Aug 13




The anxiety begins to rise in the staffs of distributors. Since last May, in response to rising prices in hypermarkets and supermarkets, French households scratch some products of their shopping list. In late February, the central purchasing of hypermarkets and supermarkets had completed, in pain, their traditional annual tariff negotiations with food manufacturers and consumer products. They had had great difficulty in getting the increases they felt were necessary, given the soaring prices of raw materials.

Since March, distributors impact gradually increases on their labels. That month, prices in stores were up 0.67% over February, according to the institute Symphony IRI Group. Since then, a month to month, prices increase in radius each time by 0.50%."The return of inflation is beginning to be felt on the behavior of buyers in supermarkets," says Jacques Dupré, Director of Insight Symphony IRI Group, which analyzes the monthly receipts of all the major surfaces of the Hexagon .

The break in the trend is clear. Of the four months preceding the return of inflation on the shelves between November 2010 and February 2011, sales of food increased by 1.3%. And the next three months, between March and May, the increase slowed to only 0.4%.

Promotional pressure

In April, the phenomenal sales of water, beverages, beer and ice cream, boosted by high temperatures, have allowed supermarkets to record an exceptional increase their volumes, which jumped this month to 4 3% compared to April 2010. But since May, purchases in supermarkets are falling over one year.Month after month, the trend continues. "In July, the decline could even exceed 1%, says Jacques Dupré. Inflation continues to gain momentum. "

The drop in purchases is certainly less intense than in 2008. At the time, soaring raw materials led to an increase of 4.5% of the labels in three months, which had resulted in a decline in overall consumption of around 2% throughout the year, twice as large as that observed in the last three months.

"So far, arbitration is more about quantity than quality, said Jacques Dupré. Rather than falling in line, they buy a little less product. "As in 2008, consumers are tightening their belts.But they give up to afford one or two products "frivolous" (see box) rather than turn to the variety of entry-level or private labels (PLs) for items they value.

Despite the general rise in prices, domestic brands continued to be more resilient than labels distributor, yet less expensive. Until May, growth was consistently higher, thanks to promotions, which have proliferated in the first half.

Promotional pressure from national brands was released in June … and then returned to the private label market share for the first time in eighteen months. The situation remains tense rays than ever, and inflation could thus give a boost to brands.Contrary to what happened three years ago, the hard discount does not benefit from inflation and continues to lose market share.

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Jul 28




PSA Peugeot Citroën can overcome the disaster in the first half Japanese. The first French car maker reported Wednesday a net profit after minority interests up 18.5% to 806 million euros in the first half. Revenues rose 9.7% to 31.1 billion euros, driven by sales outside Europe, while trading profit rose 1.8% to 1.16 billion. The agreement gave a turnover of 30.52 billion euros and a net operating income of 1.15 billion.

The effect of the disaster that hit Japan in March was still represented 147 million euros for PSA in the first half. Excluding this impact, operating income would have emerged an increase of 14.7%."In an environment unfavorable market declines of the group in Europe, higher raw material prices and disruptions caused by the disaster in Japan, the company posted a robust performance. This context reinforces the relevance of our strategy to move upmarket Peugeot and Citroen, globalization and improving operational performance, "said Philippe Varin, CEO of PSA, in a statement.

Disturbances yet to come

The negative effects of the disaster of March 11 should not disappear in the second half."In Japan we have had negative effects and we continue to have negative effects because there are a number of components that are in short supply, and force us to change our product offering and, thus, to have a dialogue with our customers a little more complicated, "said Frédéric Saint-Geours, CFO of PSA, during a teleconference.

The problems in Japan, combined with rising commodity prices, should have a negative impact stronger than expected second quarter. "The environment should deteriorate further € 300 million compared to previous estimates," says the group. Degradation that will fail to fully offset by productivity gains and income derived from its performance plan, he warns.

Despite this difficult environment, PSA confirms its target of an increase in profit from recurring operations throughout the year. The supplier Faurecia, which still holds PSA 57.4% stake, has also raised its 2011 targets on Tuesday after a first half marked by strong growth in all regions of the world.

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Jul 22




The NYSE was struggling to find a clear direction at the opening Friday, the day after net gains brought by the agreement reached in Europe on debt and as the market digested a series of results: the Dow Jones lost 0, 21% but the Nasdaq gained 0.25%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gave 27.09 points to 12,697.32 points while the Nasdaq, dominated by technology, taking 6.98 points to 2841.41 points. The broader index S & P 500 fell by 0.04% (or 0.52 points) to 1343.28 points.

On Thursday, the New York Stock Exchange ended sharply higher Dow Jones gained 1.21% to 12,724.41 points, its highest closing level in over two months and the Nasdaq 0.72% to 2834.43 points .The broader index Standard & Poor's 500 rose 1.35% to 1343.80 points.

The announcement of a concrete agreement on the plan of aid to Greece, made shortly before the close of the U.S. market, has largely contributed to the surge in indices. In the U.S., investors remained optimistic despite the denial by a spokesman for the White House, press reports that a market was about to be reached with the Republican chairman of the House, John Boehner, to raise the debt ceiling. At 12 days of the deadline set by the Treasury, the Democratic leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate have found for nearly two hours the president Barack Obama to the White House. The rating agency Standard & Poor's reiterated Thursday that there was a chance that two lower sovereign rating of the United States within three months.The downgrade could occur "possibly by early August" and could be "one or more notches," says the agency.

On the foreign exchange market, the overall relaxation of the Greek fire, which had once benefited the euro last Thursday, however, did not have a lasting impact on the European currency was stable against the dollar on Friday. At mid session on European markets, the euro was worth 1.4412 dollars, against 1.4417 dollars on Thursday night. In the wake of the announcement of the plan, the euro reached a peak Thursday at 1.4443 dollar. In terms of oil, oil prices start rising, supported by a European, but also by the announcement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IEA), which has no plans to release a reserve again strategic.In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" took 28 cents to 99.41 dollars, after crossing at the meeting yesterday the 100 dollars. That of Brent North Sea took 23 cents to 117.74 dollars.

New round results

On the macroeconomic front, no major indicator is expected across the Atlantic. Investors should pay close attention to the results of the day. Starting with those of computer giant Microsoft has managed to achieve an increase of 23% of its annual net profit to 23.15 billion dollars, even though he suffered a slowdown in the IT market, felt by its flagship, Windows programs. The fourth quarter of fiscal shifted from Microsoft, completed June 30, exceeded expectations, with a 30% increase in net income to 5.87 billion billion.The turnover has meanwhile increased by 12% during the year to 69.94 billion dollars, including 17.37 billion dollars last quarter alone (8%). the title loses 1.93% to 25.87 dollars.

For its part, the U.S. manufacturer of AMD microprocessors without CEO since January, announced Thursday after the close of Wall Street have made a profit of $ 61 million in the second quarter against a loss of 43 million a year ago, to sales down 5%. The title takes off from 12.62% to 7.33 dollars.

Also note, the U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs (0.07% to 135.67 dollars) has won a legal victory against the Australian investment fund Basis Yield Alpha Fund failed (BYAF) who accused him of have made a mistake in selling him a financial risk before the financial crisis.A New York judge has in fact refused to hear the complaint, citing a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled that U.S. laws on financial products do not apply to transactions made abroad.

The U.S. maker of memory cards Sandisk recorded 1.37 billion of revenue in the second quarter of this year, including 248.4 million dollars in net profits. Numbers higher than analysts' expectations. The title earns 7.73% to 44.82 dollars.

The pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb (-0.32% to 29.46 dollars) announced Thursday that it has agreed "final" for the purchase of specialist treatments fibrosis Amira, a sum of up to 475 million. Under the agreement, BMS will acquire the entire share capital of Amira, which is not publicly traded, for $ 325 million in cash.Additional payments of up to $ 150 million could be made depending on the performance of the products currently developed by Amira.

Jul 21




The 3700 points were in the viewfinder of investors in the Paris Stock Exchange on Wednesday. They were exceeded in the early exchanges. At the close, the CAC shows a new gain of 1.61% to 3754.60 points. Yesterday, the Paris VAIT has already managed to recover, ending on a rise of 1.21% to 3694 points.

Other major European markets advance in unison. The London Stock Exchange was also up, the stock exchanges of Madrid and Milan are the most active with gains of 3% each. In London, the FTSE-100 index gaining 1.1% to 5853.82 points in mid-session and featuring Dax index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange advancing 0.40% to 7221.36 points.

Operators are encouraged by the good performance of U.S. markets, driven by advances in parliamentary negotiations in the United States for raising the ceiling on the debt.President Barack Obama for the first time reported "progress" in this debate, adding that the new Senate plan, presented Tuesday, was "consistent" in its approach. The Chairman stressed however that "not much time" before the deadline of August 2 to avoid a default. Wall Street was also reassured by good indicators of industrial performance and better than expected. Asian markets were also sending positive signals this morning.

Time, however, should still be prudent on the eve of a crucial European summit for the future of the euro area. The heads of state are to meet Thursday in Brussels to discuss the bailout of Greece. Several proposals for involving the private sector are on the table.

On the currency side, the euro rose slightly against the greenback at 1.4181 dollars against 1.4150 dollars late Tuesday.Oil is, him up: a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in August takes 80 cents to 98.30 dollars and that of Brent North Sea crude for September delivery gained 69 cents to 117.75 dollars .

Values ​​to follow

Havas: 2.15% 3.47% to euros

The advertising group has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Australian Host, the first independent agency of the country, for an undisclosed sum.

Saffron: + 4.68% to 28.99 euros

Tuesday the group received the green light from Washington for the purchase of American specialist of biometrics L-1 Identity Solutions. The agreement was announced last September for $ 1.1 billion in cash.

Edenred: -5.69% to 20.37 euros

The company specializes in prepaid service said Wednesday he was informed of an investment for 8% of its capital.Nearly 18 million shares have been placed Edenred Wednesday market at a price of 20.30 euros, a total of around 367 million euros, according to a source familiar with the matter said that the placement was the act of a U cash advance now.S. institutional.According to a source market, it is South Eastern Asset Management.

Alstom: -1.35% to 37.97 euros

The group said Wednesday sales down 12% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011-2012, to 4.5 billion euros, reflecting the "low level of orders registered during the crisis," but a sharp rebound its order intake over the same period (+44%).

Schneider Electric: + 0.71% to 105.85 euros

The group announced an extension until August 2 of its friendly takeover of two billion dollars (1.4 billion euros) on the Spanish Telvent, which it already owns to 19 July, before the closing date of the offer, 97% of the shares.

Laurent-Perrier: unchanged at 98.89 euros

The group announced Wednesday an increase of 11.5% of its turnover in the first quarter thanks to a mix effect prices soaring and exports still strong.

Accor: + 2.75% to 30.31 euros

The group was optimistic Tuesday in announcing an acceleration of organic growth in the second quarter due to increased occupancy rates and the gradual recovery of prices.

ADP: + 2.01% to 61.92 euros

The group announced a 4.6% increase in passenger traffic at its airports in June, driven by growth across all trajectories with the exception of Africa and the Middle East.

PPR: + 1.06% to 128.85 euros

Fnac, a subsidiary of luxury group, unveiled Tuesday a five-year strategic plan, called "Fnac 2015", which should enable it to boost sales after a disappointing performance.

EADS: + 3.59% to 24.79 euros

The parent company of Airbus has won a victory with the decision of American Airlines to order 260 A320s neo cons for Boeing 200 aircraft.

Biomerieux: -0.90% to 78.89 euros

The group announced the acquisition of French company Argene Molecular Biology and confirmed the objective of growth of its business year after an increase of 3.5% of its turnover in the first half of 2011.

Sanofi: + 1.30% to 55.15 euros

The Canadian Valeant Pharmaceuticals announced yesterday the signing of an agreement to buy the French laboratory marketing rights and distribution in Canada of a cream against osteoarthritis.

Manitou: + 1.45% to 21.74 euros

The group raised its forecast Tuesday for 2011 after signing up 45% of its turnover in the first half despite the continuing difficulties of supply.

Always on the side of publications, after market, Unibail-Rodamco will present its second quarter results and Ubisoft announce its first quarter 2011-2012 revenues.

Jul 14




Carrefour and its major shareholders still have progress to make to master the subtleties of samba. The merger of the Brazilian subsidiary of global distributor with the second casino, Grupo Pao de Acucar (GPA), is abandoned.

Scaffold for months in the back of its local partner Casino Abilio Diniz (President and owner of 21% of GPA), with the support of BNDES, the Brazilian equivalent of the Deposit, the project would have allowed Crossroads take control of all activities involving the two Brazilian groups. The company, known as Pao de Acucar Novo, would have made 30 billion euros in sales and held 32.3% of the local market, against 11.1% for the U.S. WalMart.

Las.The latter, entered the capital of the retailer in March 2007, when the action was worth 53 euros, have increased the project, or attempted to bounce the stock price, which dropped by half since: sale of Brazilian and Chinese subsidiaries , public offerings of real estate branch, split Dia. In vain.

Brazil lost the battle has also cast a cruel light on the performance of Carrefour in the country, its first growth opportunities ahead of China payday advance lender. Abilio Diniz revealed that the operating profitability of Carrefour Brazil was 1%, seven times less than that of GPA. Casino and pointed the loss of market share of hypermarkets in Brazil, for the benefit of supermarkets and convenience stores.If its chain of wholesale stores Atacadao is a success, Carrefour, local leader, sees its hypermarkets suffer against those of Extra, a subsidiary of ABM.

Overconfidence

After 550 million of provisions recorded by Carrefour last year as a result of accounting fraud at its Brazilian subsidiary, the latter saw his image tarnished again. The withdrawal of the BNDES also shows that Carrefour had underestimated the political power relations in Brazil, or too trusted Abilio Diniz …

If new proposed combination with GPA must be submitted to the board of Carrefour in the coming months, it would still be opposed to casino, and no political support in Brazil. This time, the independent directors of Carrefour might well make their voices heard.

Jun 23




With one of the highest birth rate in the European Union, the French threw every year a million diapers that end up buried or incinerated. Further pollution to which a pilot project, called "Happy Nappy" ("happy coat" in English), seeks to end. Conducted by SITA, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement, the program has evaluated the recyclability of liners for babies and adults. Conclusion: they can be recycled to 90%.

This program of 340,000 euros, 40% funded by the Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME), spread over more than two years. After grinding the layers and their separate components, the program evaluated the energy recovery potential of each subject.Based on the work of the team, which make up plastics from 10 to 20% of the layers are recyclable, as are the fibers (10-20%) and feces and urine (50-70%). Only superabsorbent polymers (5-10%) remain unresolved recycling. Upon arrival, a "triple value" with energy production, compost and recycled materials. Research is being conducted in other countries but "the idea of ​​the triple value is unique," says Laurent Galtier, project manager.

Final stage of the program: a solution to the residual organic matter from anaerobic digestion: they could be valued in agriculture. "It remains to perform tests on the agricultural sector in line with the Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique de Toulouse (ENSAT)," says Laurent Galtier.

"In a nursery, the act of sorting is done"

How to collect, then the used diapers? "Initially, we are interested in nurseries and nursing homes," said Laurent Galtier who visited both types of institutions and who claims to have met an "immediate acceptance" of his project. "In the nursery, the act of sorting is done," says he: the babies are, in fact, changed in the same place and layer thrown into the same bin.

The recycling plant layers could settle near a water treatment plant, to use the treated water discharged by the station and to enjoy the digester already present. "These are two very important points of synergy that could cause the project's success," said Laurent Galtier.

Concerned, diaper manufacturers have contacted the team.According to Laurent Galtier, a possible collaboration could include the development of plastic components and superabsorbent polymers. They "could be a future pilot project," says Laurent Galtier elsewhere.

The economic viability of the project "Happy Nappy" will be evaluated by the end of the year. Its director, however, provides that there is "no industrial process before 2013 at best."

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May 18




The director of Medicare does not hide its intention, revealing new figures on excess fees, weigh on the negotiations with private doctors, which should lead to early summer. "The system just drift since its inception 30 years ago, Frederick van Roekeghem regrets. We want to sound the alarm on the need to implement structural reforms. "

Overruns (these are requested beyond the "tariff Safely" legally by doctors of "Sector 2 but poorly repaid by certain complementary health) accounted last year for 2.5 billion euros, on a total of 20.9 billion euros in fees. A proportion is similar in style singled out by the Inspectorate of Social Affairs in 2004, which argued that while a "significant increase" during the previous decade.But behind this "apparent stability", says Fred van Roekeghem lies a greater concentration.

In 1990, 16% of physicians "family" could charge excess fees. Since then, the degree requirements were introduced which prevent virtually any plant of the generalist sector 2, and only 7% of workforce is concerned. The proportion of specialists in Area 2, with her stable for the past twenty years (41% in 2010). But if she fell for clinical specialties (pediatricians, dermatologists, gastroenterologists between 32% and 40%), it flies in the operating room: 34% against 28% for anesthesiologists, 85% against 73% for surgeons.And in all these areas, the sector will expand in the next two years as junior doctors settle overwhelmingly.

Physicians increasingly "greedy"

In addition, doctors applying overruns are becoming more "gourmet" on the amounts required: 54% of the "Safely rate, on average, against 25% in 1990. Note that Medicare confirms the intuition of the French Mutuality: 4.5% of public hospital doctors allowed to perform – for 20% of their working time to the maximum – a professional activity in area 2 practice overruns higher than their liberal counterparts "pure." Supplements such resources reach 81% in surgery, against 56% in the private sector, 80% against 48% in ENT, ophthalmology, or 96%, 60% cons.

Overtaking both more frequent and higher are concentrated in certain areas – with high purchasing power – like Paris and West of the Ile-de-France, Rhône, Alsace and the Coast d'Azur.

A problem of access to care

Nevertheless. "The phenomenon empire, says Frederick van Roekeghem. It poses a problem of access to care. " The boss of Medicare does not refute the argument of doctors (surgeons in particular): they are using the overruns is that the social security system pays too little certain acts, given their cost, their difficulty, duration, or the risk that affects the amount of insurance premiums. It's good to help doctors make more money without costing too much to Medicare that the sector 2 was created in 1980 by Raymond Barre.And it's not a coincidence that the least among specialists in Sector 2 are installed cardiologists (20%) and radiologists (13%), considered very good living by simply make rates Safely.

Frederick van Roekeghem says ready to act on the question to finally allow the entry into force of the solution advocated since 2004: the "optional sector. This would be for anesthesiologists, surgeons and obstetricians Area 2 volunteers to achieve at least 30% of their actions and costs Safely, do not charge for overruns over 50% on the rest of their activity, complementary health s 'committing their part to repay the money. "This discussion will reopen. I think it's the last time, "warns the director of Medicare.

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May 16




While the Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, was charged with attempted rape and arrested in the U.S. yesterday as investors worried about the turn that will take the debt crisis in the euro area, especially in Greece. The indictment of Dominique Strauss-Kahn ally of Prime Minister of Greece George Papandreou, arrived in effect at the worst time for Athens. The IMF chief would have had to go in Berlin on Sunday and meet Angela Merkel to discuss a possible new aid to Greece, who won the spring of 2010 using a 110 billion euros, 30 billion from the IMF.This meeting was to take place on the eve of a meeting of the Eurogroup, the Monday night and Tuesday in Brussels, with the main discussions at the agenda of the financial problems that resurface Greece for several days and plaguing the markets, concerned about the risks of bankruptcy of Greece, and the possible contagion to other countries of the euro area.

The IMF will be well represented at the meeting of the Eurogroup, the deputy general manager of operations, Nemat Shafik, who was missionnée to attend. But analysts say the IMF's support to Greece is not as steadfast as Dominique Strauss-Kahn took the reins of the institution.Thus, Eswar Prasad, an analyst at the Brookings Institution told the antenna Bloomberg: "The assumption was that as Dominique Strauss-Kahn remained at the head of the IMF, the institution has not dropped in Europe and continue to support the continent. But the departure of Dominique Strauss-Kahn casts doubt on the intentions of the IMF payday advance. "

The IMF board will meet on Monday

Immediate consequence of these doubts, the euro was down Monday morning on the currency markets in Asia. The euro bought 1.4056 dollars in Tokyo Monday morning, 1.4108 against the dollar in New York Friday night. Against the yen, the European currency eased to 113.61 yen against 113.99 yen. "For a few days at least, the market will fear a paralysis of leadership at the IMF.The euro is the currency will suffer the most since the IMF is active or in process of being implemented in three countries in the eurozone, "said an analyst.

For its part, the IMF has tried to be reassuring, saying yesterday that he remained "fully functional and operational," after stating that John Lipsky, IMF number two, will the Interim Director General of the institution the time required. The institution must meet its board of directors on Monday to decide the fate of its president at its head.Originally scheduled yesterday the appointment was postponed, the council waiting for new developments to make its decision in this situation that observers deemed "not simple".

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May 6




The RSA is still too much to summarize for the assistantship. This is the opinion of the UMP on the social benefit created in late 2008 to replace the RMI. A member of the majority – Peter Lang – early April has filed a bill to require their recipients to perform twenty hours of community service per week. Right about the club's social ex-Secretary of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez, he is preparing to request a return for five hours per week.

Recognizing this, the Head of State asked Marc-Philippe Daubresse, deputy secretary general of the UMP him "to make proposals to improve and upgrade the RSA, including its component insertion. That's why Martin Hirsch, the "father" of the RIAA, wrote to the former Minister for Active Solidarity letter – that Le Figaro was procured – to inform him of his "reform possibilities."He also said "available" to the convention that the UMP will devote to this subject in June and hopes to "be invited".

The former High Commissioner suggests to integrate RSA's earned income tax, "as expensive, ineffective, inequitable and diluted." One option discarded in 2008 that would "refocus budgetary resources on those who need it most." The president of the Civic Service Agency also proposes to revise the "slope" of the RSA (rate of income related to the resumption of employment that recipients are sure to keep). Set at 62%, he suggested the move to 70% for the RSA is "more incentive to work."This option was not selected in 2008 because of its cost ($ 3 billion, twice the budget approved) and the opposition of the Ministry of Employment.

"False good idea"

To increase the number of beneficiaries of the "RSA activity" (extra income for working poor) has reached in two years that 40% of its target (670,000 households), the former boss of Emmaus proposes to pay The RSA once a year. "A person would not file quarterly for 40 euros per month could ask the same time it made its return all the RSA which it could claim the title of the year, or 500 euros "says Martin Hirsch.

It encourages governments to "re-information campaigns, pointing that it is" rare and unusual "that a new benefit does not give rise to regular campaigns.And calls of "systematically provide a single integration contract" for recipients and above all to punish the double rejection. "This will help determine in what cases are the recipients who refuse a contract and helped when it comes to a lack of offers," he justified.

Martin Hirsch also reconsiders the "false good idea" to request a free exchange. "If we want to take five hours per week of activity to any recipient, then they must pay the minimum wage, or about 100 euros net gain", the only assumption that "do not turn your back to frontally work more to earn more .He blames the failure of the last RSA Young (8000 recipient, cons 16,000 expected) at Bercy, who made "a very inflated forecasts, for pushing the eligibility criteria strictest possible" and calls on the government to relax .

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Apr 8




Symbol of the Republic on the old five-franc pieces in silver, Hercules is back. But this time, the hero of Greek mythology appears in a stylized manner on new limited editions of the Paris Mint, representing the "brotherhood" that brings equality (his left) and "freedom." This April 8, the Monnaie de Paris launches two new pieces Hercules gold and silver, the respective denominations of 1,000 and 100 euros, from 10,000 to 50,000 copies.

Never before had struck the institution of such values ​​on the coins of precious metal. Since the advent of the euro on 1 January 2002, the Paris Mint had issued "only" 100 gold and 500 euros and 50 euros in cash.Where did the idea to stamp the parts of such value? "We realized that besides collectors, these prints seduced more and more individuals: they are sure of wool socks," says an official communication. Often, "the elderly offer these pieces to their grandchildren," she says.

Safe haven

Clearly, these pieces serve as safe havens, to hoard, at a time when the price of gold and silver are the highest. The yellow metal went through the roof these days, from April 7 the bar in 1467 dollars an ounce. The money, meanwhile, has never been higher, displayed more than 40 euros per ounce on 8 April, an increase of nearly 122% in one year.

What pushed the Paris Mint for optimism."These valuable coins [...] are in line with the old parts 20, 50 or 100 francs in money for years 1960, 1970 and 1980, but also Napoleons for which the French retain a special affection," says the institution in a statement. He added that his "little" news "should be a landmark in the history of money."

These new parts are available at the Monnaie de Paris (open to the opportunity this April 8 until midnight) or via its website, and from specialist dealers in numismatics. Some post offices will also distribute the money 100 euros.

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