Fitch Ratings lowered the rating two notches from Spain, which now stands at "AA-". Spain held so far a "AA +", the fourth highest on a scale of twenty. More worryingly, the note is accompanied by a 'Negative' outlook, which means that the agency could lower it back to medium term.
Spanish growth at half mast
Moody's in turn should decide by the end of October on a possible downgrade Spanish now "Aa2" (the third best possible)."With significant funding needs" of the Spanish State, to cover its budget expenditures and net external debt is "one of the highest in the world" (91% of GDP), said Fitch, "the more volatile strong a negative effect on financing conditions in the market of Spain. "
But there are also internal factors in the country "risks to fiscal consolidation as a result of performance parts." The same agency Fitch has lowered Wednesday including the long-term rating of the Basque Country, one of the richest region in which it criticizes the "weak fiscal performance." Growth forecasts have been revised downwards. Wednesday, the Bank of Spain announced that the country's growth expected to slow in the third quarter, to reach an economic activity 'lackluster'.The Spanish government has also recognized that the economic growth targets it had set for 2011 and subsequent years would be "hard to reach" because of the risk of recession in the world.
Italian governance into question
Fitch also lowered the rating one notch to Italy, "A +" against "AA-" and does not see her again in the fall if the country would miss its targets for reducing the budget deficit. Fitch was the last of three major international rating agencies have not downgraded from Italy since the beginning of the debt crisis in the eurozone no fax cash advances. She explained that the high level of public debt and budgetary financing needs, combined with the low level of potential growth (the country), made in Italy especially vulnerable.The Agency is challenging the country's governance and stressed that the differences in the Parliament and the escapades of the prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, help to weaken the ruling coalition.
Belgium heckled by Dexia
Belgium is also in sight. The agenceMoody's said it was considering lowering its rating, currently at "Aa1", the second best possible. The agency cited three reasons: the crisis in the euro area, concerns for economic growth and the possibility of additional support to the banking system, particularly in establishing Franco-Belgian Dexia.
Another European country in turmoil, Portugal, has been confirmed its rating of "BBB-" (the last before falling into the category of "speculative") by Fitch, which continued on negative watch at least until the end of the year.Standard & Poor's, confirmed Tuesday the rating "BBB-" from Portugal, while maintaining it as a negative outlook. Portugal, the third country in the eurozone after Greece and Ireland to receive international financial assistance, is facing new economic challenges that undermine his efforts to clean up its public accounts. Progress in implementing the program of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and its budget for 2012 will be crucial.
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"The news of my death are greatly exaggerated," joked Steve Jobs when Bloomberg had his obituary published in error in August 2008. Nevertheless: the stock market, Apple had lost the title on the day 2.42%.
Announced tonight the death of the charismatic leader will Apple does the same concerns in the markets? It is no surprise to Apple's shareholders. The charismatic leader had prepared his departure, giving the reins of his company to Tim Cook. But his death marks indeed the end of an era for the firm at the apple.
Thursday morning, investors still seem uncertain: New York, the title is almost stable at the opening to 377 dollars (-0.33%). But in Frankfurt, where the action is also listed, the decline is more pronounced: just after 12 o'clock, the title loses 2.75% to 272.51 euros after touching a low of 270.50 euros.
The title after the stand 4S iPhone
Steve Jobs as a CEO was not like the others. Associated with the image of the company he co-founded, he was also in stock bad credit personal loan lenders. Apple has become the first in the world market capitalization, elbow to elbow with Exxon Mobil.
As Steve Jobs made Apple, Steve Jobs's health was reflected in the title. Suffering from cancer since 2004, the group leader had to leave several times, until he left there just over a month, on August 25. Each announcement related to his health problems, the markets feared for the future of the group and the title suffered large fluctuations.
Two days ago, the title fell by 5% during the session along with the presentation of the 4S iPhone. The latest version of Apple's flagship phone, slightly different from the previous one, was disappointed the markets, hoping to iPhone 5.But the title was returned to the balance at the end of the session and finished on a moderate loss of 0.56% to 372.50 dollars. Sign that investors want to believe in the capacity of Tim Cook to keep the group at the top.
By delivering on their dream table Tuesday to tax financial transactions in Europe, Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel could expect an outcry. It has taken place. From Dublin to London via Stockholm, policy makers have expressed reservations about the proposal, while the financial community condemnation."It would be a drag on economic growth," has outraged the Association for European financial markets.
In fact, European stock markets have imposed a new session Wednesday down to banking stocks, involving an opportunity for companies to NYSE Euronext, Deutsche Börse or London Stock Exchange, may be penalized by a Tobin tax, named after its inventor.
While the Franco-German plans to develop detailed proposals in September, the Swedish finance minister, Peter Norman, shows him, already his skepticism: "I do not see the positive effects that a tax on transactions in Europe could be, "he said.
Swedish experience
Sweden keeps a bad memory from his own experience of tax established in the 1980s, before being abolished in 1991.According to researcher Marion Wrobel, the Swedish Treasury was then recovered some 50 million SEK per year, far from the expected 1.5 billion minimum. And above all, by 1990, half of the activities on the actions of the financial Nordic had flown to London, those on bonds and derivatives that have been decimated.
Well placed to know that financial businesses relocate overnight, the City has no desire to suffer a similar fate. The British Treasury has hammered yesterday that a tax on financial transactions should be global. Last year, Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy had failed to join the G20 … Even obsession with competitiveness for Ireland. London looks so New York, Dublin has eyes only for London.The Irish Finance Minister has warned its partners against the temptation to limit the tax to the euro area, to bypass the "no" British.
These had led opposition last year, the failure of the tax already led by France and Germany. The government had then opted for a direct drain on bank profits, easier to implement. Since this refusal, however, the terms of debate have changed.
This proposal is in fact in a context of unprecedented turbulence in the European markets and defense of the euro. Proponents of the Tobin Tax ensure that it is likely to limit speculation, even if professionals swear otherwise. Above all, the proceeds of the levy would not have the same use. In 2009, it was intended to finance development aid.In 2011, the EU would be well integrated in the tax budget with revenues swell to 350 billion euros between 2014 and 2020. What changed the political balance of power? Vienna, Madrid, Helsinki or Madrid yesterday reported good interest in the Franco-German project.
Unions and management are on track to avoid a strike announced for the end of July. Thursday night, representatives of hostesses and stewards of Air France was optimism about reaching agreement with management in the day, on the organization of the work of flight personnel. This Friday is indeed crucial in the negotiations. "If we do not find a solution before tonight, we can not turn back. The organization of air activity is very heavy, told AFP Jean-Marc Jaouen, delegate of the National Union of cabin crew (SNPN).
The seven unions involved threatening a strike since Monday 29 July to 1 August in protest against the new organization of work proposed by management.The CEO of Air France, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, has in fact recently released a project to install four bases in the provinces to increase the productivity of the company based on the model low cost. It would be particularly asked the crew to work longer on a reduced number of days to be able to fly more planes. The sailing team would also be reduced from four to three people in some aircraft. In return, Air France did not want to donate 20% maximum productivity gains and made its staff.
The pilots union still in conflict
Towards unions as there was optimism yesterday about the possibility to find here tonight common ground bad credit payday loans. "We had five areas of disagreement, three have already been accepted by management", said last night at the AFP Jean-Marc Jaouen, the SNPN.Remains still to be discussed include the reduction of crews on long flights and medium-haul 142 passengers. "There is progress in the negotiations, although they are still insufficient. An agreement to end conflict can be signed, "also found Philippe Sports, the UNSA. Air France was doing its part to know last night told AFP that it "was very open in discussions" and that "all flights were kept" from July 29 to August 1.
If the conflict started with the hostesses and stewards are being addressed, it is not the same with the pilots' union, which called the strike on August 5 to 8. The powerful SNPL validated last week at 55% the new organization of work desired by management. But he opposes the hostesses and stewards on measures to sustain the supplementary pension fund for cabin crew, currently in deficit.Despite a law passed in 2008 providing for a reform of the fund, the implementing decrees have still not been published, failing agreement between the two parties.
(With AFP)
On Thursday, black oil
Last week was full of emotion on the oil markets. Until Wednesday, investors were rather good mood. The courses were on the upside with a barrel of "light sweet crude" from 93.26 dollars to 95.41 dollars in three days. Even moving to London Brent crude rose from 111.57 to 113.51 dollars over the period. The markets were so carried away by the renewed optimism in financial markets about the prospects of Greece avoid default. Moreover, the price rises as a result of lower stocks of crude and gasoline in the United States and following the Fed's decision to keep interest rates low.
Then, everything changed Thursday. That day, the IEA countries are brokers by surprise by announcing their intention to use their reserve stocks to put 60 million barrels on the market.This decision, which will lead to a sharp increase in supply leads to a sharp fall in markets: the barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in August finished Thursday at 91.02 dollars black while in London on IntercontinentalExchange, the price of Brent North Sea due to the same tumbled 108.02 dollars. Always concerned about this decision, the markets have been volatile Friday session one, barely worn by positive economic indicators in the United States. A barrel of "light sweet crude" for August delivery ended the week at 91.16 dollars and Brent at 105.52 dollars.
In New York, the courts show a fall of 8% over the last two weeks, and even about 20% from their peaks in early May.
Gold through turbulence
Such as oil, gold was a very quiet start of the week.The yellow metal, a safe haven par excellence, was then boosted by lingering fears surrounding the budget crisis in Greece and the risks of contagion to other countries in the euro area. Wednesday, the day after the vote of confidence from Parliament to the government, even an ounce rose to 1558.25 dollars, not far from its high of 1577.57 dollars.
Then on Thursday, the shock wave that hit the oil markets hit gold. It continued until Friday. On these two days, the precious metal lost nearly 50 dollars, falling Friday to 1504.85 dollars, its lowest level in a month. The nervousness of investors in commodities gained the metal shelter. She was more accentuated by a sharp rise in the dollar against the euro adversely affected by the crisis in Greece.On the London Bullion Market, an ounce of gold finished Friday at 1514.75 dollars at auction in the afternoon.
In the wake of the gold, silver, rose significantly until Wednesday, before dropping more than 6% the next two days. The gray metal finished Friday at 34.73 dollars per ounce. Pulled down by the plunge in gold and the rising dollar, an ounce of platinum finished Friday at 1696 against $ 1829 dollars a week earlier, while an ounce of palladium ended at 739 dollars against 810 dollars in September days earlier.
Base metals with no direction
As for base metals, it was time for hesitation. Nickel (22,130 dollars per tonne), lead (in 2564 dollars) and zinc (in 2251 dollars) are the only ones to show increases.For others, the context was too heavy with the uncertain outcome of the case of Greece and the signs of slowdown in the U.S. and China which was happening at a push of the dollar. All these elements made the metal less attractive to investors very suspicious vis-à-vis the commodity markets since the fall of oil prices.
The copper market barometer, was not supported by the latest report of the International Group for the Study of copper (ICSG), which indicates a production surplus of 18,000 tonnes in March. On the LME, the tonne of copper for delivery in three months ended down at 9,044.50 dollars on Friday.
Wheat, corn and soybeans down
The prices of food have not been affected last week by the Action Plan of the G20 countries to fight against the volatility of agricultural products.In Chicago, the investors had more eyes turned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is published this week reports on acreage and stocks by. Meanwhile, warmer weather since early June fueling a decline in prices. Bushel of corn (about 25 kg) for September delivery ended Friday at 6.55 dollars (4.6% on the week), the soybean contract for November delivery rose to 13.10 dollars ( -1.7%) and a bushel of wheat due in September ended at 6.61 dollars (6.6%).
Note that in London, cocoa prices were supported by the "swollen shoot", a viral disease that threatens the harvest cocoa in Ivory Coast, according to observers. However, prices have limited their gains over the weekend, affected by a rise in the dollar.On Liffe in London, a tonne of cocoa for September delivery was worth 1867 dollars and on the NYBOT-ICE U.S., the contract for the same term finished in 2967 dollars.
Less than four months after the catastrophede Fukushima, Germany decided to phase out nuclear power within ten years. A few days ago already, Switzerland announced the non-replacement of its nuclear plants, which meant the arrest of Atomic Energy in 2034. But this Monday is a heavy sounding the end of a business. Of its 17 reactors, eight have been stopped since the nuclear accident in Japan and will not be reactivated, and most will no longer be in service by the end of the year. As for operators of these reactors is anger. German groups RWE, EnBW and E. ON, and the publicly owned Swedish Vattenfall, challenge this decision, particularly because of the continued consideration of a tax on nuclear fuel, while it was intended to remove it.The two main actors, RWE and E. ON – which operated 13 reactors – dropped by 2.07% to 19.60 euros and 40.18 euros at 2.06% shortly after the opening of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. For Bernhard Jeggle LBBW analyst, their profits will plunge by 6 to 11% per annum for the next few years.
Thus, Germany must find ways to cover 22% of its electricity needs are currently covered by its atomic plants. Already, from Fukushima and stopping, a total of eight power stations, Germany has had to draw electricity from abroad. Thus, since mid-March, electricity imports from France have doubled. In this context, EDF is positioning itself quite well.Certainly, last December, the electrician had to leave Germany by selling its 45% equity stake in EnBW, but at its last meeting, a few days ago, Henri Proglio insite on strategy internationalization of the group, with a significant increase in installed capacity of 200 GW (gigawatts) in 2020 – against 132 GW Gross in 2011.
A decision "purely political"
Except that the French group, which intends to become the first French electric utility in the world by 2020, intend to achieve by building in easy payday loans… nuclear. However, the German decision is a strong message against nuclear energy. And if France does not seem to lead to a shutdown of Atomic Energy – the G8 in Deauville, France has sought to weaken the safety tests in Europe – the pressure on the government could still rise.Echoing the lack of visibility facing the sector, EDF shares were down 0.67% in early trade on the Paris Stock Exchange on Monday morning. At GDF Suez, the title lost 0.49% at 25.30 euros in a market uptick (+0.15%) and displays with EDF, one of the largest decreases the Cac 40.
Finally Areva, the beginning of the session was extremely volatile for the first day of trading in its shares. President Anne Lauvergeon, whose term expires at the end of June and that the issue of succession is not always avoided, says the German decision is "totally political" and did not rule out a reversal of situation by the deadline. Meanwhile, Areva has suspended its quantified for the year 2012, ie a turnover of 12 billion euros and an operating margin in double digits, after the nuclear disaster in Japan.But "the group could benefit from stress testing of units in operation worldwide, investments to improve security that plant operators will be obliged to fund," according to analysts at Natixis, and that new contracts related to the closure of units across the Rhine, or even new orders for third-generation reactors.
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AREVA will be able to breathe. His former ally Siemens will pay him $ 648 million plus interest by a fortnight, following the breakdown of an agreement between the two groups. Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has in effect made public last night the penalty imposed by the German group for a case that began in March 2009.
Two years ago, Siemens has decided to withdraw from their joint venture Areva NP owned 34%, after failing to take a larger share. The German group did not then expected to reach an agreement with Areva output to form a new alliance with Russia's Rosatom nuclear.
Siemens has thus not met the terms of predetermined separation between the two groups no teletrek payday advance. The French decided to launch an arbitration against Siemens, liable to a penalty of 40% of the value of the shareholding of Areva NP.
The ITC has agreed with Areva and Siemens believes that has broken the pact of shareholders. The German group scoop the maximum penalty, a penalty of 40% of the value of its stake in Areva NP. The 34% share capital of Siemens Areva NP was valued 1.6 billion euros in March, when Areva took over Siemens' share in Areva NP.
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New twist in the soap Saab. The automaker based in Sweden could eventually be bought by Chinese Hawt. The latter plans to invest 120 million euros in exchange for a maximum of 29.9% in the mark, says a press release from Saab issued following an agreement signed in Beijing Tuesday. Hawt will also provide 30 million euros in the form of convertible loan with a maturity of six months and an interest rate of 7%. This will allow the company to pay its suppliers and boost its production to a standstill since mid-April. However, the group expects green light from the Chinese authorities, the European Investment Bank and the Swedish National Debt Office.
"This agreement provides funding in the medium term and consists of an investment in the form of subscription agreements totaling 150 million euros, and a strategic alliance to China including co-generation companies, technologist and distribution, "said Victor Muller, CEO Spyker, owner of Saab. "With clean diesel technology Hawt, its production capacity and its ambitious development programs, we found the right partner to develop Saab," he added easy payday loans.
Former Russian shareholder rejected for now
For now, no details are given about the fate of the former shareholders of Spyker, the Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov and friend of Victor Muller.Last week, the Swedish Debt and General Motors, Saab's previous owner, always very involved in group activity, have approved its proposed $ 30 million stake in Spyker to take a 29.9% interest in Saab. This investment should be made through the financial group Convers controlled by Antonov. The decision was rejected by the Swedish government for suspected ties to the Russian businessman with organized crime.
Choosing Hawt is a surprise for analysts, as several big Chinese manufacturers, including Great Wall Motor Co., China Youngman Automobile Group Co. and Jiangsu Yueda Group Co. have applied for the acquisition of Saab.Founded in 2000, Hawt, Small Business Beijing, has an annual production capacity of 350,000 vehicles, 300,000 engines also produce clean diesel per year and 450,000 automatic transmissions.
Morale is at half mast at TF1, which held its general meeting Thursday. The poor performance of hearing the first quarter will, according to financial analysts, the impact on advertising revenue. The consensus of analysts, they would be down 2% versus the first quarter of 2010, which had posted 355 million euros. It must be said that the first private channel has been unlucky in the first months of the year with JT sluggish and entertainment in free fall.
"In 2010, free channels have pulled their growth in a proactive policy volume. The screens are well filled in 2011, the price effect which is structuring. Yet the latter is related to hearings. And, in this case, they have not always been the rendezvous for TF1, "said Sergeant John the Baptist, the brokerage firm Gilbert Dupont.This was particularly the case in prime-time portion of which sank with the accident "Square VIIIP. The lower rates would have been understood for advertisers between 14 and 24% and it was not until the introduction of the game "Money Drop", Endemol, in a few weeks to recover.
The situation is quite different with regard M6 whose advertising revenues are up 7% to 162 million euros in the quarter. Good hearing chain Nicolas de Tavernost including the JT and "Scenes from" support price of advertising. "TF1 had some crashes while hearing M6 surfs its success," said Julien Roch, a financial analyst at Barclays. This virtuous growth is now linked to the rising cost of grid announced last September and is expected to be on the year, between 5 and 10%.A boost that seduces even more advertisers and audiences are waiting for you.
Disappointment in the markets
However, the side of diversification, the group experienced a fall impressive range of analysts estimated between 16 and 20% due to the collapse of sales of Bordeaux and a weaker performance on the market broadcasting rights for lack of a twilight or indoor video.
On Thursday, during TF1 fell 4.19%, to 12.35 euros, while that of M6 lost 2.22%, to 17.85 euros. However, analysts remain calm. At European level, falling valuations of media companies is around 20%.
After an initial meeting weekly with no real trend, but a Dow Jones closed at its highest level in almost three years, U.S. equity markets should open very carefully on Tuesday, or even slightly down. At 12:30, the contras futures on the Nasdaq 100 and S & P 500 retreated 0.89%, respectively, and 0.44% at 2319.75 points and 1323.30 points.
They follow and pessimism seen on Asian markets, where apart from Shanghai and Hong Kong, closed on Tuesday, the Nikkei closed down more than 1%, hit by falling Tepco. Elsewhere in Asia, other financial markets were maintained. In Paris, pessimism was more marqué.Après having opened at equilibrium, the benchmark index in Paris fell back by 0.7% in mid-session.
After a Monday without major macroeconomic data, indicators on the health of the U.S. economy will still be scarce today.The ISM index of activity in services is expected in March to 16 hours. At 20H00, investors should also pay attention to the publication of the minutes of the Fed. What still leave room for a large international events and international events, primarily Libya and the political situation in countries of North Africa and Middle East
For weeks, these geopolitical events strongly impact the price of oil, which continues to run around $ 120 a barrel in London. "However, the U.S. indices show a high resistance to higher oil prices" moderates Christian Parisot at Aurel BGC. These have reached new highs in New York and London this morning, where the barrel has exceeded 120 dollars for the first time since August 2008.The Saudi oil minister, for his part felt that crude prices could reach 200 to $ 300 if the protest movements reached Saudi Arabia, the world's largest producer of oil.
Very low volumes, wait until the first quarterly
"The volumes are anemic, less than a third to a session average payday loan online…" said Christian Parisot. Yesterday on Wall Street, the volumes traded on the Dow Jones did not exceed $ 114.3 billion. In future sessions, attention should also be persistent. The publication of quarterly results Monday from aluminum giant Alcoa, traditionally the first American group to disclose its financial results, should give the animation of the exchanges.
Side currency, the euro lost it again a little ground Tuesday after hitting the day's highest level in five months, traders ensuring some benefit in a cautious market anticipates a rise Thursday in the rate of the Bank European Central Bank (ECB). Around 11:20 in Paris, the single currency was worth 1.4182 dollars against 1.4220 dollars on Monday in 23:00.
Finally, the corporate side, many values are to be monitored, including:
Google – the Internet giant said it could be the target of an extensive investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, regarding possible anticompetitive practices. An investigation that could jeopardize the acquisition by the group of ITA Software.
Texas Instruments – manufacturer of semiconductors has announced tonight the redemption of his fellow National Semiconductor for $ 6.5 billion.
Note that according to the Wall Street Journal, the exchange operator Nasdaq OMX-like lower than 20% to 12% weighting in the Nasdaq 100's electronics giant Apple. Other technology stocks would be affected by this new calculation, such as Oracle and Intel (downwards), while Microsoft, and Cisco Systems would increase their weighting.
Bank of America – The giant bank would be under increased surveillance of the U.S. market regulator (SEC), which asked him last week to provide more detailed data on its financial reserves to enable it to cover the cost of mortgages repaid name.