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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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While on Monday the confrontation between indicators showing continued recovery and increased uncertainty about the outlook for next year has generated a surge in "volatility of volatility". Yesterday, the CAC 40 was chained up its fourth session in a row. In the wake of Wall Street in early trading. Then took a dramatic turn Mood'ys severely degraded note of Greece, four notches. The rating agency believes that the rescue plan launched by the country is useful but that accompanying measures are risky. Therefore, the U.S. indices swung around and eventually declined.
So, this Tuesday, the atmosphere should be more tense. The CAC 40, which finished above 3,625 points on Monday, is expected to open in fall Tuesday morning.
The euro was maintained slightly above $ 1.22 on Tuesday morning.For Herman Van Rompuy, Chairperson of the European Council, "the markets have been too lenient in the first ten years of life of the euro, now they do overreact to minor incidents."
Zew, unemployment in Europe and U.S. industry to follow
In the EU, new car registrations in May will be announced at 8:00, then unemployment in the euro area in the first quarter to 11:00, at the same time that the figures on foreign trade in sixteen countries.
Another important figure on Tuesday, the barometer Zew German, regarded by most investors worldwide.
In Strasbourg, European Parliament, held today a press conference of the European Commission issued its opinion on the efforts made by twelve countries, including Spain, France, Portugal and Germany, to reduce their deficits excessive.
In the U.S., the import prices in May will be announced at 14:30, and industrial activity in and around New York for the month of June
Electricity: Bill Nome voted today
EDF, GDF Suez and Poweo could hold the attention while the National Assembly must vote on the bill Nome on the organization of the electricity market.
According to the Socialist deputies, this reform will result in an increase of 11% to 15% of electricity rates for individuals.An interpretation strongly denied the meeting by the Minister of Ecology Jean-Louis Borloo: "I heard here and there that there could be increases in fares. Of course not! "
France Telecom's Orange will now be able to practice cross-selling, the Competition Authority has ruled on Monday that he could, like its competitors Bouygues Telecom and SFR, use it cross his client files and mobile Internet, so far apart.
Such notice "limit the competitive disadvantage imposed on France Telecom" which, as operator of history, is subject to a number of constraints by the competition law, the group responded in a statement.
Video Games This opens Tuesday in Los Angeles at E3, the world exhibition of video games.To be followed, any announcement on the sector.
BanquesNicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel will militate G20 for the creation of a tax on banking and financial transactions. The idea of an economic government of the 27 has also been mentioned.
The Societe Generale bank maintains its investor day on Tuesday. She said Monday night that forged a business alliance in the securities business with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp U.S. bank.
The new head of British diplomacy began Sunday evening in Paris on a tour that continues this week in Rome, Berlin and Warsaw. He gave his first interview with Le Figaro in the European press.
LE FIGARO. Largely eurosceptic Conservative Party, to which you belong, has concluded a coalition agreement with the Liberal Democrats, favor, they, to a rapprochement with the EU. What will your European policy?
William HAGUE. This is good news for the EU that we have heard over five years with our coalition partners. This was not the tradition in Britain to have a fixed maturity term of office. The next general elections will be held in May 2015. For our European partners in particular, that political stability should be a good omen.With the Liberal Democrats, it was not difficult to determine what our European policy: this is further good news for the EU, because we will be predictable. The course is set for the next five years: we intend to be extremely active in European affairs so that the EU can collectively weigh in the world. We will also be very active to help European economies to recover growth, create new jobs and new businesses. We'll be tough negotiators, but is not that we should expect from any government?
The economic crisis, financial, monetary and across Europe requires its members to further cooperation. How far will you go on the path of solidarity?
We do not belong to the euro area and we do not rejoin, as stipulated in the coalition agreement.Neither partner will do the same proposal, as long as this agreement. But as David Cameron has said a euro zone healthy is in our interest. We do not want to be part but we hope it contributes to the financial stability of Europe. It is very important to us. Regarding the financial support that Britain could make to the euro area, our position coincides with that of the government of Gordon Brown. Our country faces the heaviest budget deficit in history (aside from the period of world wars) and the priority task is to reduce the deficit to a level where it can be controlled.We are not able to provide other financial guarantees.
So you exclude from participation in a support fund for countries of the euro area in trouble?
The government that preceded us had agreed to participate in one of these funds a few weeks ago. We will assume our responsibilities in fulfilling this agreement. But we will not be dragged further into the euro area. This is not what the British want from their government. It will not offer more than what has already been proposed.
Do you negotiate opt-outs with the EU?
We will discuss with our partners in government. As indicated in the coalition agreement, we want to limit the application of the directive on working time, which we consider too restrictive in Great Britain.We also wish to pass a law requiring a referendum if a future government would go further transfers of sovereignty to the EU. There was a lot of institutional changes in Europe and debate. We must now ensure that the institutions function, can improve economic performance, extending the single market and cooperation in foreign policy. Let us focus on concrete achievements rather than engaging in a new institutional debate.
A bounce or a deepening of the crisis could lead to more regulation. How would you react?
We certainly need to improve how we regulate the banking and financial services. But further regulate the labor market and the business would be in the wrong direction. This is the traditional view of the British.The crisis has again highlighted. We say: Great Britain is open for business. Our next budget in two weeks, will reaffirm the years to come. We hope that our European partners adopt a similar approach.
The EU's foreign policy is lacking, according to you, "determination and consistency." What will you offer?
The situation in Gaza shows that Europeans must contribute to the relaunching of a peace process. All solutions to ensure the delivery of aid to Gaza and trade require a form of international assistance and there is a role for the EU. European nations, when they speak together, can have a particular impact. That the Israeli government to decide whether to accept the fact-finding mission to which France and Great Britain are favorable.In a situation like this, we must unite our capabilities. It is also the case for Iran. We work closely with France to allow the adoption of new UN sanctions. We also want to discuss additional EU measures. Again, the Union can demonstrate its collective weight.
Are there still you think a "special relationship" between Britain and the United States?
Yes, this special relationship exists. I called the alliance indivisible. It is expressed through a wide range of cooperation (diplomatic, military, nuclear, intelligence, economics …). Great Britain and the United States is still the largest investor in the partner. But it is not for us to choose from competing in Europe or France. Both relations, transatlantic and European natural fit.
Afghanistan is a priority.Can you do better than the government of Gordon Brown?
We need a viable political process at the same time that military progress in the field. Of course, it's difficult, but we must remain faithful friends. We will remain strongly committed to Afghanistan. The worst would be to leave an uncertainty reflected in our action. This would only strengthen those who do not want a future of peace. The question is not whether we will continue to make our contribution but how we will.
With France, cooperation in defense looks promising?
We already talked with our counterparts in French when we were in opposition. It is still too early to make announcements: the review of our strategic policy and defense completed in the fall. But we are very open to new ideas and a closer cooperation.David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy have already established between them a great working atmosphere. We have many things to do together to ensure the growth of our economies, develop civil nuclear power or act in the field of immigration. The fact that the Prime Minister and I have chosen to perform in France our first bilateral visit abroad shows the enormous importance that we attach to these relationships.
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Greece, Portugal and Spain. Southern Europe continues to frighten the markets. The Spanish saw its debt rating one notch worse, with a negative outlook.
Between degradation rate and retention Note
During a joint press conference yesterday, Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the European Central Bank, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, director of the International Monetary Fund, have called on Germany to take an expeditious decision on aid Greece. Both men say they are confident. German Chancellor Angela Merkel seems he heard the message, since it has declared its intention to activate "as quickly as possible" aid plan.
Fortunately, a decision from the United States has been somewhat reassure financial markets. The Fed has indeed confirmed keep interest rates low for a "prolonged period". And this, despite a rapid recovery of the economy.In this context, the Paris markets are cautious. Around 10:30 am, the CAC 40 rose 0.52% to 3806.81 points. At the London Stock Exchange, the FTSE-100 gained 0.55% to 5617.19 points, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the DAX 30 in advance from 0.30% to 6102.59 points.
After two sessions of sharp declines, the bank stocks are returning to earnings. BNP Paribas gained 1.55% to 51.77 euros, Dexia advance of 1.22% to 4.15 euros and Societe Generale was up 0.45% to 41.10 euros. In contrast, Credit Agricole, which said Wednesday night that its exposure to sovereign risk in Greece amounted to EUR 850 million, lost 0.32% to 11.02 euros.
CAC 40: Pernod-Ricard in mind, PPR red lantern
Among the values that have posted Wednesday, PPR has returned to growth in the first quarter after five consecutive quarters of downturn, and said Tuesday anticipate a further acceleration in sales during the year. However, PPR shares fell sharply from 2.65% to 101.20 euros, the biggest drop in the CAC 40.
The Thursday is rich in quarterly publications: ArcelorMittal (-1.80% to 30.58 euros) reported a net profit decline of 36.6% in first quarter 2010 over fourth quarter 2009.
France Telecom (1.44% 16.57 EUR) has published a turnover down 2% in the first quarter of 2010, in line with market expectations.
The result of Sanofi-Aventis (-0.67% to 51.53 euros) rose 9.7% to 2.4 billion euros in first quarter 2010 against a consensus of 2.28 billion euros.
Bull (0.62% to 3.23 euros) saw its sales boosted by the acquisition of Amesys, a company specializing in security systems: its sales rose 9.4% against 0.6 % off-Amesys.
Pernod Ricard has announced an increase of 14% of its turnover for the third quarter of 2010 of its fiscal year 2009-2010 to offset 1.5 billion euros.Pernod Ricard shares climbed 3.70% to 65.32 euros, the largest increase in the CAC 40.
The results of Vivendi (0.87% to 19.61 euros), AXA (-0.89% at 15.01 euros), Bouygues (0.60% to 36.89 euros), Areva (-1, 32% to 375 euros) or Michelin (-0.38% to 52.30 euros) are also expected.
Renault (-1.47% to 34.24 euros) has announced the acquisition of interests between the group, its Japanese partner Nissan and Germany's Daimler had been made Wednesday. The three groups have formalized their alliance in early April for three to share technologies and reduce costs.
The U.S. unemployment statistics in the heart of the day
On the macroeconomic front, the day will, however, less responsible.By midmorning, the German Federal Labour Office has reported a decline of 68,000 in the number of jobseekers in seasonally adjusted data, to 3.285 million, while economists were expecting an average decline of 10,000. Around 14:30, the investors will also monitor the weekly claims for unemployment benefits in the United States, and economic confidence in April in the euro area.
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American Express has more than doubled its profit in the first quarter, a sign that the specialist credit card extricates a crisis battering the past two years.
Net income stood at $ 873 million, 73 cents per share, against $ 361 million, 31 cents per share, a year earlier.
Revenues, net interest rose 11% to $ 6.6 billion over the same quarter last year.
Amex charges its excellent resulting output to the resumption of consumer spending and an improvement in credit quality.
The action of the group took 1.8% to 47.61 dollars in after-hours transactions after finishing at 46.77 dollars.
Investment bank Morgan Stanley could lose nearly two-thirds of the 8.8 billion invested in global real estate fund, the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds (MSREF) VI International reports the Wall Street Journal. This loss represents about 5.4 billion dollars. If the information is confirmed, it would be the biggest loss ever by an investment fund specializing in real estate, the business daily said.
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.
Relapse of consumer credit, debt concerns on Greek inscriptions and weekly unemployment up. The climate is not conducive to a revival of American markets. At the opening, the Dow Jones lost 0.12% and the Nasdaq was down 0.29%.
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.
A string football concocted by the Football League itself. This was promised on Monday Frederic Thiriez, its president, recalling, at a symposium on the pay-TV hosted by the High Council of Audiovisual (CSA) that "there was in France, 13 million people who were very interested in football. While TNT is paying in check, such an initiative could help to raise. And to clarify that "this does not mean that this channel will have exclusives on the championship L1. A conclusion that left doubts leaders of Canal + and Orange, Bertrand Meheut and Xavier Couture, who put on the table two years ago, 600 million to share its exclusive.
During the meeting between key players in the pay television several lines of force have emerged: beginning with the dedication of the largest operators in the sector to the concept of exclusivity.For Bertrand Meheut, the latter is the best way to fight against the "competition combined free television totaling 80% of the audience and for ISPs (Internet Service Provider Internet editor's note)" whose bids have been lower market share of Canal + to 47%. Moreover Bertrand Meheut recalled that his group distributed 240 channels including 50 exclusive, paid 250 million euros for publishers, 80 million euros in marketing and 200 million in recruitment costs "while" most operators telecommunications do not pay channels they broadcast on a non-exclusive "fast cash now.
For its part, Xavier Couture boss content at Orange, said that on pay-DTT "partnerships can be envisaged," including with Canal +. We intend to integrate the future of pay channels in our bouquet.However, he warned the market that the premium for exclusivity does not become a premium of eviction.
Later editors, all denounced the plight of pay channels. Thomas Valentin, vice chairman of the board of M6 has not hesitated to speak of "red alert" as regarding the TNT broadcast on pay cable and satellite. Laurent Solly, president of TF1 Digital, denounced "a time of crisis" as much publicity to the crisis that the stagnation of certain methods of distribution such as cable or satellite to the difficulty of the TNT charge.
Given all these facts, the president of CSA, Michel Boyon, promised that the regulator would give its position on DTT pay within three weeks.
Having visited Angela Merkel in Berlin on Friday before meeting and Barack Obama Tuesday in Washington, George Papandreou was in Paris on Sunday to win the support of Nicolas Sarkozy in the crisis in Greece. The appointment, expected by the markets lasted an hour. "Greece can count on full support of France, has hammered the head of state, after having praised the" courage "of the Greek prime minister" who has vigorously taken steps to clean up public finances "of his country. "Greece has done what the European Union asked him to do," recalled the head of state who immediately said that "if necessary, Member States of the euro area would fill too commitments they have made. "In other words, Europe will not let down one of its own.An "economic reality" to the president, a "political and moral obligation" for the European Union.
No recourse to IMF
For Nicolas Sarkozy, not "the future of Greece" is at stake is that of Europe. "The euro is our currency, it is our responsibility," he said, before announcing he would, with Angela Merkel and Jean-Claude Juncker – that has had the phone Monday – quickly "take specific measures "to fight against speculation on the euro, but say more. "We are ready and very determined, he has merely stated. Speculation that plays against Greece can happen in many countries if they can not afford to fight.We must not add a financial crisis to economic crisis itself created by financial excesses across the Atlantic. "
For his part, George Papandreou thanked his "friend" Nicolas Sarkozy for his "commitment and support staff" to help his country out of crisis. "If the speculative attacks against Greece continues, it will not be a Greek problem, but an attack against Europe and the euro," confirmed the Greek Prime Minister, who preferred a "European solution" to a possible appeal International Monetary Fund (IMF). "We do not loan to other countries in the euro area," said George Papandreou. We just want to borrow at rates similar, not identical, to other countries in the euro area.We're just asking a fair treatment. "Greece, which on Thursday lifted 5 billion market, will pay 750 million euros of interest than Germany for a loan of similar amount. "This is not viable, late Greek Prime Minister. This is not competitive. "
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It is a Mexican entrepreneur, owner of a chain of hotels in Cancun, which offers a Hublot watch at 700,000 euros. It is a couple of Singaporeans looking for a pied-?-terre in Paris, which is close to 10 million euros on the table for a 400 square meters overlooking the Seine. Or a Parisian lawyer who finally cracked in the Porsche 911 … The dreams of luxury customers are return guaranteed payday loans . After an abrupt end after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers followed by a year to land, rich of the planet reflected their platinum cards without false shame. The distribution in these days of record bonuses in finance in New York, London or Paris will only encourage fever after a year of dieting.
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