Sundial of world news

It is not far from the "loss of face." The misfortunes of the new high speed train from Beijing to Shanghai are doing good laugh from all over China, while the press is unleashed and the authorities are trying to limit the damage. It must be said that it was promoted as a symbol of the Chinese railway resounding success, ready to go to conquer the world. But the beginnings are disastrous.

Last week, the train fell down several times. Internet forums and newspapers are full of stories telling outraged passengers have found in open country, stranded in trains closed and sweating profusely in the searing heat of summer. The Ministry of Railways had promised Friday that these problems would be "resolved" expeditiously. His spokesman, Wang Yongping, presented "excuses".And recognized that the line had seen "dozens of power outages" and a host of other "problems". The summer storms are largely responsible.

This iconic TGV line was opened with great fanfare on June 30, very proudly with "a year ahead" and, just as symbolically, the day before the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party. It was presented as the flagship of the newly high-tech controlled by China, and one of his arms out to conquer the world. Premier Wen Jiabao, said the line "operational" in Beijing before boarding for the first trip to the South. This train will link the two major Chinese cities 1300 km apart in less than five hours. The construction of the line has cost 23 billion euros.In March, the audit office of the state showed that 187 million yuan (20 million) had been diverted from the site by individuals or companies.

Massive rail projects

Chinese railway projects are enormous bad credit payday loans. In 2009, it was announced that 42 high-speed lines were planned for 2012, for an investment of 210 billion euros. China has the network of its kind in the world's largest, with more than 8000 km of track, and she wants to extend it to 25,000 kilometers by 2015 and 50,000 km in 2020. This year, like last year, Beijing is expected to invest 70 billion euros. Since the end of 2009, the "fastest train in the world" flows 350 km / h between Guangzhou and Wuhan. And last December, China announced proudly beating the world speed record with an oar unchanged at 486.1 km / h.But many voices cast doubt on the economic viability of some lines, less strategic than between Beijing and Shanghai. In February, the authorities decided to reduce the speed of TGV Chinese, for purposes of economy and to improve their safety. And the dramatic dismissal for corruption of the Minister of Railways Liu Zhijun, also in February, has revived speculation about a slowdown in rail projects.

Meanwhile, it is the airlines are rubbing their hands. They were sentenced say – almost – on the route from Beijing to Shanghai. The price of a one-way train range from 410 yuan (44 euros) and 1,750 yuan (190 euros), according to three classes, against about 1,300 yuan (140 euros) for a plane ticket in economy class.The airlines had already begun to lower their prices, with discounts up to 65% in response to the competition ground. They should slow down the movement …

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

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

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

Model difficult to transpose

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

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

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Renault is working to revive its sales in Europe in 2012. The automaker, whose image was tarnished by the case of false intelligence to launch a "flurry" of new products next year on the old continent, said La Tribune.

Starting with the renovation of smaller models. The group of diamond brand and will revamp its Twingo "with a front face far more original," says the group business daily. No time to breathe, the group will then present its model for electric car Zoe in March 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show prior to the market at a price of 15,000 euros from August 2012.

Then, the Clio IV will land on the market. The aim is to produce 450,000 Clio IV year, said La Tribune bad credit pay day loans. The vehicle will be produced in Bursa in Turkey but also Flins, near Paris. The new Clio will replace the previous ones.

New Dacia

On the Dacia brand, the group plans to launch a "compact van." Then the manufacturer will present models of renewed Logan and Sandero. These vehicles will be sold under the Renault brand outside Europe and Africa.

In the longer term, in 2014, new small city car produced in conjunction with Smart (Daimler) will emerge. Twingo a third version, and a smart four-seater will be produced on a single platform based in Slovenia. The year 2014 should be the revival of high-end vehicles.

Most renewed the attack on the RSA. On the eve of the opening of the convention on the theme of social justice organized by the presidential party tomorrow, Wednesday, June 8, Jean-Francois Cope, secretary general of the UMP, exhibited in an interview with the daily La Voix du North's proposals for certain recipients of income solidarité active (RSA) work "between five and ten hours per week serving the community of residence." In Le Parisien, Aujourd'hui en France, his deputy, Marc-Philippe Daubresse, which promotes these same proposals.

"About a third of the 1.15 million households that receive the old RMI are not able to work without heavy social support. But for the others we'll be offered a social utility paid five to ten hours per week, in communities or integration structures, "he says.In case of refusal, "the RSA may be reduced on a declining basis," said deputy general secretary.

Keeping the philosophy of law Hirsch

"Laurent Wauquiez has asked good questions," says he with reference to the controversy raised in mid-May by the Minister of European Affairs on the "excesses of the assistantship. Marc-Philippe Daubresse former Minister of Solidarity nevertheless believes that active-Laurent Wauquiez who wanted to impose hours of social service, did not provide "necessarily the right answers for those who know the complex workings of the RSA low interest personal loan.

He said the crisis has eased the innovative principle of active solidarity revenue, created to allow anyone who works to earn more than doing nothing, and he wants to add a second component.This new proposal he said the answers "to questions by Laurent Wauquiez, while keeping the philosophy of law Hirsch.

Create one-stop shops

Marc-Philippe Daubresse also wants to create one-stop and check that one department to another, that households whose situation is similar enjoy the same rights. The monthly business-RSA today paid quarterly, is also considered.In order to track social security fraud, the UMP also wants to implement a automatic reporting of income by Urssaf the family allowance funds.

These proposals were laborées at the request of President Chirac who, while saying that RSA is "a major social advance of this five-year", said it was perfect.

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Once is not custom, the Cac 40 owes its salvation to Greece. While preparing to end the week on a third consecutive decline, after the publication of unemployment figures very disappointing for the month of May that highlight the fragility of the recovery in U.S. stock index has closed unchanged at 3890.68 points.

The Footsie-100 from the London Stock Exchange closed up 0.12% to 5855.01 points. The Dax-30 from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange finished up 0.49% at 7109.03 points.

A wave of optimism has swept over the financial markets in the late afternoon after Greece and the "troika" has released details of an upcoming fiscal tightening.And especially that the country has reached agreement with its creditors to pay him a new financial assistance.

The service sector slows in Europe

In France, growth in services sector activity slowed slightly in May but remains close to the peak of nearly 11 years hit the previous month, final results showed on Friday of the monthly survey from the Markit Purchasing Managers . PMI Segment income $ 62.5 after hitting 62.9 in April, its highest level since September 2000. An initial flash estimate of 62.8 gave the May 23

This same index slowed sharply in Germany last month to 56.1, its lowest level since October against a flash estimate of 54.9 and a figure of 56.8 in April.However, it is accelerating in the U.S., the index of purchasing managers in the sector has emerged up from from April to 54.6.

Also overseas, only 54,000 net jobs were created in May, according to figures from the Labor Department. That is three times less than economists' forecasts.

As for currencies, the euro, which climbed to over $ 1.45 yesterday, continues its recovery. It traded at 1.4567 dollars this morning.

Oil prices fell Friday in New York after the release of employment figures far worse than expected in the United States, showing a sharp slowdown in hiring in May in the country no faxing payday loan.

Late afternoon in Paris, on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), a barrel of light sweet crude for July delivery traded at 99.46 dollars, down 0.94% compared to the day before.

Banks in good shape

The banking sector shows the largest gains among CAC 40 after Greece and the "Troika" (European Union, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank) unveiled the budget plan for Greece and Athens has confirmed that Agreement was reached with its creditors to pay him a new financial assistance. BNP Paribas (2.18% to 53.55 euros), Societe Generale (1.95% to 40.98 euros), Credit Agricole (2.17% to 10.58 euros) move.

TF1: +0.40% at 12.48 euros

Media rights to Roland Garros on Europe, formerly held by Eurosport (TF1), will change the diffuser to be allocated to the agency MP & Silva from 2012.

Vivendi: 0.63% to 19.07 euros

SFR announce next week an overhaul of its mobile offerings and partnership with the broadcast site Spotify music on the internet, writes La Tribune. The telecom operator will hold a press conference Tuesday, June 7

Thales: 1.16% to 29.28 euros, Safran: 0.59% to 27.94 euros

Discussions between the two groups regarding an exchange of assets will be using a mediator, Aldo Cardoso, former head of Andersen's consulting firm, said Friday the newspaper Les Echos.

Renault: 0.70% to 38.16 euros

The manufacturer believes that the shortage of diesel that has weighed on its registrations in the month of May in France will be eliminated in the second half, especially against the backdrop of the expected slowdown of the market, told The Tribune on Commerce Director of the French subsidiary.

Note that his main competitor, Peugeot, the fastest rising Cac 40 and the closure of the Paris stock exchange, rising 2.19% to 28.20 euros.

Who would have thought the always cautious Jean-Claude Trichet capable of launching such a stir in Europe? Five months after the end of his term as European Central Bank (ECB), the Governor, who found himself back on Thursday a prestigious award in Germany for the title of his contribution to European unification ", took the opportunity to deliver a will in the form of scathing: "Would it be too bold an economic standpoint, a single market, single currency and a single central bank, to consider a finance minister of the Union?" A proposal which requires no more or less, to revise the European Treaties … This hypothetical finance minister, seen by Jean-Claude Trichet, should ensure that each Member State's compliance with fiscal rules and competitiveness criteria dictated by Europe . And if this is not the case, it would have means of intervention.In short, what elicit strong reactions from Member States, always jealous of their sovereignty. However, the governor insists that wiped the plaster of the single currency, "interdependence means that countries do not have full internal facto authority. They may experience crises caused entirely by the adverse economic policies pursued by others. " Clearly, the worst loss of sovereignty is not accountable to a European authority, but to see its economy to its knees because of the excesses of its neighbors, such as Portugal just made the bitter experience business card.

A veto

The Greek debacle – Jean-Claude Trichet was careful not to comment directly – is at the heart of his argument. How to avoid crises in the euro area? With more monitoring. But also how to manage them when they erupt? Much more proactive."In the current scheme, all decisions remain in the hands of the country concerned", said the central banker, hoping to capitalize on annoyance with the efforts judged inadequate in Athens.

In the future, he advocated a policy in two steps to help struggling countries. "At first, it is justified to offer financial assistance in the context of a strong adjustment program. It is appropriate to give countries the opportunity to redress the balance for themselves and restore stability. "But if that does not work, the Governor argues for a direct influence of Frankfurt and Brussels."One might imagine that the European authorities have a right to veto certain decisions of economic policies." Of the major tax expenditures, for example. In short, if in Aachen, Jean-Claude Trichet cited bulk Erasmus, Victor Hugo and Kant, it was the accent of Martin Luther King that animated: after eight years at the ECB, the Europhile could have concluded " I have a dream "…

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With the boom in smartphones, iPhone in mind, insurers are facing a surge of claims. "All insurance plans for mobile phone are deficient because of the iPhone," said one trader. "We are facing both an increase in claims frequency and higher average cost of claims. All this weighs on the technical results, "says Catherine Lanson, communications director of SPB, broker manager at France's leading insurance mobile and handheld products.

On smartphones losses reach 35% against 20% on standard phones. As the average cost, it has doubled from 300 to 600 euros. "Besides the iPhone is over-represented in the portfolio of insurers with respect to its actual weight on the market as it is expensive, it is more fragile and he steals, consumers are more likely to sure, "says Catherine Lanson."Currently, 80 to 90% of claims relate to smartphones," says Anne-Laure Commault, director of mobile offerings from Orange.

Fragile

The case is the main source of complaints: it represents two thirds of claims against a third flight. All operators, claims related to breakage cost 400,000 euros and 200,000 euros for the flight. More fragile than previous generations of mobile clamshell or slider, smartphones with their large touch screen does not forgive the fall or landing in the toilet. This is the case of the iPhone 3 and the iPhone 3G, whose screen break if dropped on the pavement without protection payday loan lenders.Apple has taken this into account on the iPhone 4, where he worked the robustness of the screen.

Today, 6 million French people have provided their mobile phones: 4 million have taken insurance directly from their operator, 500 000 are insured through their bank, and $ 1.5 million through specialized distribution or retail. The rate of insured, reduced to 60 million mobile users, remains low but is rising sharply.

30 to 130 euros per year

Insuring your smartphone costs from 30 to 130 euros per year. Operators and insurers all offer forms for 3 euros, 6 euros or 9 euros per month, depending on the reimbursement ceiling. Despite the explosion of claims, they do not include higher insurance premiums. They rely instead on technological advances that help block mobile in case of theft, making it useless.On breaks, they play a tougher enforcement of the contract. Mostly, they try to stop fraud, which, estimated between 20% and 25% is huge. "Coincidentally, we note the real peaks of claims before the release of a new generation of iPhone," says Catherine Lanson. Insurers are now replacing broken or stolen laptops with identical phones reconditioned. One way to deter misrepresentation!

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Achieved. Shaken by the deteriorating situation in Japan's nuclear, the CAC 40 was able to reconnect with the 4000 points in mid-session, after finishing on Tuesday a net decrease of 1.54%, below the psychological threshold. On Wednesday traders try so successful ascent, in the footsteps of Asian markets. The CAC 40 advanced 0.79% to 4,008.04 shortly after midday.

Same trend in London and Frankfurt. After opening in the green, clinching the two exchanges respectively 0.97% and 0.85% in mid-day.

Markets react without panic to the new aftershock of magnitude 5.8 that struck today north-eastern Japan and shook buildings in Tokyo. In addition, they host without the excessive pessimism downward revision of economic forecasts of the archipelago by the government.In a report, it says that the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear disaster that struck the country will impact on a "temporary" consumption and consumer confidence, exports, industrial production and employment. The triple disaster, whose total cost amounts to about $ 300 billion, will require a supplementary budget of 4000 billion yen (33 billion). "The economy, which was improving, experiencing a phase of weakness, because of the consequences of the great earthquake northeast of Japan," says the government.

Gust Statistics

In this context, progress is therefore no euphoria. Especially since many key indicators are expected to analyze both sides of the Atlantic.In France, consumer prices rose 0.8% in France in March from the previous month and one-year inflation accelerated to 2%, show statistics released Wednesday by the INSEE.

In the euro zone industrial production rose 0.4% in February compared to January, when it grew by 0.2%, according to data released Wednesday by the EU statistics office Eurostat.

In the U.S., retail sales and March business inventories for February will be at the rendezvous, like the weekly oil inventories. The Fed's Beige Book will also be particularly scrutinized for 20 hours across the Atlantic.

Side of the oil markets, time is decreasing. Concerned by the level of demand, investors pull down prices.Shortly after noon, a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery, accounts for 0.29% 106 $ 56.

On the currency markets, the euro rises against the dollar and reappears slightly above $ 1.45.

Total in the viewfinder of S & P

As for values, Alcatel-Lucent (6.16% to 3.997 euros) recorded the largest increase in the CAC 40 to Accor (2.30% to 30.875 euros). Alcatel is supported by an increase of recommendation from Morgan Stanley to overweight value, weighting cons before guaranteed payday loans.

Schneider Electric: + 0.09% to EUR 113

The group has denied this morning to be "currently" in discussions with Tyco International today.The Daily Telegraph announced Tuesday that Schneider Electric had sent a letter in which he showed his interest in an offer of $ 30 billion on Tyco International, from the perspective of giving birth to the world's leading security systems.

Areva: -0.10% to 30.89 euros

The nuclear expert said Wednesday it has won a contract for the installation of a solar thermal concentrator coupled to the coal-fired Kogan Creek, operated by CS Energy in Australia.

Total: + 0.75% to 42.255 euros

Standard and Poor's lowered the long-term credit rating of the oil group to "AA-" cons "AA" previously, with stable outlook.

Casino: -0.80% to 69.76 euros

The group confirmed on Tuesday after its goals have increased sales by 18.8% in first quarter 2011 due to changes in the portfolio in Brazil and Thailand as well as confirmation of the reorganization of Leader Price.

Credit Agricole + 0.26% to 11.73 euros

The bank president, Jean-Marie Sander, said he was confident the group's business in Japan, noting that the country's economy and its banking system remained strong despite the disaster of 11 March.The chairman of the management company of the bank's assets in Japan, Christian Romeyer said his side that the Japanese savings does not seem dramatically affected by the crisis.

Renault: + 1.52% to 38.32 euros

CEO Carlos Ghosn would not "abandon ship" when the false espionage scandal has unsettled the French group, which must now focus on implementing its strategic plan, said in an interview with Les Echos on Wednesday.

JCDecaux: + 0.26% to 23.01 euros

A group of shareholders of Affichage Holding, Geneva company 30% owned by French group, said the board of directors to court for 150 million Swiss francs (115.6 million euros) after an acquisition in Greece resulted in significant losses.

Vinci: + 1.30% to 43.35 euros

Under the contract LGV Bordeaux Tour, the group selected in March 2010 to build and operate this path, calling for several weeks an extension to the original contract of 7.2 billion, according to information of Figaro.

After market, Kaufman & Broad will release its first quarter results, Fleury Michon announce its results for the fourth quarter of 2010 and its turnover in the first quarter of 2011. Cegedim and Etam will publish their results for the fourth quarter and Camaïeu will unveil its turnover in the first quarter.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) does not know where to turn. While the barrel of oil tops $ 125 in London and $ 110 in New York, raising fears that inflationary pressures in many countries, member countries are unable to agree on an increase in production quotas for calm the markets. Remains to be seen if the latest monthly forecasts for world oil demand, whose publication is expected on Tuesday, will decide this debate.

Meanwhile, two factions seem to oppose the organization. First there is the one represented by Kuwait, which calls for calm markets. The country takes a dim view of soaring prices identical to that of 2008 which would result in slowing global economies and ultimately, the demand for black gold."While we appreciate a high price, we wish to see lower prices, we want a more normal," recently told the press Farouk al-Zanqi, the head of state conglomerate Kuwait Petroleum Corp.. (KPC). "Given current events, the normal price of a barrel should be between 90 and 100 dollars," he said.

In the same camp, Qatar has condemned a sharp rise in prices mostly due to speculators. "The fundamentals are good as regards the offer. Stocks are at an adequate level, "said Qatari Energy Minister, Mohammed Saleh Al Sada. "OPEC can do nothing regarding the speculation, but it seems to be the main reason for the current level of oil prices," he said.

Barrel "will reach $ 150"

Facing them, the other camp, represented by Iran, takes a different speech.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, believes that rising crude poses no problem and reiterated last week that no decision was required from OPEC fast cash. "Currently, the price increase is not determined by market criteria, but by political issues. You asked me if the price was still rising: yes it will increase. I think it will reach 150 dollars, "he even added. The opinion of Iran should not be taken lightly: the country is the second largest producer in OPEC, which he currently chairs.

This view is shared by Venezuela, whose weight within OPEC is not negligible with 2.3 million barrels per day.

"No hasty decision"

This internal strife is nothing new. Since the beginning of the year, the tone has escalated between exporting countries.In February, Iranian Oil Minister Massoud Mir Kazemi stated that "OPEC members need not take hasty decisions and unilateral," a reference to Saudi Arabia, the largest producer (8.4 million barrels per day), who had expressed readiness to provide extra barrels to replace lost production from Libya. In early March, the Kuwaiti oil minister, Ahmed Abdullah al-Sabah, had countered that a "possible" increase in production was under discussion.

Despite the admonitions of the President of Iran, Saudi Arabia did increase its production to 9 million barrels per day last March. Kuwait and the UAE has followed suit.

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Working at McDonalds will now give rise to a degree. The agreement signed Tuesday by U.S. group and the Department of Education now recognizes the experience of "crew" of McDonald's, those employees who work in hand or in the kitchen, as equivalent to a CAP.

The goal is to allow a thousand "crew" of the group to access the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in three years, said Tuesday the CEO of McDonald's France, Jean-Pierre Petit. "This is the official recognition of a trade heart for McDonald's, which have not often been valued," he said. The American group presents itself as the largest employer of young people in the restaurant industry.

Twenty such agreements have already been concluded by the State, Fnac, GDF-Suez, Danone, L'Oreal part of the signatories."Everyone is not lucky enough to attend school until graduation. The National Education has the duty to provide a second chance, "said Tuesday the Minister of National Education, Luc Chatel, recalling that about 120,000 young people graduate each year of school without a diploma cash advance flexible payments.

"A true recognition"

One possibility rather well received by employees of McDonald's. Charlotte Sinata, 23, left school in 3rd and works for the sign for six years, including five as a team leader. She hopes to cap his agent versatile food when it passes in front of a jury at the end of the year.

"I gained knowledge in terms of food security, hygiene, but also host and management," she told reporters. A diploma is a real recognition. And I need it if I want to tell my daughter to work hard later. "

Sophie Djeba, arrival of the Ivory Coast without a degree eight years ago and "teammate" at McDonald's for seven years, made the same analysis: "a degree is very important. This opens all doors and gives great pride. "

A similar arrangement was concluded in 2004, also enables managers of McDonald's restaurants to graduate level Bac +3. The company now wants to extend the system to the managers.

(With AFP)