, "said one trader.

Result: Societe Generale falling again to 6.43% to 18.25 euros and signed the largest decrease in the CAC.Behind her, Crédit Agricole loose 5.05% to 5.62 euros, Natixis 4.57% to 2.48 euros, BNP Paribas 4.28% to 30.85 euros and 3.96% at Axa 9.76 euros.

Obama's plan is not reassuring

Investors also unenthusiastic welcome details of the plan for employment unveiled by U.S. President Barack Obama in the night. He introduced a bill on the release of 447 billion dollars for the Americans out of unemployment. "This plan will give an electric shock to an economy that has stalled, will give confidence to businesses on the fact that if they invest and hire, there will be customers for their products and services," assured the U.S. president to members of Congress .

As in Asia this morning, traders seem to doubt the implementation of this plan. Its funding is already generating questions from Republican opponents could block a vote.Barack Obama urged them to adopt "immediately". The U.S. president also announced that it will issue on September 19 "a deficit reduction plan more ambitious."

As Wall Street yesterday, investors have also not appreciated the remarks of the President of the Federal Reserve on growth and jobs last night. The Fed "will do everything it can to participate in the return of growth and employment rates," said its chairman Ben Bernanke, minimizing inflation fears. This speech, however, feeds the assumption of a new effort of quantitative easing, which could be announced at the next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Fed, scheduled for September 20 and 21.

Inflation slows in China

Still on macroeconomic, Japan has this morning reported a decline of 2.1% of GDP in the second quarter 2011 annualized.This is more than the 1.3% decline initially estimated. The main factor weighing on GDP has been the decline in exports (-4.9% from January to March).

In China, rising consumer prices, the main barometer of inflation, which had accelerated in recent months, slowed slightly to 6 no checking account payday advance.2% in August. Industrial production is she up 13.5% in August.

In France, industrial production rebounded 1.5% in July after a decline of similar magnitude in June, show statistics released Friday by INSEE. The budget deficit of the French government fell in late July to 86.6 billion euros, against 93.1 billion euros a year earlier, thanks to lower costs, said Friday the Department of Budget .

On the agenda are also on Friday, stocks of wholesalers in the United States.

As for currencies, the euro has stabilized under $ 1.40, to 1.3896 dollar.Oil rises on the other hand, supported by a surprise drop in U.S. inventories. In early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gained 23 cents to 89.28 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery 21 cents to 114.76 dollars.

Values ​​to follow

• TF1 (-4.3%), M6 (-2.25%) Bolloré (0.8%), Vivendi (-1.1%); NextRadioTV (-1.4%)

Chains react in a disorganized to take control of Direct 8 Direct and Star, two DTT channels free of the Bolloré Group, Canal +. The subsidiary of Vivendi will have three DTT frequencies. Be as much as TF1 and M6 more than the group which, in addition to the namesake chain, has only W9.For this operation, fully financed by shares, a stake Bolloré group Vivendi.

• Total (0.9%) signed the largest increase

The Anglo-Dutch oil group Shell said Friday that oil was discovered off the coast of French Guiana, during exploratory drilling at about 150 km off the coast.

• Sopra (1.81%)

The group announced the takeover of Delta, specialized in banking software.The transaction is expected to close in early October 2011, will be financed from existing credit lines of business consulting, IT services and software.

• Pierre & Vacances (-0.33%)

The group, which operates much of the accommodation ski resorts, opened 369 new tourist residences furnished this winter.

• ArcelorMittal (-1.7%)

The group will close as of October 3 for an indefinite period and the second blast furnace at its site in Florange (Moselle), according to a union source quoted by AFP.

• EADS (+0.8%) on the second step of the podium

The group said on Thursday not want to use all of its $ 16 billion (11.45 billion euros) in cash for acquisitions.

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Tension mounts for the closure of the practicalities of the second bailout of Greece, whose general principles were agreed at the summit on July 21. Brussels wanted to have everything completed in late August. But three days before the deadline – informal – discussions are still underway, slowed by the problem of guarantees required by Finland, while in Athens, further fueling fears of fiscal slippage blur.

Finland does not swerve: before committing, it requires collateral equal to its participation in the assistance plan. A headache for officials in the euro area, who fear back into a turbulent period when investors are recovering to question the solidarity of 17. Friday again, negotiators from ministries of finance in the euro area have tried to find a way to break the deadlock."The main obstacle is political," sighs one in Brussels.

The case was the seed from July 21. Helsinki was signed on the condition that a clause be added to the text, to provide for the establishment of safeguards "where appropriate". The application of this provision could have significant impact if other countries like Austria, Slovenia and the Netherlands for example, demanded similar treatment. Last week, Moody's had warned against a possible delay of the plan of aid to Greece that could "precipitate the collapse of the country."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel herself denied any plan leading to preferential treatment of one country over others.Several tracks are given for the guarantees, which could be pledged in the form of real estate or shares in companies or public institutions.

Special Session

However, it becomes urgent to complete the text before the bailout vote by national parliaments guaranteed approval cash loans. Greece this week to begin a new round of discussions with the Troika (ECB, European Commission, IMF), for the release of the next tranche of aid this fall. However, the Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos, spoke Friday a possible fiscal slippage as a result of austerity measures administered in the country with an expected contraction of GDP "above 4.5%" in 2011, instead of – 3.5% originally envisaged."This does not mean that we revise our goals," down, assured the minister, promising to lead as agreed including privatization expected to report 50 billion euros.

The questions also feed threats of Athens on the possible cancellation of its debt exchange, if too few bankers involved in the operation. It tempers the case in Brussels, in holding that Greece seeks above all to "speed things up a bit."

These latest developments in the debt crisis will be extensively discussed in Parliament today that the European Commissioner Olli Rehn, the head of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker and ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet, are expected for a special meeting of the Committee of Economic Affairs.This is probably an opportunity for parliamentarians to advocate the introduction of euro bonds and the extension of European fund rescue currently has 440 billion euros. Sunday, the president of the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF), Klaus Regling, told Spiegel that the euro area is expected to overcome the debt crisis "within two or three years."

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This Friday looks bleak at the Paris Bourse. The CAC 40 starts on the day down 0.37% to 3064.49 points. London and Frankfurt lost 0.35% and 0.38%. 1.09% loose Madrid, Milan were down 0.30% and 0.61% in Zurich.

Operators are struggling to recover from their emotions after the new European stock markets plummeting and U.S. yesterday. This morning, Asian stock market sent negative signals with indices in very sharp drop. This bad mood due to a surge in concern about the state of the global economy, reinforced by poor indicators of the Atlantic. Bad index measuring the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing activity in the region, lower sales of existing homes in July, new jobless claims rising again during the second week of August … All signs of the apparent stagnation of growth in the United States.

Concerns about U.S. growth fears add to the debt crisis in Europe, European banks are the first to bear the brunt. In its Thursday edition, The Wall Street Journal reported on fears the U.S. Federal Reserve on the liquidity of European banks. And for the first time since February, the European Central Bank (ECB) has given a major dollar loan to a European bank, whose identity was not revealed. An action that reinforces doubts about the ability of banks to refinance.

Morgan Stanley has added his two cents to panic, explaining that she perceived the United States and Europe as "dangerously close to recession." The President of the European Union, Herman van Rompuy, tried Thursday to calm the mind by ensuring that there was "no new recession" in sight.And this morning, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed that the U.S. economy was "resilient". In vain.

"The bears are back"

"The bears (pessimistic players, ie) are back in force that night, after disappointing U.S. economic indicators and renewed fears about the stability of European banks, which prompted investors to push the button sales," said Ben Potter, an analyst at IG Markets in Australia. "There seems to be getting ready for a weekend very ugly, with a market dominated once again by fear and panic," he added.

Gold reached a new record Friday morning in Asia, to 1,837.50 dollars per ounce, due to the concern. And oil, which fell 6% in New York yesterday, continues to fall in morning trading.A barrel of "light sweet crude" for September delivery lost 1.69 dollars to 80.69 dollars while that of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery gave 68 cents to 106.31 dollars.

No significant indicator that could reverse the trend, are expected on Friday.

Values ​​to follow

The banking sector

European financial stocks, which had been rolled by a renewed tensions in the interbank market and concerns about the short-term refinancing of banks are still misguided. BNP Paribas (-3.22% to 33.11 dollars), Natixis (-2.90% to 2.81 dollars), Credit Agricole (-2.70% to 6.06 euros), Société Générale (-2, 69% to 21.02 dollars) and AXA (-0.56% to 10.28 euros) are in the red.

Danone: -1.75% to 46.05 euros

Nestlé, the group became a favorite activity for infant formula, Wyeth, Pfizer subsidiary, valued at approximately ten billion dollars (seven billion euros), officials said a source familiar with the bank.

Technip: -3.67% to 57.77 euros

The French engineering group said it had received a letter of intent on the part of the American oil company Anadarko for the construction of an offshore platform for the Gulf of Mexico.

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.

The France Televisions group announced the acquisition of the rights of future Olympic Games. The amount of these contracts is estimated at between 40 and 50 million per event. Added to the cost of production estimated at ten million euros for each Olympic Games.

LE FIGARO. – You will be broadcasters of the Games until 2020. What is the nature of this contract?

Remy PFLIMLIN. – We confortons our rights to the Olympics because we buy in total exclusivity until 2020, both for those Winter Games and Summer. In addition, we ensured that these rights were all media and therefore usable regardless of the distribution methods and terminals. We proclaim Wednesday as we know what city will host the 2018 Winter Olympics.It is also a way to show our solidarity with the application of Annecy.

How much have you paid to secure those rights for eight years?

These amounts are very similar to what we paid previously. In other words, there was no bidding. Furthermore, it is important to remember that in a market increasingly competitive, it is essential to securing sports rights for the long term. Unlike the time when the rights were sold territory by territory only to local operators, we are faced with an internationalization of competition, as evidenced by the arrival in France of great actors like al-Jazeera. Nothing would prevent them from acquiring the rights to resell on their own terms. Ditto for Internet players.It is important to "store" the events that constitute the cornerstone of our programming.

Was it necessary to acquire these rights in all media exclusively?

The London Olympics of 2012, we will publish an exclusive program with the exception of pan-European Eurosport will be a good test. We may be measured including the economic impact of such diffusion. This also reflects the need, in a broader landscape, to differentiate ourselves from other channels. Sport, as evidenced by the purchase of rights "minor" by small TNT channels, allows the aggregation of audiences. Finally, the fact of having these events on digital is the best way to preserve the future personal loans for people with bad credit. Beyond that we will schedule on the air, we can have up to 12 simultaneous streams live on our digital offerings.This will allow us to expand our audience but also to return, why not the youngest to the TV screen.

What is the advantage to bet on these events?

The Olympics are both a major event and part of our DNA. It is the mission of public service to provide free access to numerous sports that are not prevalent, but large. We aim to bring to life the events giving them an attraction that no one else is that we may be able to provide. We did it last year with the European Championships in athletics and swimming, we redo this year's World Championships in both disciplines. Our goal is not limited to the retransmission of events, it is also to make people want to practice a discipline. This is true of sport as culture.This is a key element of our relationship of trust must maintain channels with viewers as well as information.

In this regard, you inspire the return of the hostages on a background of controversy over the excessive risks they have taken?

First of all, I think the joy inspired by their return premium on everything! This is a major event in this house who lived in the constant concern for the fate of Taponnier and Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière. It is our public service mission to be present on all important events and reporting. Unfortunately this is not the first time that France Televisions is faced with the kidnapping of journalists. Remember the hostages in Lebanon and those of Jollo. I realize that this job involves risks that must be evaluated. Especially since, if it becomes impossible to report the news, there is no point in taking them.We will do everything to make this not happen again, but we will keep this role of ours: being a publisher of reference, be a kind of watch the world around us by being present on all distribution media.

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The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively climbed 1.42% to 22,068.70 points and 1.84% to 3012.17 points in morning trading on Friday and take the coast on the main stock indexes in Asia Pacific. In Tokyo, the Nikkei is 0.47% at 9641.68 points, in India the BSE wins 1.33% to 17,964.10 points, Singapore, the Straits Times rises from 0.32% to 3054.54 points and Australia, the S & P / ASX earns 0.33% to 4515.20 points.

So yesterday, a barrel of oil fell in New York and London due to the intervention of the International Energy Agency – which drew on its stocks to meet a "shortage", companies the airline industry substantially benefit the stock market. Air China climbed 6.81%, 1.87% of Singapore Airlines and Qantas of 2.33%. Values ​​rise as exporters like Toyota (1.08%) or Toshiba (4.10%). In South Korea, Samsung and LG allows itself 1.2% 0.9%.On Friday, oil prices increased again: the barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in August went back to almost 92 dollars (91.94 dollars to be precise). That of Brent North Sea crude for August delivery took 64 cents to 107.90 dollars. Note also that in Australia, the giant telecom Tesltra which drops by 2.7% against a backdrop of advertisements loss widened.

This Friday is also the first trading day of the Italian Prada. The luxury group took 0.25% for its early trade Friday, becoming the latest group to date to be chosen this place in the heart of Asia to raise capital.The action open to 39.60 Hong Kong dollars (3.56 euros), while the Hong Kong Stock Exchange opened with a gain of 0.39%.

In addition to these movements, the mood settles while the Greek case relaxes: Europe Thursday promised a new plan to save Greece from bankruptcy and avoid contagion to the entire euro area or the rest of world, but kept up the pressure to Athens in exchange for adopting an unpopular austerity program.Greece, it has reached an agreement with international donors on the final details of a new austerity plan, whose adoption in parliament expected next week will determine a second aid plan to avoid bankruptcy the country.

The earthquake in Japan will cost 145 billion euros

The earthquake and tsunami of March 11 in Japan have caused direct damage estimated at 16,900 billion yen (147 billion euros), said Friday the Japanese government. This sum corresponds to the destruction suffered by the infrastructure, homes and businesses of northeastern Japan, devastated by an earthquake of magnitude 9 and a giant tsunami that killed more than 23,000 dead or missing.

The government had previously estimated the damage in a range between 16,000 and 25,000 billion yen (139 to 217,000,000,000 euros).

The Japanese government thought about it and he did. The operator of the plant in Fukushima Tepco come under his control. The Japanese government has indeed released Friday details of a financial rescue plan to help compensate victims of the nuclear accident that hit Japan on March 11. "The purpose of this plan is not to bail Tepco, said Friday the Japanese Minister of Economy, but to ensure that victims are properly compensated." The operator will be under the supervision of an independent commission to strengthen the de facto government's influence on the conduct of its affairs.The government project, hotly debated within the team of the Prime Minister's center-left, Naoto Kan, has yet to be voted by Parliament.

Between 26 and 43 billion euros in compensation for victims

This plan includes the creation of a structure financed by both state funds and contributions from various private power companies in Japan. This entity will help Tepco through grants of bonds (5,000 billion yen by the Japanese press) convertible into cash, to compensate the estimated 85,000 victims of the nuclear disaster. Japanese media say that the operator should have to pay from 3000 to 5000 billion yen in total (26 to 43 billion euros).Tepco should also pay annually between 100 and 200 billion yen this structure (from 870 million to 1.74 billion euros), according to Japanese news agency Jiji.

The government even asked the banks that have lent 1.4 trillion yen (11.7 billion euros) to Tepco to waive a portion of their claims vis-à-vis the operator. "People do not understand that public funds are injected into Tepco if banks did not give their side a portion of their claims vis-à-vis the operator of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima," says Government spokesman Yukio Edano payday loans online.

TEPCO will have to sell financial assets and properties

Anxious not to appear to give a blank check to the company criticized for his role in the nuclear incident, the government also demanded that she undergo Tepco a number of conditions. The company will mainly sell financial assets and properties in order to concentrate its resources on the production and distribution of electricity.In addition, the eight most senior executives of the company will also waive any compensation and personnel managers to ordinary workers, will also undergo substantial pay cuts.

In addition to the huge amount of compensation, TEPCO will have to pay an extra bill to increase hydrocarbon production in thermal power stations, eleven of its nuclear reactors have been arrested since the disaster, counting those in the central hilly.Group CEO believes that these additional imports of gas, oil and coal would cost him 1,000 billion yen (8.7 billion euros) over budget during the year to April 2011 to March 2012.

Bank stocks fall at the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Result of this announcement, bank shares fell sharply on the Stock Exchange on Friday: Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group sells at the close of the Tokyo Stock Exchange 3.80% to 2452 yen, Mizuho Financial Group, 2.98% to 130 yen and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group 2.79% to 383 yen.Due to the collapse of the market capitalization of Tepco stock market that has lost more than 80% between March 10 and April 7 last, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) could announce a loss of about 80 billion yen ( 696 million euros), Mizuho Financial Group, 50 billion yen (435 million), and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), 30 billion yen (261 million).

Back to normal view for luxury in Japan after the earthquake of 11 March. This is the forecast that are several French captains of this industry in Japan. While LVMH has announced a decline in sales of 9% in the first quarter, and even 25% on the month of March but the improvement is already noticeable. "Activity in our 58 stores is almost back to normal. Sales to daily are the same or even higher than those recorded last year. We lost the moment the customer of Chinese tourists, but it will come back, "said Yves Carcelle. The CEO of Louis Vuitton came last week to comfort his team from Sendai store, near the epicenter of the quake, which just reopened its doors. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, would go to turn in a few weeks.

Same story with Chanel."I gave my team early in the crisis time to turn around, put their family's safety. Today, they are very dynamic. Sales are surprisingly quite good in perfumes and beauty, excellent in fine jewelry and watches, and gradually resume mode, but it takes a little longer. The best way to respond to the earthquake is to resume activities as normally as possible, what we do, "said Richard Collasse, President of Chanel Japan.

Boom in marriages

They said the stores – whose sales have dropped 15% in March – irritated against the big brands who decided by mutual agreement to close a few days their "corners" at home in the middle of the crisis. Today, the page appears rotated. "Department stores have more need than the other French brands.It is we who generate the traffic, "the representative slides of a mark in the archipelago.

Beyond the earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese market trends toward a settlement will parallel the aging population. A study by Deutsche Bank, the Japanese consume a quarter of global luxury goods market. Japan still remains the largest market for Louis Vuitton (18% of its turnover, according to our sources), while the Chinese are the first customer in the world. "Luxury in Japan has long enjoyed a very favorable position, thanks to the strong yen. Today, the Japanese market is normalizing, affects older people, with sophisticated tastes.Consumers are more individualistic, as shown by the success of our offer personalized, "says Yves Carcelle.

More surprising factor and optimism: the explosion of the market for jewelry related to engagement and marriage for a month in Japan, observed by all brands in the industry. It comes in a parallel boom in marriages. "People want to live," says a French boss of the industry.

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Second consecutive year of decline for the Nintendo group. The Japanese video game specialist has published annual results on Monday in freefall. Its net profit fell 66.1% to 77.6 billion yen (648 million). Its operating profit tumbled 52% to 171.1 billion yen (1.43 billion euros) in respect of the 2010-2011 year ending 31 March. Figures well below market expectations.

These poor results are explained by the slowdown in sales of the Wii home console blockbuster, but aging of Nintendo. The group has sold just over 15 million in 2010-2011, against 20.1 million the previous year. In addition, the launch of the new handheld 3DS relief was too late to be able to save the year of manufacturer.

The console manufacturer table for 2012 on the results up, but below analysts' forecasts.Nintendo says count on an operating profit of 175 billion yen for the year 2011-2012, against a consensus of 215.8 billion yen. "The market reaction should be bad," said Yusuke Tsunoda, a financial analyst at Tokai Tokyo Securities, quoted by Bloomberg. "Sales of Wii expected to drop as the group probably provides lower prices on the console."

"New Play"

The Japanese video game giant has tried to reassure. He announced the presentation of the successor to the Wii on June 7 at the electronics show in Los Angeles, E3. The group declined to give details, except that it will offer "a new way of playing at home," said CEO Satoru Iwata.

However, information already leaked to the press.Much more powerful than the Wii, it would be equipped with high definition, like its competitors Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The Japanese group have also developed a new kind of controller, which is akin to a touch pad. One way to compete with smartphones that break into mobile video games. Nintendo's portable console, the DS has seen its sales plummet by 10 million units this year to 17.5 million.

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