International Headlines and Stories

The honor is safe: Microsoft earns more money Apple. Some were considering a transfer of power between the two giants of American computer but the Apple brand will be a little patient. Of course, Apple is now more expensive than its rival in stock: 235 billion against $ 226 billion for Microsoft. However the latter has finally achieved the title of his fourth-quarter profit of 4.518 billion dollars or 51 cents per share, well above the 46 cents expected by analysts. Apple's side recorded during its third quarter profit of 3.25 billion for a turnover of 15.70 billion savings account payday loans.

In its statement, Microsoft said it has achieved a turnover for the period April to June of 16.04 billion dollars, up 22% thanks to higher sales in all activities. This is a "record"

Over the year, net income appears to 18.760 billion dollars, up 29% and the turnover of 62.484 billion dollars, up 7%.

The group Redmond has definitively turned the page on last year, which had marked the first decline in its business since its inception.

For the ninth year, Paris is transformed into a seaside resort in summer time. Paris Plages opens Tuesday and runs until August 20. Eight weeks in which Parisians can enjoy sandy beaches, a water sports center, sports and cultural events all audiences. But this year, no major new features only on the Paris agenda Beaches. As in 2009, solidarity is the main theme of the event.

The Paris city council, which organized the operation every summer since 2002, has in fact faced with a limited budget for this year 2010: 2.2 million euros (about $ 1 million from the partners), against 2.5 million 2009. A reduction of 300,000 euros. The time savings, and Paris Plages is no exception.

Witness the profusion of the sponsors of the operation."Our partners are also affected by the crisis," says one to the City of Paris. "Some can no longer support such partnerships. Others simply want to change backgrounds. "Thus Dailymonop, which is part of the adventure for eight years, this association has not renewed this year. Orange and EDF are no longer either in the list of sponsors of the Paris demonstration.

The dance partners

The cement manufacturer Lafarge, it is still there. As every summer for eight years, the group sent last weekend of the 2000 tons of sand needed to achieve the beach on the quays Voie Georges Pompidou and the Bassin de la Villette free credit report and score. Delivery, "offered", which was carried by barge from the quarry Sandrancourt in the Yvelines.Other faithful among the faithful, Fnac is a partner unassailable. Beaches and Paris will host the 7th edition of the Festival FnacIndétendances. More than 30 free concerts on the square of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris.

The event in Paris has not lost its capital seduction. "Despite the crisis, several companies have joined in Paris Beaches for the first time this year," remarked Will there be the City Hall of Paris. It must be said that the event represents a great marketing opportunity. Thus Fatboy (a manufacturer of decorative cushions) and rely on the glacier Mÿberry Paris Beaches to highlight their products. The market teaches Franprix (Casino Group), meanwhile, relies on the event to strengthen its brand positioning proximity.

The promise of visibility

For the first time, the sign of the Casino Group is an official partner of Paris Plages.She co-hosted several times a day, a workshop smoothies for children. "This stand, fun and educational, aims to transport the children into the world of fruits and vegetables," says Jean-Paul Mochet, Director of Market Franprix. A visibility that is timely for the brand which has rolled out a new sales concept focusing on fresh and authentic.

Jean-Paul Mochet, Director of Market Franprix.

While the debate between plans and rigor stimulus facilitated the markets in recent weeks, the attention of analysts and investors will again be focused on the financial performance of companies from Monday. Indeed, the U.S. giant Alcoa aluminum ball will open the second quarter of publications in the U.S., after market.

If analysts have recently lowered their forecasts for the group in front of the lower aluminum prices, Alcoa will announce earnings for the second quarter, against a loss last year. The title Alcoa ended Friday at 10.94 dollars, up 2.05%. The volley of U.S. results will continue this week with the technology companies Google, Advanced Micro Devices or Intel, and banks JPMorgan and Bank of America. Citigroup and General Electric will unveil their findings Friday.

Renewed investor confidence

Pending these publications, it is time for optimism in the U.S.. The Dow Jones closed up about 0.57% Friday at 10,197.19 points while the Nasdaq advanced 0.97% to 2196.45 points. Among the good news that restored investor confidence late last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its forecast for global growth for 2010 at 4.6% against 4.2% estimated in April.

Analysts polled by Reuters predict the results of the groups listed on the S & P 500 will emerge up 27% for the second quarter, more than the 22% increase posted during the first three months of the year. "We are seeing one of the occasions of the highest profits in history," said David S.Bianco, chief strategist for the United States at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, interviewed by The New York Times. According to him, he must go back to the Great Depression of the 30s to see such a rebound.

Markets should also respond well to the results to be published in Europe, where the decline of the euro against the dollar is favorable to businesses. "Like the U.S., figures released by the European companies will be rather positive," said Vincent Treulet, head of investment strategy at BNP Paribas AM. "The second quarter was dynamic on both sides of the Atlantic, compared to the second quarter of 2009." Figures released this week will quantify this improved profitability. And reassure the markets, accordingly.

The speeches of leaders scrutinized

In this context, however, uncertainty haunts the minds of economists. The expected rebound in profits he heralding an improvement on the employment front, at a time when companies continue to cut costs to improve their productivity? "We can expect that the outlook announced by the companies are more optimistic that the sentiments expressed by employees and households," said David S. Bianco.

Beyond the quantitative assessments of companies, are the speeches of leaders who will focus the attention of investors and dictate the trend on stock markets. And this, in the U.S. and Europe. Some experts expect however that these comments remain rather vague. Companies may place more emphasis on the lack of visibility."It could indeed disappoint the markets in the medium to long term," according to Vincent Treulet.

Analysts too optimistic?

Especially as the expert anticipates a slowdown in growth for the second half of 2010. In addition, many operators believe that analysts, encouraged by the good figures for the first quarter of 2010, advance estimates too high for 2011. "The consensus view that corporate profits would exceed the peak reached in 2007, which seems overly optimistic," says the strategist at BNP Paribas AM.

Businesses now report what scenario they anticipate. In France, the dance of publications of the second quarter and first half will open July 22, with STMicroelectronics. Some companies, however, reveal their sales figures this week, including L'Oreal on Monday after the close of trading Thursday and Carrefour.

In the battle over economic strategy, which raged in the country G8/G20 meeting in Toronto, Nicolas Sarkozy ranks clearly on the side of Barack Obama's hostile plans rigor precipitates. "For France, fiscal consolidation is a long-term need [...] the stimulus must be from 2011, progressively, according to individual circumstances," said one EU source.

Favorable cures severe austerity in Greece, Portugal and Spain, Nicolas Sarkozy calls for budget adjustments "progressive" in France and Germany, from 2011, with "not too many taxes."

The fragile economic and financial worries Europe G8 and G20. "Our partners Americans and Canadians fear the impact of austerity plans on resuming" said one EU source.The health of banks on the Old Continent is also a major concern in the United States. "There's nothing to fear from that quarter. Our banks are very strong. The results of stress test in late July is going to cheer the markets, "say the Europeans.

Faced with the Americans, Germans and Britons facing the G8 steadfast defenders of rigor. "A sustainable growth can not result from a fiscal policy based on the debt!" Repeats Angela Merkel. "Our public finances are in such a state, we have no other choice than a hard adjustment," he defends David Cameron.

Within this debate, Nicolas Sarkozy wants to distinguish itself from its European partners. Recognizing the need to reduce fiscal deficits in France, he will not rush, giving priority to pension reform.If markets were not so vigilant, he would gladly own the warning of Barack Obama: "do not overdo it in 2010 … or 2011.

European markets reorient downward on Thursday after two sessions of net withdrawal, which followed up to nine sessions in a row.

ACC 40, which closed late Wednesday a decline of 1.71%, to 3641 points, however, had started sitting up. He quickly plunged and yields 0.96% mid-term point to 3606.9.

The euro shows a decline of 0.28% at the same time and now rated as 1.23, to 1.2277 exactly. The European currency declines amid persistent fears about the state of the economy of the Old Continent.

In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB president, said it was unlikely that deflation risks materialize in the euro area.

Employment on the radar screen

Supported by purchases of televisions before the World Cup soccer, the French household consumption of manufactured goods rose 0.7% in May after a drop the previous month, Insee said Thursday. Better than expected.

Job center will provide 18 hours tonight the numbers of jobseekers registered.

In the Eurozone industrial orders in April showed the strongest gain in 10 years: +0.9% over March and 22.1% compared to April 2009. This last figure is the highest since May 2000, according to statistics released Thursday by Eurostat.

In the U.S., at 14.30, the figures on durable goods orders in May are highly regarded, as usual. As the traditional weekly claims for unemployment benefits (same time).

Areva accrues $ 400 million more

The Group accrues 400 million euros more because of the further delay of the EPR. These delays have already cost the group 2.3 billion euros nuclear. And this new supply will cause the accounts into the red in the first half.

Vinci: -0.59% to 37.26 euros The company has signed an agreement for a proposed road tunnel in Vietnam, worth an estimated $ 600 million.

Publicis: -0.34% to 34.74 euros Interpublic does not need to merge with Publicis, according to its CEO, Michael Roth.The fourth group in terms of global advertising revenues has been speculation about a possible merger with French group.

L'Oreal: -1.81% to 81.82 euros, L'Oréal held yesterday, a presentation on New Markets, on their growth potential, based on affordable innovations, development of new product categories and the acceleration of globalization. Natixis Securities appreciated and raised price target on the value of 92-97 euros.

Societe Generale: -2.93% to 35.74 euros, the bank claimed Kerviel to 4.9 billion. This sum is claimed as damages, the commitments of the former alleged fraudulent trader.

Banking sector is doing well this Thursday after being bottom of the list of the CAC 40 over the past two sessions.The President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet said in an interview published Thursday that the reform of financial regulation are on track and that a number of important decisions will be taken in November, during G20.

Axa: + 0.07% to 13.55 Resolution eurosL'assureur UK announced Thursday the acquisition of its French rival Axa Life insurance, savings and pensions in the United Kingdom for up to 2.75 billion pounds (3.3 billion euros).

Vivendi: + 0.06% to 17.45 euros without, however, that the word "relax" is heard, the prosecution had asked for any penalty against former executives of Vivendi Universal. From the first day of the hearing, Jean-Marie Messier, former chief executive, expressed a mea culpa about its "excessive communication."

Casino: + 0.33% to 63.75 euros latest episode in the war of Nespresso.Nestle has obtained the high court in Paris to send bailiffs in Folliet and Vegeplast, the two suppliers to the manufacturer Casino pods compatible with Nespresso machines.

Air France-KLM: -2.73% to 10.87 euros 4,390 people have left the company without being licensed, by March 2013, according to an internal document quoted by La Tribune, on its website.

Company Alps: -4.28% to 23.02 euros Compagnie des Alpes announced Thursday the launch of a capital increase of around 100 million euros, with retention of preferential subscription.

The leisure group has also announced a refinancing of its debt in advance through long-term, secure the liquidity of the group for five years.He said in a position to make acquisitions.

TF1: -2.24% to 11.54 eurosL'élimination the first round of the France squad will deprive TF1 more than ten million euros in revenue. But the title TF1 has underperformed by 3.6% of all broadcasters in Europe since the beginning of the World Cup. This correction related to the elimination of the France team is disproportionate to the financial magnitudes of the event, said an analyst.

Oil drop

Crude prices have continued to drop Thursday (76.2 dollars) in electronic trading in Asia, driven by anxiety about U.S. demand, world's largest consumer.

The latest indicators of the U.S. Department of Energy showing an increase of two million barrels in crude stocks in the week concluded on June 18 have caused concern to investors, which projected a decline of one million barrels.The increase in crude inventories reported in effect a weakening demand.

A new kind of club opened Thursday in Clermont-Ferrand. Bridge? Tennis? No, DIY! Members buy a card that gives them access to 20 000 references sold on average 30% cheaper than in traditional supermarkets specialized. This offer is based on the concept of DIY Factory, a store 4500 m? (1500 m? outdoor) that tests the independent channel Bricorama (117 outlets in France).

The price of the card, 19 to 149 euros, depends on the period chosen by the customer (7, 30, 90 or 365 days). For example, a project started in spring and completed in early summer, a handyman can do some shopping Sunday for 90 days with the card paid 49 euros.Among the proposed rates: a jar of 500 ml of lacquer painting sold Dulux Valentine 9.55 EUR 19.10 EUR against average in a large area of traditional crafts (-42%), or a sink with Hansgrohe shower proposed 144 70 euros, against 209 euros elsewhere (-31%). Lower prices can reach up to 60%.

The new store, which replaces a Bricorama deficit lies in a catchment area hotly contested, close to a Leroy Merlin, a champion of "hyperchoice (50,000 references), himself leaning against a giant casino, and another discounter, Brico Depot, the brand's low-cost Castorama, both subsidiaries of the UK group Kingfisher.

Impasse on first prize

DIY Factory offers fewer products than the first radius is not proposing building materials as the second pay day loan lenders.It is also missing several major brands like Black & Decker or Bosch, all present at Leroy Merlin, preferring challenger brands recognized pros. Finally there is no first prizes at the heart of its bid, as at Brico Depot. Finally, the third linear are less than those of a trimmed Bricorama.

"It's true discount, but not the trash: we sell at low prices without making concessions on products or service levels," said Erik Haegeman Bricorama CEO, who is without some mention that discounters it considered it less fussy about quality.

"The signs attract customers with low prices to the minimum quality – on which margins are nonexistent – and hope to catch up on accessories for power tools or decoration," explains Erik Haegeman.Rather than finding an equation of higher margin sales and margins near zero, Brico Factory applies the same level of reasonable profit on its entire supply. It would be about 10%.

This "discount quality" Will it attractive enough for consumers to buy a card? Bricorama, which did not sign up now at low prices, at least fills a void. If the test proves successful DIY Plant, the least profitable Bricorama could pass under the new brand.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which was Friday questioned the investment bank Goldman Sachs in a fraud case, is interested in other institutions that might have misled their investors about the nature of certain loans, according The Wall Street Journal. Several banks have had the same path as Goldman Sachs, creating financial products that allow for strategic customers such as hedge funds bet on the collapse of property prices at the same time where others were betting on further increases.The Deutsche Bank, UBS, Merrill Lynch or today came under the leadership of Bank of America, and could also interest Constable of U.S. financial markets, according to information from the Wall Street Journal.

For its part, the New York Times estimated that the case Goldman Sachs also shows the great return of the SEC at the front of the stage, while the institution had remained in the shadows in recent years.

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A "golden boy" among many other French

After four consecutive sessions in the green and a gain of 0.7% for the Dow Jones, Wall Street starts this week in doubt. At the close, the Dow Jones gained 0.16% to 10,641.92 points, the S & P 500 grapille 0.04% to 1150.50 points.l In contrast, the Nasdaq lost 0.23% to 2362.21 points.

The NYSE is cautious on the eve of the monetary policy meeting of the Fed. The Fed should keep its no surprise key interest rate near zero and reiterate its commitment to maintain a low level for a "prolonged period". More than the rate decision widely expected, investors will scrutinize the speeches of leaders of the U.S. central bank.They watch for a possible change in tone or vocabulary that could be the harbinger of early recovery in interbank rates, especially after raising the discount rate last month.

In this atmosphere, the figures for industrial production go unnoticed. However, the latter rose in February by 0.1% from the previous month, while analysts believed it had stagnated.

The surplus balance of U.S. capital flows to long-term investments declined in January to $ 19.1 billion against $ 63.3 billion the previous month, according to data published Monday by the Treasury Department .

Greece returns to the heart of concerns

In addition to this national event, the U.S. financial markets keep an eye on the statements that filter the meeting of European finance ministers on Greece.On Monday and Tuesday until tomorrow, they must define the details of plan using Greek estimated at over 20 billion euros.

But the markets seem to regret the lack of clear announcements about it. This anxiety is the euro down. The European currency loose 0.75% to 1.3669 dollar. In turn, the rise of the dollar penalizes values to raw materials.The oil companies Chevron (-0.73% to 73.16 dollars) and ExxonMobil (-1.14% to 66.04 dollars) were penalized by the decline in oil prices payday loans for bad credit .

The maker of construction equipment Caterpillar gave up 2.12% to 59.08 dollars and aluminum producer Alcoa 1.10% to 13.45 dollars.

Wal-Mart stands

Amylin Pharmaceuticals climbed 15.25% to 23.35 dollars, boosted by the announcement that the FDA does not need more data on its anti-diabetes drug.Boston Scientific has screwed him for 13.24%, after stating that he was stopping the sale of a defibrillator.

The energy sector was also facilitated by the acquisition of sites for exploration and production of shale gas from Dominion Resources (0.28% to 39.58 dollars) in the Appalachians, to 3.475 billion dollars in cash by Consol Energy (-9.96% to 48.62 dollars).

Wal-Mart was distinguished with an increase of 2.76 to 55.39 dollars, supported by higher recommendation to "buy" by analysts at Citigroup.

The title of the parent company of Calvin Klein, the Philips-Van Heusen, jumped 10.08% to 52.56 dollars. The group will buy the brand of leisure wear Tommy Hilfiger in UK investment funds Apax Partners.

Google (-3.42% to 559.74 dollars after opening under $ 565) could close its search engine or a part of its activities in China.Google Chinese news should be limited to official newspapers. 36% of Google revenues in China are related to its search service. "Baidu, its main competitor, would be the main beneficiary of the partial withdrawal, analysts said Aurel BGC.

The Pentagon has dismissed the accusations of protectionism could give time for EADS to prepare a rival bid by the Boeing (-1.07% to 69.08 U.S. dollars) contract for refueling tankers.

The results of FedEx for the third quarter are expected Thursday. The numbers of specialist courier services is considered a leading barometer of business activity. Titles rise of 1.09%, to 87.12 dollars.

It is the global rush on atomic reactors. Nicolas Sarkozy opened Monday morning an international conference on access to civilian nuclear technology that would bring together a thousand participants including some forty foreign ministers and the new Director General of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), Japan Yukiya Amano.

Not less than sixty States have shown in recent years with the Vienna their desire for nuclear reactors to generate electricity payday advance online . "The expectation in these countries is very strong," said an organizer of the conference. Iran and North Korea, which have violated their international obligations, have not been invited to Paris, unlike Syria and Libya.

Click on image to enlarge.

The boom in fuel prices had widened the trade deficit in French in 2008. In 2009, the fall in oil prices has allowed France to limit the damage. The French trade deficit, is to tell the difference between exports and imports stood at 43 billion euros in 2009 against 55.4 billion in 2008, according to official figures published this friday.

The year 2009 was marked by a sharp fall in world trade has declined by 13% by volume. In this context, French exports fell by 17% and imports by 18% in value, is the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade. "However, from the second quarter, with the gradual recovery of international trade, the French foreign trade contributed positively to the French growth, it is said in the statement creditreport