Sundial of world news

The decision of the Central Bank of China down 0.12% Monday from the central rate of its currency, to bring it back to 6.78 yuan per dollar, is not trivial. It confirms that China believes that the resumption of the global economy is "very slow" in the words of his prime minister, Wen Jiabao.

Since June 19 last, the central rate of RMB, yuan's other name, is fixed daily by the bank that leaves fluctuate within a margin of plus or minus 0.5% vis-à-vis the greenback. Then she had gained 0.8% since that date, the Chinese currency fell Monday to its lowest level in two weeks, to 6.78 yuan per dollar.

The government fully controls the growth of his country. The measures taken to avoid overheating, especially in real estate, have borne fruit. The GDP (gross domestic product) grew by only Chinese 10.3% in the second quarter, against 11.9% in the first.

Wen Jiabao welcomes it, but he believes that his country because of "uncertainties" facing the world must "increase domestic demand, while stabilizing the foreign demand." But Monday, the State Information Center, an organization that depends on the Reform Commission and National Development, released a report which estimates that the growth of Chinese exports in the second half of this year will not exceed 16 3% by volume, against a leap of 35% for the first six months of the year. It does not explain its calculation, but it is clear that it expects a slowdown in trade flows in the world.It probably also fear the consequences of wage increases in Chinese enterprises on the competitiveness of the country pay day advance.

"We will pursue a fiscal policy that anticipates events and a lax monetary policy remains appropriately," recalled last week Wen Jiabao on the occasion of the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. And to reaffirm its confidence in the euro area stressing that China was keen to diversify its huge foreign exchange reserves (2454 billion in late June) by buying other currencies than the dollar, Japanese yen and the euro particular.

Strong pressure

But the Chinese are concerned. The decline in consumer prices in the U.S. in June for the third consecutive month, makes them fear a risk of deflation in the U.S..Deflation, which leads consumers to indefinitely postpone their purchases and that discourages entrepreneurs from investing.

Beijing knows that long-term revaluation of the yuan will allow its exporters to improve the management of their enterprises to go upmarket and strengthen their competitiveness. This is the speech that he held the Americans and Europeans that add such an operation will also contribute to "reduce inflationary pressures from outside."

But in the short term the Chinese authorities think that the pressures are too strong. So, although it continues to assert that it will maintain a "regime of managed floating exchange rate, the speculation began to say that it will limit increases its currency to protect its exporters.

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Moody's has struck again. This time, the rating agency downgraded the credit rating assigned to the public debt of Ireland two notches to Aa2 from Aa1. The agency now shows a stable outlook, while they were negative before.

Moody's analysts explain this degradation by three factors. They rely on "the gradual loss and significant financial strength of the Irish government illustrated by rising deficits and the weakening of the country's repayment capacity." Growth prospects also weakened justify the gesture of the agency. The agency believes that the burden of debt relative to gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to stabilize around 95% to 100% within two to three years. Finally, doubts about the soundness of the banking system, following numerous recapitalizations of businesses have also influenced Moody's.The agency has referred to the substantial liabilities arising from the establishment of the NAMA (National Asset Management), a defeasance bank (or bank rotten ") service, which has to buy the Irish banks Tens of billions of subprime loans that they had accumulated before the credit crisis.

A budget deficit higher than that of Greece

In 2009, the budget deficit of Ireland, 14.3% of GDP was highest in the euro area, even superior to that of Greece, suffered a severe debt crisis. The Irish public debt has soared from 25% of GDP at end 2007 to 65% in late 2009.

Moody's has recently made several other cuts of notes on debt.The sovereign rating of Portugal has been degraded to A1 AA2 cons last week because of growth prospects remain relatively low and a deteriorating financial situation. Following the degradation cascade, investors may be less attentive to agency decisions.

Satisfaction and prudent. Patrice Durand, CFO, Thales has engaged in a balancing act by commenting on early trends of fiscal 2010. "We had an encouraging first quarter," says he. Markets remain difficult, the consolidated turnover increased by 8% (+5% at constant scope), while new orders booked increased 5% to 2.4 billion euros thanks to force of defense and security industry. In late March, the backlog exceeded 25 billion euros, or nearly two years of activity.

Annual objectives confirmed

However, the group finance director of defense and high technology remains cautious. "Our business is marked by a degree of seasonality. It would be premature to draw conclusions from this first quarter for the full year, "he warned.However, the group confirmed its annual goals: a stable income and an operating margin of 3% to 4%. It aims to build on its new organization – set up in late 2009 – and the first fruits of its "efficiency plan", called Basis Pro, which should reduce the cost of "poor quality" is ie the financial excesses of complex programs. In this regard, Patrice Durand said that "the landscape remains the same" for risk contracts (eg, development of avionics for the Airbus A400M military), because "you can not change radically a program in a few months, "but he adds" we are working hard in conjunction with Airbus.

Resumption of Aviation "uncertain"

The group led by Luc Vigneron remains cautious for the resumption of commercial aviation remained "uncertain" and the group will not benefit from the boost provided by the orders of the French army under the recovery plan. Unlike the budgetary pressure is at its height on the states of the euro area whose deficits have exploded over the past two years and who convert in a pinch. However, defense accounts for 60% in the activity of Thales. The challenge for the group will be to find new sources of growth outside Europe. In 2010 and in years to come.

Also on conviction to a fine of 630 million euros in total (including 15 million in interest) of France in the case of the sale of Lafayette-class frigates to Taiwan, Thales, whose share of the fine represents 27.463% of the contract or its part, has decided to "implement all available remedies" and will soon file an action for annulment before the Court of Appeal of Paris. "As an interim measure, the company will pass on its accounts of the first half of 2010 an additional provision of 35 million euros.

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From our Washington correspondent

General Motors (GM) hopes to return to profit this year. But, for the six months following its release from bankruptcy – that is to say the second half of 2009 – the American manufacturer said Wednesday losses of 4.3 billion. A deficit can be explained by the accounting impact of one-off payment of 2.6 billion dollars to fund medical expenses of its workers unionized. Losses in the second half to add 88 billion of accumulated losses reported by GM since 2005. Fallen giant, which reveals for the first time since its release its finances in bankruptcy, however, is reassuring in terms of "positive cash flow of one billion dollars."GM will release its 2010 first quarter results next month.

The largest U.S. auto also Wednesday renewed his promise to repay the U.S. Treasury $ 4.7 billion by next June. This is the outstanding amount of loans to support its radical reorganization and exit bankruptcy instant payday loan. But the bulk of 50 billion dollars of state aid to GM has been converted into shares. The Treasury, which holds 61% stake in the manufacturer, hopes that conditions will be reunited as quickly as possible to divest this anachronistic situation through a grant from the reintroduction Detroit giant."We have important work to achieve but we are building the foundations that we will be re-listed," said Chris Liddell, the new group finance director, Microsoft hired by GM's new boss, Ed Whitacre .

Moving faster than expected GM bankruptcy has eliminated most of its debts and reduce its cost of labor. If we do not consider brands that are being abandoned, like Pontiac, Hummer and Saturn, GM sales are recovering.

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After disappointing results in 2009 of Soci?t? G?n?rale, its CEO Frederick Oud?a knows waited. Both internally and externally. Vis-?-vis its troops, he has to take action. He unveiled a few days to key executives of the bank the outlines of a comprehensive transformation plan, dubbed "Ambition SG 2015" on which management has plate in the second half of last year.

Fifty sites have been identified, comprising four strands of work – customer relationships, image, operational efficiencies, staff. A strategic committee, chaired by the CEO, will meet every fortnight to confirm their advance."This is not a restructuring plan," warns the outset Severin Cabannes, deputy CEO, which states: "We expect and we adapt to changes in the environment."

A regulatory environment which strengthens capital requirements, requires the optimization of resources. It is no coincidence that, for the first time since the acquisition of Cr?dit du Nord in 1997, the bank plans to share its resources with regional gem. "We want to preserve the entrepreneurial spirit of the bank and we will associate with an industrial approach," says Severin Cabannes.

Another declared objective of the Societe Generale, the transition to a company focused on customer relations, as opposed to a counter which "push" of products.Same logic: the regulators, when calculating the liquidity needs of banks, will weigh the deposits according to the fidelity of goodwill. The challenge is even more crucial for a network that is still recovering Kerviel scandal and controversy surrounding stock options. So, at Societe Generale, a barometer of customer satisfaction is now one of the criteria for evaluating managers, next to the control of operational risk and the expense ratio on income.

Change Image

The most urgent projects such as the brand platform, the convergence of retail banking networks or approximation of systems have already been placed on the rails. "Changing the image of the bank is one of our priorities. We have already started work.The new ads end of 2010 will be marked by the change, "and warns Caroline Guillaumin, the new director of group communications.

The general direction of the Company asserts course very attentive to the additional stress involved in this challenge to its 160,000 employees. The trauma of France Telecom is in everyone's mind. "All projects will be accompanied by change experts. If we go more slowly, we'll go more slowly, "insists Severin Cabannes.

"We presented this business plan to the 1000 Ambassadors of the bank and 95% of them said they adhered to it. This shows a very strong support and I see a show real momentum around Frederick Oud?a "concluded Deputy CEO.Certainly, the bank needs to show it solidly behind his boss, when critics suggest instead a degree of uncertainty since the redesign of the staff. Vis-?-vis the outside, the long awaited day of 8 June investors will take stock of the strategy and financial outlook for 2012. The same day the trial begins Kerviel. A coincidence heavy.

The NYSE opened up Monday, preparing to end the quarter and a week shortened because of Easter. At the opening, the Dow Jones gained 0.39% and the Nasdaq 0.54%. The Standard & Poor's 500 up 0.51% (5.99 points) to 1172.58 points.

The U.S. markets have ended on a stable note Friday. The Dow Jones gained 0.08% to 10850, 36 and the Nasdaq 100 0.18% to 1952.63. The values of consumer durables and clothing and basic materials have gained ground.Conversely, those software and services and facilities and health services have been abused.

For U.S. investors await today in early afternoon revenues and expenditures of households for the month of February.

But the main highlight of the week on the macroeconomic level is expected Friday with the release of monthly statistics of unemployment in the United States. The U.S. markets will be closed as usual April 2 for the Friday that precedes Easter. Investors can therefore respond to the employment figures as the following week. They should focus their attention until the "Leading indicators of employment 'perception of the labor market by households, with the Conference Board survey from Tuesday, then the number of ADP private practice Wednesday.According to the makers of "Aurel BGC, the consensus of economists expect a sharp rebound in job creation." But, "this movement is partly technical, related to the reintegration of people who temporarily lost their jobs because of weather conditions in February …" add the specialists Aurel BGC.

Other key indicators of the week will be Tuesday house prices and an estimate of consumer confidence, Wednesday the index of activity in the Chicago area and the numbers of orders in February no teletrack payday loan.Thursday last week's meeting, the market will focus on the ISM index of manufacturing activity and construction spending in March.

On the currency markets, the euro continued to recover against the greenback after the announcement last Thursday of an agreement between the countries of the eurozone to help Greece with the participation of the IMF. The euro was trading above $ 1.34 in the morning.

The values listed, Chinese, Geely signed Sunday an agreement with Ford on the acquisition of Volvo cars. The sale had been expected for several weeks, the Geely group wishing to build a Volvo plant in Beijing for its domestic market. Ford said the transaction was $ 1.8 billion and would be finalized during the third quarter.By selling Volvo, bought 6.45 billion dollars in 1999, and Ford sells the latest brand of upscale pole he had wanted to be and which also included Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover.

According to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, Verizon Communications, the second mobile operator in the United States, is in talks to merge with Vodafone.

Companies are also starting to communicate on the cost of health reform. AT & T announced a provision of 1 billion, Caterpillar announced a 100 million dollars and Deere & Co, an extraordinary expense of 150 million. The impact of this legislation on corporate performance is difficult to estimate the short term. The new law eliminates many tax deductions that companies used to reduce health costs for retirees.

The trustees will have no choice. Friday, March 19, Herv? Novelli, Secretary of State for Trade, has signed a decree listing the benefits which must be included in the annual package paid by owners to day management of the building. Only services that are not included in this list will therefore in future be charged as extra by the trustee.

For example, the detention and the retention of certain records (plans, rules of ownership …) are included in the package. Same principle for the holding of general meeting, whichever occurs on the days and time slots indicated in the contract.All new contracts signed after July 1 must comply with this new rule.

This order lists the tasks of daily management purposes only established by the National Council of Consumer Affairs (CNC), which he believes should not be charged extra. The vast majority of contracts trustee voluntarily complies this list, as their unions had requested them. Most owners have therefore already contracts under the new rules. But a small minority of trustees continued to ignore. The order will force them to toe the line.

Herve Novelli has however not been satisfactory associations consumer no fax cash advances .They wanted the order to go further, especially to cut short the abusive practices of some trustees accused of inventing such new costs (administrative costs for time spent making photocopies for example) and to charge off package.

"A very imperfect compromise"

Association officials condominium (Arc) was also condemned in advance the draft order, saying it would allow such trustees to continue to pay more to hold general meeting in the evening. For the General Confederation of tenants, that order is "a very imperfect compromise between consumer expectations and resistance professionals.It gives no definition of the current management, poses no limit to the abuse of special services and create difficulties of interpretation concerning the list of benefits. "

But Herve Novelli does not intend to abandon this topic. He asked the Committee on unfair terms in order to have deep expertise on the unfairness or otherwise of all clauses in contracts.

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"How to achieve its goal three months of sales? By becoming a vendor at Renault Samsung, "The joke circulating these days at the dealership in Seoul, during the lunch break. Their enthusiasm was due to booming sales of Korean-French manufacturer since early 2010.

A surge of 74.6% on the South Korean market in January (compared to last year), while exports registered a strong increase of 43.6%. This spectacular start due to the immediate success by winning the new SM5, the car manufacturer's flagship, launched last month. The third version of the sedan, developed from the chassis of the Laguna 3 sells like hotcakes and allows Renault Samsung to face the future with serenity.

"This is a key operation, the SM5 must ensure the future of the brand for five years," said CEO Jean-Marie Hurtig.

Image quality

Things seem to parties because these excellent figures confirm the good results registered by the manufacturer in 2009, world in crisis. Defying the pessimistic prognoses of its own troops, the Korean branch of Renault reported a 31% increase in sales last year, thanks to a South Korean market remained buoyant despite the international situation. Based on image quality, still up in surveys of consumers, the manufacturer has strengthened its position as the second group of Korea, at GM Daewoo. In the land of morning calm, Renault Samsung is the manufacturer that goes against the behemoth Hyundai-Kia, which controls nearly 80% market share.The success of the SM3 but also export the Koleos, an SUV of the year in China, enable the brand to address the global recovery with optimism.

Performance that also strengthen the position of the manufacturer within the Renault group. In 2009, South Korea became the third largest market for Renault (except Nissan) behind France and Germany. A spectacular leap from 9th place, a year earlier, made possible by the lowered sales in major markets like Turkey, Italy or Brazil.A breakthrough that allows the manufacturer to get rid of its image of Tom Thumb the group, which sticks to the skin from its takeover in 2000, on the verge of bankruptcy.

Logistically, Renault Samsung has also taken advantage of the crisis to increase its role in the alliance: taking advantage of the fall of the Korean won against the yen, the Pusan plant provides more and more parts to workshops Nissan, on the island of Kyushu. "Korea becomes competitive with China," said Jean-Marie Hurtig, who can also rely on the quality of South Korean engineers and a social climate less tense than in Hyundai and Ssangyong.

Only downside, the rise steeply from the Korean currency against the dollar and the euro, which threatens the competitive edge of exports.

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After a year and a half behind schedule, the military transport plane A400M will finally soon make its first flight. A spokesman for the German Ministry of Defense said Thursday that the first flight will take place on 10 or 11 December in Seville (Spain). He said that "of 11 is most likely. For its part, Airbus Military has just announced a flight to "the end of the week" next. The exact date will depend on the results of ground tests and the weather.

The transport aircraft propellers powered by four turboprop engines have been flying in summer 2008 but has suffered many delays because of development problems, particularly related to its engine. Deliveries to the armies are in turn delayed by at least three years and will not occur before late 2012 at the earliest.Germany, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and Luxembourg have ordered a total of 180 aircraft.

Dark period for producers of solar energy. Q-Cells, one of the world's leading manufacturers of solar cells, reported a loss of nearly 1 billion euros over the first nine months of the year, against a profit of 150 million euros over the same period in 2008. Its turnover in nine months has, meanwhile, fell sharply by 40.9% yoy to 550.3 million euros.

The group Q-Cells said the decline coupled turnover and results by falling prices of photovoltaic cells, a background of economic crisis and increased competition from Chinese manufacturers, which enjoy much lower costs and massive government aid programs.

The Conergy Group, number two German industry has recorded its share down 41% of its sales in the third quarter while its counterpart Phoenix Solar, which specializes in installing solar panels on the roofs of buildings, revised downward its forecast for growth in turnover.

The Chinese group JA Solar is one of those who profit from the current weakness of its European competitors. With a volume of record quarterly shipments, the Asian group could return to profitability in the third quarter.

To adapt to this changing market, Q-Cells, as rival Norwegian Renewable Energy, has already started to transfer Asian part of its production to reduce costs.

Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the action Q-Cells lost 3.86% to 10.93 euros in mid-session while Phoenix Solar yielded 4.88% to 35.10 euros.Conergy was also in the red, falling 2.53% to 0.77 euros.