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Spain will further savings this year and next if it is to achieve its ambitious goals of deficit reduction, since it will be in recession in 2012 and 2013 , according to European Commission forecasts released Friday.

The EC wrote in its economic prospects of the European Union biannual, that Spain should show a budget deficit of 6.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2012 and 6.3% in 2013, unless you change the policies.

Madrid intends to reduce the deficit to 5.3% of GDP this year, against 8.5% in 2011 and, unless the finance ministers of the EU grant him more time to 3% in 2013, to save financial penalties. 

Even though the objective of the central government seems at hand, differences are expected at this stage for regional governments, the Commission explains in its report.

She added that the Spanish social security system is likely to remain in deficit this year due to the deteriorating outlook for the labor market.

The EU executive has revised sharply lower its forecast for GDP growth Spanish, now anticipating a 1.8% contraction in 2012, instead of 1.0% pre ; seen in February.

For 2012, the EC is planning a further contraction of economic activity, 0.3%, while the Spanish government is 0.2% growth. 

GROWTH FOR THE EURO AREA IN 2013

The EC believes that Spain will be the only country in the euro area to suffer a recession in 2013. She plans for the euro area as a whole increased by 1% next year, after contracting 0.3% this year.

"The recovery is in sight but the economic situation remains fragile, with still large disparities between Member States", said in a statement the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn.

The combined fiscal deficit of the euro area would decrease to 3.2% of GDP in 2012, after 4.1% in 2011, and 2.9% in 2013.

"We're seeing an adjustment of fiscal and structural imbalances created before and after the crisis began and worsened by economic sentiment remains weak," says Rehn.

"Without new decisions energetic, low growth could persist in the EU. Sound public finances are a prerequisite for sustainable growth and, from an economic governance framework and strong again, we need to support the adjustment by accelerating the stability-oriented policies , and stimulation of growth "

. STAGNATION IN GREECE IN 2013

…… Regarding .. Greece, countries that initiated the crisis of sovereign debt in the euro area and now depends on funding from the EU and the International Monetary Fund, the EC expects zero growth in 2013, after contracting 4.7% in 2012, the fifth year of recession

. The budget deficit would fall to 7.3% of GDP in 2012 after 9.1% in 2011 but, unless Greece takes further steps to further reduce the die ; deficit, it goes back to 8.4% next year. 

Portugal, which, like Greece, depends on the help of international donors, will be close to meeting its deficit targets this year and next, with a deficit of 4.7% in 2012 and 3.1% in 2013.

The Portuguese economy would suffer a contraction of 3.3% in 2012, after contracting 1.6% in 2011, then record a growth of 0.3% in 2013.

Ireland, the third countries in the euro area to take advantage of the coupled EU-IMF to grow by 0.5% in 2012, after 0.7% in 2011, and 1.9% in 2013. Its budget deficit would be reduced to 8.3% of GDP this year, after 13.1% in 2011, and 7.5% in 2013.

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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The Netherlands Tuesday awarded two successful bond lines that allowed them to raise two billion euros after the political crisis by the resignation of the government.

The agency of the Dutch public debt was between 1.5 billion and 2.5 billion euros.

"This is a good result under the circumstances. This is presented poorly yesterday but they managed to put it all in minutes, "said a trader in the bond market, who requested anonymity ….

….. "Place one billion on the line long term is particularly good sign," he said

. The yield on

line maturing in 2014 stood at 0.523%, down from 0.664% to yield the secondary market Monday ……. The yield on

.. line due in 2037 stood at 2.782% against 2.773% in the secondary market the day before

.

"Many investors believe that the Netherlands has solid fundamentals frankly. Yields are high but traders are satisfied, "said Lyn Graham Taylor, bond strategist at Rabobank

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GDF Suez reported Monday performance increased in the first quarter thanks to Britain's International Power, and confirmed its annual targets.

The energy company reiterated in a statement that the minority buy International Power (IP), he hopes to complete in mid-July, it would raise its objective of recurring net income group share for 2012 to a level between 3.7 and 4.2 billion euros – against a range of 3.5 to 4000000000 referred before.

GDF Suez also confirmed it expects for 2012 a gross operating profit (EBITDA) of approximately 17 billion euros and gross investment of 11 billion out minority shareholders IP, as well as an ordinary dividend stable or increasing compared to 2011. 

Its sales reached 28.2 billion euros at end-March, up 10.5% (8.4% organically), while its EBITDA was $ 5.8 billion, up 5.7% (4.1% organically).

The group noted that its EBITDA benefited from higher earnings of branches Energy International – which includes the assets of International Power – Energy and Europe, as well as strong earnings growth of the Global Gas & LNG, including through the exploration and production activities.

By activity, sales totaled 4.169 million euros for International Power in the first quarter (14.4%), 1.327 million for Global Gas & LNG (69.8%) and 14,559,000 for the Energy Europe ( 8.3%). 

Net debt of GDF Suez totaled 37.1 billion euros at end-March, down 0.5 billion from late 2011 to a net debt to EBITDA of 2.2 times , confirming the group aiming for 2012 a 2.5 rating and a Class "A".

Shortly after the start of the general meeting of shareholders of the group, at 1440, the GDF Suez fell by 2.62% to 18.195 euros, while the CAC 40 lost 2.13%.

The government deficit in France in 2011 was lower than expected, which will facilitate the task of the next president if the economy does not collapse.

After 5.2% of GDP last year, instead of 5.7% expected in the Finance Act, Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, favorite polls, have pledged to re reduce the public deficit to 4.5% and 3.0% end of 2012, limit the European stability pact in late 2013.

The effort would be lower than expected.

The outgoing president praised the figure of Friday.

"France has done much better thanks to the efforts of the French," he said, renewing his promise to reach 3% in late 2013. 

But the trend was poor in January and a sharp economic slowdown is expected for all of 2012, likely to derail the accounts if it were larger.

The "good" figure of 2011 on Friday will also be confirmed by further appreciation expected on May 15

The government balance includes accounts of the state, local and social security funds. It has not been positive since 1974.

Nicolas Sarkozy promised to return to balance end of 2016 and his Socialist opponent François Hollande end of 2017.

DOUBTS IMPORTANT FOR 2012

In January, the government deficit, which is the largest component of public deficit fell by less than a billion euros over January 2010.

A negative signal, even if the accounting parameters are not identical, to the rise or fall, a positive impact of € 2.6 billion having been such registered in January through the sale of radio frequencies.

The government deficit in February will be released April 6.

Especially, strong economic growth this year, which largely determine the amount of revenue is uncertain. 

The government has just raised its growth forecast for 2012 to 0.7% against 0.5% earlier (after 1.7% in 2010), while Francois Hollande provides 0.5% .

International institutions and economists are less optimistic, the IMF providing 0.2%, 0.3% OECD and the European Commission 0.4%.

The evolution of public finances is crucial for France, already deprived of its precious AAA by Standard and Poor's and sees its sovereign rating placed on "negative outlook" by the three major rating agencies.

Borrowing costs on financial markets may increase, which would make the effort to restore data even more important. 

The yield differential ("spread") between the French public debt to 10 years and German debt is currently above 110 basis points, or 1.1%.

This level is much lower than that achieved in November, at the height of tensions on the debt in the eurozone, to nearly 200 points, but it is much higher than the observed 30 to 40 points s during "normal".

Veolia Environment announced Friday departures of three members of its management team the day after proposing not to renew the appointments of two members of its board of directors deemed close former CEO Proglio.

This series of ads comes as more directors of Veolia, which Proglio, currently head of EDF, has, according to sources familiar with the matter, considered asking for the resignation of the current CEO Antoine Frérot at a council held in late February.

In a statement, Veolia announced that Denis Gasquet, Olivier Orsini and Jean-Pierre Frémont leave with immediate effect the group's executive committee and at the same time abandoning their duties within the group. 

Denis Gasquet held the position of Executive Managing Director and COO, Olivier Orsini as managing director and deputy general secretary and Jean-Pierre Frémont e ; was Director General in charge of Public and Community Affairs.

These changes were decided by Antoine Frérot to "accelerate the implementation of the strategic plan approved by the board of directors," it said in the release of the company.

Sylvain Boucher, who was previously secretary of the executive committee, also joined the proceedings which now, in addition to the CEO, seven against nine previously. 

Also Sylvain Boucher, it is composed of Jerome Gallot, Jean-Michel Herrewyn, Franck Lacroix, Jean-Marie Lambert, Jerome Le Conte, Pierre-François Riolacci.

At 15:25, the title jumped 4.28% to 12.66 euros while the index of blue chips rose 0.17% Paris at the same time.

"The acceleration of the strategic plan and tighter around Mr. Frérot teams were well received," said a trader based in Paris.

Another market operator, also based in Paris, points out that these departures had been widely expected by the market, believing that the benefits likely to die as ; knotting of short positions as well as upward revisions of recommendations. 

"The action moves as people cheer the departure of Denis Gasquet: it was at the head of the Environmental Services division during his disastrous performance and more recently he oversaw the restructuring, "he adds.

The strategic plan of Veolia plans to refocus the group on water, waste and energy services and reduce costs of 420 million euros by in 2015.

Veolia also planned to produce five billion euros in sales in 2012-2013 and reduce net debt to below 12 billion at end 2013.

Airbus officials, airlines and engine manufacturers in Europe have written to European political leaders urging them to resolve the dispute arose from the recent introduction of a carbon tax in the EU.

The signatories declared that reprisals from China and other countries opposed to the European level of taxation of carbon emissions (ETS) have serious consequences for the sector, has Airbus said in a statement.

According to Airbus, China has already suspended $ 12 billion of orders, which could lead to destruction according to the manufacturer of over 1,000 jobs internally and at least 1,000 extra in the chain not supply. 

The nine general managers who sign this letter to the Prime Ministers English, French, Spanish and German Chancellor expect that the list of cancellations of orders continues to grow .

The petitioners request the holding urgent talks at the European Council and with the states as the situation becomes intolerable for the aviation sector, we read in the news for Airbus.

"The aim must be to find a compromise solution and to stop these punitive measures before it is too late," say company executives quoted in the press release.

"We have always believed that only a global solution would be adequate to solve the problem of aviation emissions."

Business leaders call for opening negotiations with the states concerned in the Aviation Organisation Organization (ICAO)

. In addition to Airbus, the letter implies managers of British Airways and Iberia, the two components of International Airlines Group, ¨ Air Berlin, Air France, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Safran and MTU Aero

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French consumer confidence is still very low, but gains a point in February, according to figures from INSEE. The morale of French households increased very slightly.

French consumer confidence has improved slightly in February. The indicator that measures it wins a point from January to climb to 82, a continued low level, INSEE announced Friday.

This is the second consecutive month of rise of this index, which had declined in December to its lowest level since December 2008, 80 points (against a long-term average of 100).

The French are less pessimistic because of a slight improvement in their moral outlook on their personal finances (2 points) and the overall standard of living in France (4 points).  

Households are also slightly less pessimistic about the evolution of unemployment (down one point in the index, 64) even though they "are almost as many as in January to anticipate an increase", said INSEE in a statement.

The European Central Bank will redistribute to the central banks of the euro area the benefits of its Greek bonds held as part of the bond buyback program launched in May 2010, said a source senior within the euro area.

The Institute of Frankfurt bought about 38 billion euros of Greek debt under the program says SMP (Securities Market Programme) and these securities are now worth about 50 billion euros. Forego these profits would reduce Greece's debt.

Chrysler saw its car sales in the U.S. jump 44% in January, thanks to his Jeep, while his great rival General Motors has lost ground. Chrysler sales have far exceeded the expectations of some analysts who had forecast an increase of 35%, confirming the return unlikely the smallest U.S. automaker, three years after depo t balance. By contrast GM, the largest U.S. carmaker, has announced a 6% drop in sales in its home market last month, while Ford Motor saw sales increase by 7% over the same period, supported by the success of its Focus small cars, whose sales rose 60%. So far, January sales are part of an annual rate of 13.7 million for the entire market, exceeding the target of 13.5 million some analysts. These sales are increasing, even as automakers limit the financial incentives, which was their primary strategy before the restructuring of 2009. "The days when we were looking at any price to gain market share is over and most manufacturers are focusing on what is really important, ie on profitability," TrueCare says analyst Jesse Toprak. 11 years average age for GM, which sold 167,962 vehicles, the market was expecting a decline of 9% compared to January 2011, when the group had made offers. The group expects a car market in the United States between 13.5 and 14 million units in 2012, while the American branch of Volkswagen, for its part provides a market of 13.7 million over the year. Aging cars, which are now reaching a record average age of 11, promote the increase of new car sales, U.S. households back on the market after having postponed their purchases during the crisis. Ford, No. 2 in the U.S., sold 136,710 cars, up slightly behind the expectations of some analysts polled by Reuters. VW and Nissan Motor Co also announced an increase in sales in the U.S. market. VW's sales rose 48% to 27,209 vehicles, supported by the arrival of its Passat sedan, and Nissan rose 10.4% to 79,313 units. During a conference call, Jonathan Browning, director of VW in America, estimated that U.S. consumer confidence improved, but not at a steady pace. Chrysler released Wednesday its first annual profit since 1997. The group was No. 4 in sales in the U.S., behind GM, Ford and Toyota. Sales of Toyota in the U.S. rose 7.5% in January to 124,540 units. By 1900 GMT, the GM shares gained 1.54% to 24.39 dollars while Ford lost 0.64% to 12.34 dollars while the S & P 500 advanced 1.15%.