On Friday, the NYSE has ended sharply higher, buoyed by another round of quarterly results from U.S. companies of good quality and were reassured on the results of resistance testing in European banks. The Dow Jones gained 0.99% and the Nasdaq 1.05%. On the whole last week, the Dow Jones gained 3.23% and the Nasdaq rose 4.15%.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro steadied against the dollar. In the morning, it was worth 1.2901 dollars against 1.2906 dollars on Friday.

A busy week on the macroeconomic level.Today investors expect the sales figures for new housing. Another highlight, the U.S. central bank should publish its Beige Book Wednesday on the economic conditions. It will be very guarded while the president of the institution, Ben Bernanke said Wednesday before Congress the slow recovery, with no announcement of new funding in the economy.

On Tuesday, it is the Standard & Poor's / Case Schiller home prices and consumer confidence, which will be followed, before investors only look the next day on orders of durable goods. But it was the day Friday with the first estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) U.S. second quarter to be expected this week.This new burst of publications should be especially followed when investors are questioning again on the strength of the U.S. economic recovery.

U.S. companies are still likely to take stock in their accounts this week, including the program six companies forming part of Dow Jones. Tomorrow investors expect such figures CIT and Lockheed Martin and those sitting in the middle of DuPont.

To follow today the title of BP traded on Wall Street. The British press refers to a departure from the CEO of BP, before tomorrow, the date of publication of interim results of the oil giant.

Always on the side of values, General Electric said Friday its increased dividend of 20%, the quarterly dividend from 10 cents to 12 cents. GE also announced a resumption of its share repurchase programs.He had stopped this practice in September 2008. The board gave its approval for an additional $ 11.6 billion. "GE hopes to end the year with $ 25 billion in cash, including proceeds from the sale of a majority stake in its subsidiary NBC Universal to Comcast" say the analysts at Aurel BGC. Some of this money will be used to buy three billion dollars in preferred shares that the group has sold the holding company Berkshire Hathaway of Warren Buffett in October 2008.

Also note Friday night, the FDIC, the federal agency whose primary responsibility is to guarantee bank deposits, announced the bankruptcy of six new American banks, bringing to 102 the number of closing establishments since the beginning of year. These six failures will cost about 394 million dollars to its compensation fund the FDIC.

The successful launch of the iPad has sparked a fierce price war among manufacturers of digital tablets. For fifteen days, one after the other, manufacturers revise their prices downwards to counter the shock wave of the iPad. Most recently, Sony announced on Wednesday reduced prices of its readers to 20-50 dollars depending on the model. Its entry-level player, the Pocket Edition is now available at $ 149 U.S. instead of $ 169. Last week, the online bookstore Amazon was the first to respond, bringing the price of its Kindle reader digital format (DX) to 379 dollars, down from $ 110 …! At the same time, Amazon increased the comfort of reading his DX improving its display."With improved contrast of 50% and a darker font, it will be easier than ever to read anywhere, outside in the sun or the low light of the show, welcomed Steve Kessel, an official of Amazon. A few days earlier, the retailer had already created a stir by lowering the $ 60 price of its best-selling player, the average size at $ 189 … The same day, his rival, the American bookseller Barnes & Noble brought the price reader's Nook of 259-199 dollars, and announced a more affordable version yet, to 149 dollars, but connectable only by wireless Internet (Wi-Fi).

Run size

These manufacturers have little choice. Faced with the shock of the trade-iPad more than 3 million copies sold-June 22, they must adjust their rates to stay in the race.Unable to keep the same price range as the iPad (500 euros) which, aside from reading, surfing the Internet, listening to music, watch movies or videos, etc.. From a color touch screen . Faced with the branding of Apple Premium, the price argument remains the only real leverage at their disposal, apart from adding some features (touchscreen, color, play MP3 music files, etc..) . "In the race for size, market share, the price factor is one that can make the difference as shown by the positioning of Dell with its multimedia tablet Streak marketed in late July and announced at least 100 euros" Sylvain Duranton remark, associate director at Boston Consulting Group.

Price also depends on the conversion market niche in the mass market."As long as prices do not fall sufficiently, widespread adoption of such devices will be difficult," says the expert. A psychological threshold must be reached. "Based on our studies, if 66% of French people are ready to go nuclear, they will not do at any price: not more than 150-200 euros for a multi-shelf as iPad and more than 100 euros for a single-function tablet, reserved for reading, as the Kindle. "

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]]> http://knittech2007.com/war-price-on-the-market-for-e-books/feed/ 0 http://knittech2007.com/economists-fear-a-new-recession/ http://knittech2007.com/economists-fear-a-new-recession/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:57:13 +0000 admin http://knittech2007.com/economists-fear-a-new-recession/ "If we do not change policy, we will in the wall." Jacques Attali, President of PlanetFinance and author of a book entitled "All ruined in ten years? Public debt: the last chance "does not beat around the bush. After a week when financial markets are worried about the emergence of a new recession, former adviser to Francois Mitterrand and confirms that the government must halt the rise in public debt. And for this, a policy of austerity. "We're on the brink of a global deflation as it has ever seen for a century and a half," he said.

In alarm that has not failed to react as President of the European Central Bank (ECB). "I do not think the risk of a recession.Globally, it is clear that we are in a recovery phase, confirmed particularly in the emerging world, but also in the industrialized world, "said Jean-Claude Trichet. That did not stop to be careful. "Growth is not written in the industrialized world, it depends on the ability of countries to strengthen the confidence of households, firms and enterprises," he says.

Grand European loan

Europe is not doomed to stagnation. According to economists, big bosses and politicians gathered in Aix-en-Provence Economic Forum for the Old Continent has to reform, reduce deficits and build on innovation. "Without policy change, the growth potential of Europe for the next ten years will be around 1.3% to 1.5% per year.We would then take years to regain the levels of unemployment pre-crisis, "says economist Christian de Boissieu.

For this, the Circle of economists in favor of a large loan eueuropéen, referring to the one established last year by Nicolas Sarkozy. The idea is, like its sister French, invest in innovation, green technology or education. "Innovation and services are crucial. The deindustrialization of the United States had no areas of very high technology, because they have attracted the intelligence world, "says Louis Welsh, president of EADS.

"Place of Culture and Tourism

The question is how to articulate these priorities, fiscal consolidation and sustaining growth -. Hence the idea of an overhaul of EU policies.In short, Europe must "change the growth model," according to former Prime Minister Alain Juppe. "The EU lacks coherence between its short and medium term focus on reducing deficits, and the long term that seeks to promote investment in the knowledge economy," says economist Agnes Benassy-Quere.

Far from being able to display growth rates comparable to those of emerging countries, Europe has every interest to agree on next steps. Otherwise it will be reduced to "a place of culture and tourism," says Jean-Hervé Lorenzi, President of Circle of economists.

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Accor, which is part of the CAC 40 will separate into two entities, one containing the name Accor hotels and gathering activities, and the other called Edenred, representing the prepaid services industry (Ticket Restaurant, gift cards bad Credit payday advance ..).

On July 2, two new groups will therefore part of the CAC 40 Edenred do so before the index feature of Parisian place before the opening of the meeting of Monday, July 5, said NYSE Euronext.

The general meeting to approve the demerger will take place June 29, days before the listing of the two entities.

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That Sunday, Jean-Marie Messier knows he was dropped by the main shareholders. The accounts of Vivendi Universal are in the red. A loss of 13.6 billion euros has been announced. While three days before a board of directors has rejected a narrow majority vote of no confidence against him, he is preparing to resign officially. His departure seems to be the only solution to reassure markets that have become hostile to personality and promises disappointed "J2M.

This Sunday morning, Jean-Marie Messier is therefore sending an email to one of his lawyers."Then I will summarize the points that I want to have all the details?", Begins the missive in a list. First point: "check the proper treatment" of several close aides including Xavier Couture, then CEO of Canal +. Third point: "ensure a legal cover" and an "unlimited coverage for legal fees. To pay them, said in a parenthesis Jean-Marie Messier, "it must be shielded." Other points: provide "social security coverage for my family," fees for the apartment in New York, to benefit from 20 hours per year of flights on aircraft or group chair the ceremony films were made by several Filmmakers on September 11."They are small and big important things," says the e-mail Sunday morning.

Reading this list by the presiding judge is not likely to put at ease Jean-Marie Messier. "It is both a needle in a haystack and it has a pathetic," he explains at the helm. I decided to leave VU but I was still looking for ways to hang myself by mentioning the date of such board or of the projection of films on September 11. Rereading it after eight years, is baroque! ".

The former CEO has said he resigned from the group by letter on the night of Sunday to Monday without worrying about the conditions of his departure quick pay day loan.He had refused a golden parachute clause inserted in his contract after the merger with Seagram, Vivendi, "yet it was the practice in American companies," says he. And he was not at the time of signing his resignation guarantees on his departure: "My decision was to leave and was independent of contract terms," he repeats at least four times in court.

Four days later, July 3, 2002, we find the time to file a handwritten letter addressed to the administrators group."J2M" indignant that he was asked to "make a decision that breaks his professional life," that is, to resign, that he was "promised straight in the eye to treat honorably" but ultimately it is a question not to grant him his starting conditions.

"This letter is not a boss but someone lost, lost, who knows what to do," justifies this time "J2M. The terms of his departure he has finally provided a driver, health coverage for five years and a sum of 18.6 million euros, a sum never touched, an arbitration in New York who stopped in the middle flight this "golden parachute". This short list is at the center of a prosecution for abuse of corporate assets

On this point, the court is no longer the place of the feelings by writing an email Sunday morning dark.At the bar in the courtroom sunny, Jean-Marie Messier adjusts his expressions when the time comes to discuss these golden parachutes to CEOs French inspired 2000s counterparts américiains. He uses a clear voice and clear expression. "I know the media sensitivity when you mention these matters, argues the former CEO. But I mean there was no prejudice. I acted in good faith. For the rest, I had no hand. I thank you for Vivendi Universal.

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The euro goes down quickly and found $ 1.23, after having taken the day 1.5% up to 1.2414 dollar. The rebound came after the sharp decline of the single currency in the night from Tuesday to Thursday, which has pushed the euro to a new four year more, to 1.2144 dollar.

In Paris banking stocks pull the index up. Credit Agricole rises from 1.17% to 9.49 euros and signed the largest increase in the index. Societe Generale gained 1.62%, 36.40 euros and BNP Paribas, 2.1% to 47.23 euros.

According to Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, the euro is not "in danger". His German counterpart, said this morning in the Financial Times that he considers the markets "really out of control" and advocates more regulation.

Several statistical significance Thursday

In Germany, producer prices rose 0.8% in April, official data showed on Thursday.In one year, they recorded a rise of 0.6%.

In the U.S., the composite indicator of economic activity for the month of April and industrial activity in the Philadelphia area in May are still awaited by the operators No teletrack payday loans.

Air France: record loss

On the CAC 40, a single value in the red: Arcelor Mittal, which lost 1.21%, to 24.49 euros.On the SBF 120, it appears as Soitec the red lantern (-6.64% to 8.84 euros): the producer of silicon on insulator for the semiconductor industry has confirmed its forecast return to operating breakeven this year, Concentrix off after a current operating loss reduced during the second half of 2009-2010.

In addition, Air France-KLM (+0.06% 9.61 euros) confirmed anticipate a return to operational balance in 2010-2011 after posting record losses after an exercise she calls it himself as "annus horribilis." Franco Dutch airline, which renounces propose an annual dividend, also undergoes an early exercise sealed by the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjöll.

Credit Agricole (1.17% to 9.49 euros) was no surprise on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Jean-Marie Sander as his successor Rene Carron as president of the bank, marking the arrival of a new tandem leaders the head of the listed vehicle of mutual group.

Sanofi-Aventis (0.90% to 30 euros): Brazil has given the green light to redeem Medley by the pharmaceutical company for 500 million euros.

The Board of Directors and the two main shareholders of Sperian have agreed to repurchase the company specialized in personal protective equipment by the industry group American Honeywell for $ 1.4 billion. The shares are still suspended from trading.

Are expected date general meetings of CIC, Carbone Lorraine, Thales, Rexel, Eramet and Suez Environment.

A contract which seems small in relation to the size of the division payment at Gemalto.But "this announcement is very important symbolically," noted analysts at Natixis, surprised that the stock price does not react.

For the group at 1.65 billion euros in turnover in 2009 made his first steps on American soil that could well decide to finally initiate the transition from magnetic stripe cards – which are the subject of a high fraud rates – to smart cards adopting EMV (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) to pay around the world and securely.

For the strategists of Natixis, the bank card market with a microprocessor in the United States has "a potential 1.5 billion cards.

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The losses would come from investments in such properties as the seat of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, an important project in Tokyo and Intercontinental hotels across Europe.

In the past 20 years, the real estate business at Morgan Stanley was one of the largest purchasers of goods in the world with $ 174 billion invested since 1991.This loss is even more of a challenge for Morgan Stanley, the bank tries to revive the industry. She has attempted to create a new fund to 10 billion dollars, the MSREF VII Global, but it could reap more than half.

After the great bull markets in recent times on Wall Street and in Europe, investors await the slightest pretext to visibly sell. They took advantage Wednesday of renewed concern about the debt Greek and the surprise announcement of a drop in U.S. consumer credit in February to pass the act, especially as the Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said that the country "is far from being out of business." At the finish, the Dow Jones lost 0.66% and the Nasdaq 0.23%.

Also note, commercial crude oil inventories rose 2 million barrels last week.Gasoline inventories fell 2.5 million barrels and distillate stocks rose by 1.1 Million barrel. Following the announcement of this slight increase in inventories in the U.S., a barrel of oil has retreated from its recent peaks, to return the $ 86 for Brent to WTI as payday loan.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro remains under pressure however against a backdrop of Greek revival of the crisis. The single currency is trading in the morning at 1.332 dollars. For his part ounce of gold has continued to climb, to 1 $ 146 this morning.

The off air

On the side of values, a new giant merger is in preparation in the American sky. U.S. Airways (14.37% to 7.80 dollars) and United Airlines (9.03% to 20.66 dollars) have resumed their negotiations for a merger, according to U.S. media."Both companies, which belong to the network, Star Alliance, have already conducted twice unsuccessful negotiations in 2001 and in 2008," note the experts of BNP Paribas. United had also attempted to ally himself, unsuccessfully, to Continental Airlines, after the rupture of contacts with U.S. Airways in 2008.

Palm has jumped 20% Wednesday on rumors of takeover, unconfirmed. The title was up 1,52% to 4.69 dollars.

The internet group AOL (-0.98% to 27.17 dollars) to consider closing or selling its social networking site Bebo, bought $ 850 million two years ago.

This device – that Brussels refuses to call rescue plan – based on guarantees or loans which are bilateral granted by banks and institutions in different member states, though Greece requested. No precise figures are not advanced. But estimates are around 20 billion euros, an amount comparable to the maturities that Athens will soon meet.

Olli Rehn, Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, has placed the issue in an interview with Le Figaro and four European newspapers."If Greece fails, the credibility of the entire European Union that will be permanently damaged, says he. The euro is not just a monetary arrangement. The euro falls first to the heart of European political project. "

Providing Athens to appeal to the IMF

The Commission can initiate the signing of the EU as a bailout. But in the new mechanism, it would pose the "stringent conditions" required to Greece in return for aid proposed by the capitals, the sources said. It is also the key to a firm commitment from Germany, alongside France in particular. Brussels is considered as a given, despite public misgivings expressed in Berlin.The Commission will also continue its work "tight fiscal monitoring, launched last month with the help of experts from the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

This new European action, coupled with drastic budget cuts mandated by George Papandreou, is designed primarily to deter attacks against the euro. The single currency is experiencing a respite from Athens has strengthened its finances. But the timing Greek refinancing foreshadowed further shocks in April or May The mechanism also aims to provide Athens to use IMF resources, politically humiliating scenario considered by Paris and Berlin in particular.

Creating a European Monetary Fund

According to Olli Rehn, the use of Greek is the priority of a series of "key decisions" that the 16 countries in the euro area and the 27 EU discuss early next week in Brussels.This is the first floor of a rigorous device which comprises two others. First, strengthening the collective monitoring of budget deficits, desired by the President of the Eurogroup Jean-Claude Juncker. Then, in the longer term, creating a "European Monetary Fund. The German Finance Minister Wolfgang Sch?uble, critical voices among the 16, provided support yesterday noticed this missing piece of the arsenal in Europe. But Berlin attaching strict conditions of financial discipline.

The Commissioner echoed him. "It's a critical lesson of the crisis, says he. We have put in place a rigorous and systematic monitoring of budgets throughout the euro area, including the medium term. " Olli Rehn is concerned about both the widening deficits and "national forecasts rough times" that are sent to Brussels."In France, the United Kingdom and Spain, he said, the debt burden grows heavy at a speed which requires that (these three countries) meet no later than 2011 and possibly as early as this years budget discipline accepted in common. "