Hot Economic News Releases

Despite the recession and banking sector problems, the progress made by Italy makes her a role model, according to the institution. Mario Monti.

The Director of the IMF's European Department on Wednesday welcomed in Rome "progress" made in economic reforms by the Italian Mario Monti, saying they were a "model" for Europe.

"Progress" made by Mr Monti on the last six months is "truly a model compared to progress in Europe," said Reza Moghadam, during a press conference at the end of the mission Annual Fund in Italy. According to him, "Italy is on track and has made remarkable progress over the last six months."

"It is not easy to remember that Italy was facing a very difficult and dangerous," he said, but added: "but the work is not finished. It takes more effort to encourage growth. "For his part Mr Monti also said that" much remains to be done to resolve the backlog for years and the structural weaknesses "." This is not the time of guard down, "he said

. Monti took the head of a technical government last November, replacing Silvio Berlusconi. He imposed a severe austerity to the Italians to avoid the financial strangulation in the country, awash in a huge debt. It also adopted a plan to liberalize the economy and a proposed market reform Labour, currently before Parliament

. However, the implementation of austerity measures has a significant cost: they have accentuated the recession and, by extension, the difficulties banks

.

Bureau Veritas reported Thursday a 12% increase of its turnover in the first quarter thanks to strong organic growth and several acquisitions that enabled it to achieve in three months his external growth objectives for all of the year.

The specialist services for conformity assessment and certification confirmed target for 2012 unless economic downturn, a "strong" growth in its turnover and its operational result ; rationally adjusted.

On January-March, it achieved a turnover of 868.3 million euros, showing organic growth of 8.6%, against 6.5% over the same period the last year. 

Changes in the scope of the group also contributed 1.2 points to growth in sales through acquisitions that represent a number of annual sales accumulated over 110 million euros on the basis of 2011.

"The group is in advanced stage of negotiation on other acquisitions that should be finalized during the year," he says in a statement.

The quarterly sales also includes a positive impact of exchange rate fluctuations of 2.2%, reflecting the appreciation of the U.S. and Australia and the Chinese yuan.

"The outlook for 2012 are well oriented and well, except further deterioration of the economy compared to current projections, the group should experience a strong growth of its turnover (…) And adjusted operating profit, in line with the strategic plan objectives BV2015, "said in a statement the CEO, Didier Michaud-Daniel ….. The plan

…. growth of 9% to 12% on average per year in sales at constant exchange rates, generated e for third through external growth, and improved operating margin of 100 to 150 basis points in 2015 compared to 2011

.. ……. In exchange, the action Bureau Veritas finished Thursday at 68.80 euros, valuing the company at 7.5 billion euros. The stock has risen 21.4% since January 1 after falling 0.74% in 2011

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Worn among others by the strength of its sales outside Europe, Volkswagen announced Thursday an unexpected rise in profits in the first quarter, a result that contrasts with the cons-performance of several other manufacturers Europé ; ens and has surprised analysts and investors.

Demand for models such as the large sedan Audi A6 or 4×4 Volkswagen Tiguan in countries like the U.S. or Russia has offset weak sales in Western Europe and the cost of major plan committed investment to increase capacity of the German group.

Its operating profit rose by 10% in the first quarter to 3.21 billion euros, while analysts on average expected a decline of almost 9% to 2 , 7 billion. 

The turnover, however, has jumped more than 25% to EUR 47.3 billion, reflects the integration of truck maker MAN, Volkswagen capital which is mounted near 74% a few days ago after taking control in November.

At the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the action Volkswagen gained 6.81% to 134.80 euros by 2:20 p.m., showing by far the largest increase of the DAX index, which then yielded 0.31%, while the European sector index of the automobile progressed from 1.58%.

No. 1 worldwide in 2016?

Manufacturers depend heavily on the European market currently suffering from declining margins as a result of the price war initiated in an attempt to stem the decline in sales against a backdrop of economic slump , fiscal austerity and wage restraint. 

PSA Peugeot Citroen, Europe's number two industry, and Renault, and have reported this week from a drop in sales of 7% and 8.6% respectively, which reflect you exposure to markets in southern Europe.

Volkswagen, he enjoys a geographical diversification committed earlier: counting on the continued development of its activities in Asia, the United States, Latin America and Russia, he hopes to beat this year's record sales recorded last year with 8.3 million vehicles.

"The results are extraordinary," said Franz Schwope, analyst at NordLB in Hanover. "It's time to revise upwards their long-term goals."

The group reiterated its forecast for 2012 operating earnings for the same level as in 2011, 11.3 billion euros, an increase of its turnover Business, emerged last year to 159.3 billion.

Group sales rose 9.6% in the first quarter to 2.16 million vehicles, a figure unprecedented in three months.

Volkswagen wants to become by 2018 the global industry, with a target of 10 million vehicles, while becoming more profitable. For Franz Schwope, this dual objective could be achieved by 2016.

The chief executive of VW, Martin Winterkorn, said in the earnings release that the group plans to launch this year over 40 new models or new versions of existing models .

The group also intends to invest about 15 billion euros by 2016 to modernize its plants.

Spanish conservative government on Friday adopted a plan savings of 10 billion euros per year. Retirees will now pay for their medications and the cost of university tuition will rise by 50%. Student protest in Barcelona against the Spanish government cuts in education nationally, February 29, 2012

The Spanish Conservative government, in a race to deficit reduction, adopted Friday a plan to save the very sensitive areas of health and education, hoping thereby generating 10 billion euros in savings per year. Measurement flagship health reform, which aims to save $ 7 billion and probably promised the greatest unpopularity: retirees will now pay for their medications. An ad against the tide of the election campaign of the government leader Mariano Rajoy, who promised this fall despite the crisis to maintain the purchasing power of retirees. But "this is an effort to seek" the people, "because there is no money to pay utilities," acknowledged Mr. Rajoy Thursday. And "Spain is the second largest consumer of drugs," explained the Minister of Health Ana Mato.

Last year, 3,700 tons of medicines, expired or unused, have been destroyed. Traditionally, Spaniards do not pay to go to the doctor and pay out a portion of the cost of drugs, except for retirees who do not pay them anything. Now the latter, which represent three quarters of the national pharmaceutical spending (11 billion euros, 1.1% of GDP), will pay 10% of the invoice in pharmacies, to a maximum of 8 to 18 euro months depending on their income. Assets, which previously paid 40% of drugs, settle up to 60%, depending on their financial situation.

Unpopular reforms

In education, the government hopes to recover 3 billion euros: it will allow regions to drive up the cost of university tuition by 50%, increasing from 1000 to 1500 euros on average, and increase 20% the number of students per class. The 17 Spanish autonomous communities are in fact the first concerned by this savings plan: they engulf 50% of public spending in Spain. Three-quarters of their budgets spent on health, education and aid to dependent persons. In recent months, many of them have struggled to pay their suppliers, causing discontent among pharmacists and cuts heating and electricity in schools and colleges.  

But in touching on sensitive sectors, the government has come under fire, including the Socialist Party, which has expressed its "rejection front" of this new austerity plan. In health this represents "a paradigm shift in the national system, to gradually deteriorate and seek to dismantle the public health system," said Trinidad Jimenez, responsible for health PSOE. "The government sets the stage for a healthy wealthy and another for the poor," added the consumer association Facua. As for measures for education, "no country has ever overcome an economic crisis by reducing the equal opportunities of his youth" in this area, responded the secretary general of the PSOE, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba.

Both reforms are intended to enable regions to save 10 billion euros per year from 2013. According to a government source, "it also helps to share costs between the state and political areas." For the latter, which have already launched austerity measures in recent months, have all faced large popular demonstrations. Scrutinized by the government, they must submit by May remediation plans to reduce their budget deficit of 2.94% of GDP in 2011 to 1.5% in 2012. Those who do not comply will have their path set budget handled by the central state. The country as a whole twelve months to reduce by more than three points the deficit of 8.51% to 5.3% of GDP, and has already announced a budget, the most austere in its history, to recover 27.3 billion.

On April 4th, we received Jean Peyrelevade, Chairman of the Board of Leonardo & Co. and Dussillol Gerard, president of the Public Finance Committee, Thomas More Institute. Club Expansion with L'Express, Paris April 4, 2012 – Christophe Barbier, Jean Peyrelevade, Philip Gerard Way and Dussillol (from right to left).  

The next sessions will be held Wednesday, May 9, Wednesday, June 6 and Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

To participate, contact us: – Benayoun Murielle> 01 75 55 50 63 – Franck METAY> 01 75 55 10 58 – E-mail>

club@lexpansion.com

In 2012, the Club de L'Expansion gets a makeover with The Express: Christophe Barbier, Managing Editor of L'Express and L'Expansion, and Philip Way, columnist, have designed this new format enliven the debate and after economic point of Beatrice Mathieu.

About the Club de L'Expansion

Each month, the Club de L'Expansion gives you an appointment with a prominent political figure and a renowned economic expert. Far diagnoses agreed and postures that abound in the media, members meet to exchange high-level economic and political, without taboo nor a priori.

These meetings in small circle and the value of the information collected can help you develop your thinking and your personal network. They set some benchmarks and also with the members in their decision-making in a world constantly changing.

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Barely a quarter of the companies should increase their investments in 2012, according to a study of the credit insurer Euler Hermes. They would increase the total of 0.5%. And because of that growth should be limited to 0.4% over the year.

Business investment was an engine of French growth in late 2011. And it should still contribute positively to GDP growth this year. But not enough to generate a rebound expected by the government. A study of the credit insurer Euler Hermes posted Wednesday, in fact, only a quarter of French companies plan to increase their investments in 2012. And made to depend on two spending growth prospects. And as these are faiblardes, their investment projects are too. This is the snake biting its tail …

Business investment should experience an increase shy of 0.5% annual rate in 2012, according to Euler Hermes. And growth in France would be reduced to 0.4%. Accompanied by a table yet another bad news: the quality of these investments will continue to deteriorate.

To forecast, Euler Hermes interogé 1684 companies from November to January. 25.8% said they plan to increase investment, 20.5% to 53.7% and reduced to maintain unchanged from 2011. "The wishes of investment are investments for renewal, not of development investments," said Ludovic Sénécaut, CEO of Euler Hermes, during a press conference.  

Thus, according to the study, 8.9% of these some 26% of companies ready to increase their spending account to make investments for productivity gains, 0.8% of spending on research and development. As for the increase in production capacity, it accounts for 19.1% of their spending intentions, while the renewal is 26.7%.

Most of the rest are investing in staff, told AFP chief economist of Euler Hermes, Ludovic Subran. Mr. Sénécaut notes that this situation of "low quality spending", already visible in 2011, "continues to deteriorate". Phenomenon "consistent with a French economy still facing enormous internal market and, when she goes to the international, country chooses and thus close to areas where the activity is and will remain weak for some years yet,"- he said.  

"We are very concerned about the effects of a second round of austerity measures in Italy, Spain and the UK," added Mr. Subran. Side outlets in the Hexagon, "there is still not in France of measures to fight against unemployment and unfortunately we can expect that it continues to increase in 2012," he said , holding that it is "worrisome" for consumption.

Euler Hermes also anticipates a rebound in 4% of business failures this year to 63,500, "record numbers", says Subran.

Asked about the presidential election, he felt that the campaign is the tax that could have "an effect on investment spending." "No candidate can become president without calling flat what is going on taxation in France. There is a volatility of taxes that worries companies," he said.

Wall Street on Wednesday accused its second consecutive decline, fall within the scope of both oil prices and that metal, evolution has led investors to die ; lester values ​​related to raw materials.

The Dow Jones Industrial 30 yielded 0.54%, or 71.52 points, to 13,126.21. The S & P-500, wider, lost 6.98 points, or 0.49%, to 1405.54. The Nasdaq Composite fell on its side of 15.39 points (-0.49%) to 3,104.96.

The lower growth than expected durable goods orders in the U.S. in February (2.2% against 3.0% expected) has renewed concerns surrounding the recovery in the U.S. .

In addition, analysts said, the traditional quarter-end purchases seem to subside, which removes a source of support on Wall Street.

The S & P 500, and undergoes its worst session in three weeks, however, shows an increase of 11.4% since the beginning of the year, the benchmark fund managers are well on track to sign its best quarterly performance since the third quarter of 2009.

Cleaning portfolios to "the end of the quarter had probably carried the stock market these days. This factor plays up because if you buy less value today, it will not be settled before Monday so it will not appear in the first quarter figures, "noted Robbert Van Batenburg, head of equity research at Louis Capital

. The S & P grouping the values ​​linked to commodities fell ; of 1.52% and the energy sector has yielded 1.23%

. action number a global mining equipment Caterpillar fell 3.52% to 104.26 dollars, thus showing the biggest drop in the Dow Jones

….. The heavy oil …. ExxonMobil and Chevron also weighed, with declines of respectively 0.88% to 85.86 dollars and 1.07% to 105.89 dollars ..

……. Despite the decline of day, that the S & P 500 is not dropped below the 1.400 points suggests that the fundamental cycle bull bringing Wall Street six months ago are still in place, said Jim Paulsen, Investment Officer at Wells Capital Management.

Oil prices were down nearly 2%, under the double blow of surging crude inventories in the U.S. and the prospect of more countries use their re reservations policy to curb the sharp rise in gasoline prices.

Gold and copper also fell after data on durable goods orders, that interrupt a series of statistics considered positive for the U.S. economy.

During the meeting, Apple has hit a new record of 621.45 dollars. The action ended at 617.62 (0.51%)

What the President of the U.S. Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke about the need for maintaining an accommodative monetary policy to reduce unemployment continue to support markets Tuesday, allowing an opening up of major European stock markets, despite the announcement of a decline in morale of German households.

In Paris, in early trade, the CAC 40 gained 0.16% to 3,507 points. In Frankfurt, the DAX 30 is 0.4% to 7,104.83 points. In London, the FTSE advance of 0.2%. The pan-European index Stoxx 50.

The Fed chairman once again on Monday expressed concern about the long-term unemployment, but he questioned the idea that this problem is due to ; structural factors outside the scope of monetary policy.

The consumer confidence index calculated by the German research firm GfK is down at the approach of April, to 5.1, ending six months of gains, income expectations households being affected by rising fuel prices.

But the morale of French households is up against him for the month of March, returning confidence index five points. 

The Tokyo Stock Exchange is in turn mounted to its highest level since the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, the Nikkei ended up 2.4%.

The financial center of New York is on a diet. After reducing the 25% bonus in 2011, it should delete 4300 jobs this year. The New York Stock Exchange

Employees' bonuses on Wall Street fell by around 25% in 2011 compared to the previous year, according to an estimate released Monday by an independent agency in New York.

"We believe that the benefits of Wall Street totaled $ 10.5 billion in 2011, a level well below that of recent years, and that bonuses for the year fell 25%," says a news agency audit of the City of New York.

If compensation practices had changed since the 2008 crisis, with all or most bonus blocked for several years and their payment spread over time, generous bonuses had continued to be paid up to date on New York. Bank executives' bonuses on Wall Street in 2010 had even begun to rise.

The CEO of the investment bank Goldman Sachs Lloyd Blankfein saw his pay triple for example in 2010 to two million. The other four main executives of the bank had also received the same salary increase while the performance of Goldman Sachs had been poor in 2010 (including net income had declined 37% and the turnover was eroded).

Moreover, Wall Street is expected to lose many jobs in 2012, according to the agency. "We believe that Wall Street will eliminate 4,300 jobs this year and wages, including bonuses, decrease by 7.5%," added the independent organization funded by public funds. The paper explains these predictions by "the changing environment in the financial sector", the economic slowdown caused by "problems in the euro area" and "rising oil prices caused by tensions in the Middle East."

For these reasons, the Agency Audit of New York lowered its forecasts for job creation in all sectors: it table more than 22,000 jobs created in New York in 2012, against 38,800 estimated in December and 44,400 in 2013 (against 50,000).

To halve the number of addicted to cigarettes, a UMP deputy wants to get out the big guns. In his report he says that all packets must be the same, the price increase, the prohibited to smoke multiply … Do you think these measures are excessive or justified?

Price rises, tax revenues, reform of the status of tobacconists, banning smoking on beaches … UMP deputy Yves Bur presented Thursday at the Health Minister Xavier Bertrand is a report that smoking and the tobacco industry in all directions. "We start with an observation rather terrible" and "only a comprehensive approach can address," explains Yves Bur. Its proposals aim to halve the number of smokers, for less than 15% of the population smoked in 2025 against 30% today. "At that time, a motion will be hired and may be considered an output of tobacco," said the member, invested long in the fight against smoking.

The first report recommends the establishment of "an inter-ministerial structure specific to the fight against tobacco," "a single contact", appointed by the Prime Minister, along the lines of what has been done for road safety . The High Council of Public Health has made the same proposal last week. Having seen that "the tobacco industry is the only one not to pay for the damage it generates," Yves Bur proposes to introduce a tax on sales by manufacturers. The tobacco tax revenues are about 11 billion euros a year, he said, while the cost of tobacco-related diseases reached 18 billion, a co-pay 7 billion euros, " the equivalent of social security deficit for 2012 ".  

Regarding tobacconists, MP recommends reviewing their status to "not to tie their compensation to the volume of tobacco sales."

Tobacconists angry

The report explores Bur all fields can influence tobacco consumption downward. He recommends "fiscal policy review of tobacco products" and "set targets for increases effective price", a lever often cited by organizations that fight against tobacco. It calls for manufacturers to impose a "neutral standard package", unattractive, and introduce the "sale under the counter", that is to say not to display cigarette packets in newsagents. MP wants to strengthen the means to enforce existing prohibitions, including banning sales to minors, with operations "testing" and penalties "dissuasive" up to and including license revocation. "Banning smoking in front of children has become a rule," said MP: drive to the beach … To help smokers quit, the report recommends a free pick for people in ALD (long-term illness), pregnant women and CMU beneficiaries. Yves Bur also called for "banning links of interest" between the tobacco industry and state officials.

As we approach the presidential election, the member pointed out that the program he proposes "is part of the two five-year period". "It would really be in the spotlight of the presidential candidates to make clear that it will make the fight against tobacco presidential site in terms of health," he said.

"Very angry," the president of the National Confederation of tobacconists, Pascal Montredon, blasted "proposals cloth", seeing the opposite of "work more to earn more". For their part, cigarette makers have described the proposals Bur of "extreme measures", but not really new. They "are an excessive and unrealistic approach," ruled Imperial Tobacco.

And you?

Do you think the measures recommended by Yves Bur are justified? Are they sufficient or excessive?

How far should we go to roll back the number of smokers?