Archive for April, 2010

Reluctance to Wall Street

Auto Date Friday, April 30th, 2010

In the wake of the optimism about the global financial markets, including Wall Street, dung beetles U.S. indexes are treading water in early Friday trade. As evidenced by the Dow Jones, Nasdaq and S & P 500 +0.03% respectively operating at 11,173 points, 2,510 points to -0.06% and -0.04% to 1206 points.

The number of days across the Atlantic, guarded by all investors in the financial world, was published at 14.30 Paris time. This is the first estimate of U.S. GDP for the first quarter of the year, which emerged in growth of 3.2%. It's worse than expected.

At the same time, rising labor costs in the United States accelerated in the first quarter for the first time since 2008, according to figures released Friday by the Labor Department.

On Thursday, markets were reassured by announcements from Brussels on the Greek case.This Friday, the country announced it was preparing a shock treatment for the public finances.

McAfee d?grincgole 12%.

Side companies, results in the first quarter of Chevron reported a net profit of 4.55 billion dollars, doubled in a year. The shares are timidly 0.04%, to 82.32 dollars in early trade.

Yesterday, ConocoPhillips (-0.02% to 59.09 dollars), oil group announced it had doubled its profits to 2.1 billion dolalrs, or 1.4 cents per share. Volume production is down 5.2% on a year (mainly related to the fields in the North Sea), but rising oil prices could imply a higher turnover of 2.6 times.

After-hours trade, McAfee, the editor of anti-virus software has unveiled a decline in profits to 37.6 million dolars, or 23 cents per share. The securities fell by 12.18% to 34.72 dollars.

The new numbers "07" arrive Monday

Auto Date Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Everyone knows when he called a number beginning with "06", he calls to a mobile. Starting Monday, it will also count with the new numbers beginning with "07", since "06" reach saturation after 15 years of loyal service.

Since October 1996, the launch date of the numbering plan to ten digits, more than 90 million copies have been distributed: it remains now only eight million plus 3 million awarded to Free Mobile, which will launch its services in 2012. Yet the need mobile numbers continues to grow as the subscriber base continues to grow and the development of RFID chips that all kinds of machines are now equipped with a SIM card and therefore a number Mobile.

For the consumer no change, nor any concern. The numbers assigned in 06 continue to operate normally.And the new numbers will be well in 07 reserved exclusively for mobile. They have nothing to do with premium rate numbers to 08. They will be recognized as such by the many individuals and Internet box identified in the unlimited plans. "Operators have been working for a year for this change. They did a great job on their information systems and networks. There will be no difficulty for individuals, "said Yves Le Mou?l, president of the French Federation of Telecom (FFT).

The federation, however, draws the attention of businesses and professions that have not yet adapted their home or their software switchboard. "Without adaptation, the standard of some companies may reject or refuse to take a call in 07. But the systems are flexible and should not be any problem.We are not in the scenario of a major change as was the case for the switchover to the year 2000 or the transition to 10-digit dialing, "says Yves Le Mou?l.

The customer concerned shall refuse an issue in 07. Conversely, consumers eager to stand out may request a number by 07. The numbers are in fact allocated automatically and randomly.

Bayern knocked OL also stock

Auto Date Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

After the ground, the stock market! Following its elimination in the semifinals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich Tuesday, as the OL's stock was punished on Wednesday. At mid-session, the title fell 7.89% to 8.29 euros. It was the first time that Lyon accessed at this stage of the competition.

After recording a loss of 8.7 million last February for the first half of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, OL Group shall submit its sales in the third quarter on May 5 next. According to the website FootBiz, a qualification for the finals of the Champions League would have to erase much of that loss. While Olympique Lyonnais had reached this stage of the competition, the club would have earned 44.5 million euros *.It would affect "only" 38.1 million **, by FootBiz.

A shortfall of 6.4 million euros

From his side, Bayern Munich advanced to the finals of the Champions League to be held next May 22 at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, is assured of pocketing 58 million euros through its 2009-2010 campaign in League Champions us fast cash.

The German club will also receive over 20 million euros for the sharing of television rights. The semi-final between Lyon and Bayern Munich has indeed been followed by 9.42 million viewers in Germany on average, 29.9% market share.Bayern Munich had not reached a final of Champions League since 2001.

* 21 million premium UEFA 8.7 million euros TV rights and 8.4 million euros of revenue stage

** 26.2 million bonus UEFA 8.9 million euros from television rights and 9.4 million euros of revenue stage

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Bricorama tests the quality discount

Auto Date Saturday, April 24th, 2010

A new kind of club opened Thursday in Clermont-Ferrand. Bridge? Tennis? No, DIY! Members buy a card that gives them access to 20 000 references sold on average 30% cheaper than in traditional supermarkets specialized. This offer is based on the concept of DIY Factory, a store 4500 m? (1500 m? outdoor) that tests the independent channel Bricorama (117 outlets in France).

The price of the card, 19 to 149 euros, depends on the period chosen by the customer (7, 30, 90 or 365 days). For example, a project started in spring and completed in early summer, a handyman can do some shopping Sunday for 90 days with the card paid 49 euros.Among the proposed rates: a jar of 500 ml of lacquer painting sold Dulux Valentine 9.55 EUR 19.10 EUR against average in a large area of traditional crafts (-42%), or a sink with Hansgrohe shower proposed 144 70 euros, against 209 euros elsewhere (-31%). Lower prices can reach up to 60%.

The new store, which replaces a Bricorama deficit lies in a catchment area hotly contested, close to a Leroy Merlin, a champion of "hyperchoice (50,000 references), himself leaning against a giant casino, and another discounter, Brico Depot, the brand's low-cost Castorama, both subsidiaries of the UK group Kingfisher.

Impasse on first prize

DIY Factory offers fewer products than the first radius is not proposing building materials as the second instant payday loan no TeleCheck.It is also missing several major brands like Black & Decker or Bosch, all present at Leroy Merlin, preferring challenger brands recognized pros. Finally there is no first prizes at the heart of its bid, as at Brico Depot. Finally, the third linear are less than those of a trimmed Bricorama.

"It's true discount, but not the trash: we sell at low prices without making concessions on products or service levels," said Erik Haegeman Bricorama CEO, who is without some mention that discounters it considered it less fussy about quality.

"The signs attract customers with low prices to the minimum quality – on which margins are nonexistent – and hope to catch up on accessories for power tools or decoration," explains Erik Haegeman.Rather than finding an equation of higher margin sales and margins near zero, Brico Factory applies the same level of reasonable profit on its entire supply. It would be about 10%.

This "discount quality" Will it attractive enough for consumers to buy a card? Bricorama, which did not sign up now at low prices, at least fills a void. If the test proves successful DIY Plant, the least profitable Bricorama could pass under the new brand.

How not to be afraid of the economy

Auto Date Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Inflation, unemployment, exorbitant health care … In his book "Our economic phobias," written with Stephen Menia, Alexander Delaigue tries to calm these fears "that the economist heals better than a shrink". By providing rational explanations and optimistic.

Note: Alexander Delaigue Menia and Stephane are the two economists Econoclaste bloggers.

U.S. markets end higher in small

Auto Date Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

U.S. stock markets are a small step forward Wednesday. The Dow Jones ahead of a timid 0.04% to 11,121 points, the Nasdaq composite advances 0.17% to 2504 points. In contrast, the S & P 500 lost 0.12% to 1205 points.

Apple Earnings blaze

The technology sector benefited from the announcement after market, a 90% surge in net income of U.S. computer maker Apple in the first quarter. Inflated by including a doubling of sales of iPhones, the company's net earnings to net apple exceeds $ 3 billion in the second quarter of its fiscal offset. Turnover was up 49% to 13.50 billion dollars.Apple shares climbed 6.01% to 259.30 dollars.

Also in the technology sector, Yahoo! also published after the close a net profit group share in the first quarter more than doubled year on year to over 310 million dollars. In contrast, the turnover has been disappointing. It increased only 1% to just under $ 1.6 billion. Result: the shares fell sharply from 5.06% to 17.45 dollars payday loan lenders.

Health in Bern

Conversely, the health sector suffers from the concerns of businesses in the health reform Barack Obama. Merck lost 3.66% to 34.74 dollars, Eli Lilly loose 1.42% to 36.01 dollars, Pfizer was down 0.95% to 16.60 dollars and Johnson & Johnson 0.91% drops to 65.39 dollars.While insurers, Humana lost 1.59% to 44.45 dollars, Aetna lost 2.78% to 31.08 dollars, UnitedHealth Group was down 2.32% to 30.26 dollars, Cigna shows a decrease of 2, 66% to $ 34 and Well Point yields 2.01% to 58.64 dollars.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro was slightly lower Wednesday as investors watching the talks between Greek officials and teams from the EU, IMF and ECB on aid to Greece due to start Wednesday after a successful bond sale by Athens yesterday. By mid-afternoon, the European currency was worth 1.3395 dollars, down 0.21%.

Crude oil inventories rose 1.9 million barrels to 355.9 million, said Wednesday the U.S. Agency for Energy Information (EIA). Economists on average had expected a decline of 300,000 barrels.

Apple would have lost an iPhone 4G

Auto Date Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

The news may seem surprising on Apple. The California company, known for its cult of secrecy, would have lost a very thorough prototype of the forthcoming new version of its smartphone, the iPhone's fourth generation (4G). The device was found Saturday in a bar in San Jose, California, approximately 10 km south of Apple headquarters, hidden in a bag to make it resemble a 3Gs. Happy coincidence, is a journalist site Engadget that would put his hand on it and created a buzz on the Internet. The prototype test was then landed in the hands of the editors of American site dedicated to new technologies Gizmodo, as explained in the latter since Monday.

Proof that this is not a fake, according to them: The phone was reported lost – or stolen – from Apple, claiming his return. The unit was disconnected remotely.Once connected to a computer, it would have been recognized as an iPhone by the system. "Evidence ultimate" once husked, it would reveal internal elements labeled Apple.

Changes

Gizmodo was happy to detail the equipment and to identify major changes from the last version 3Gs. As for news, the iPhone available to them is equipped with a camera with a lens much bigger and a flash on the front. The 4G has a micro-SIM instead of the standard SIM, like the iPad ("no other cell phone uses this standard to the U.S.," says Gizmodo). The screen has a higher resolution. There are "what looks like" a secondary microphone noise cancellation, next to the power cable for the earbuds.Finally, the volume buttons are separate buttons while the start-up, muted, and volume are all metal.

The design is a key element of differentiation between the 3Gs and 4G. If it proves to be a true prototype of the iPhone 4G, this unit would mark a return to classic Apple. Gone are the rounded back feature of the iPhone: the back is completely flat. The border going around the unit is no longer plastic but aluminum. The screen is slightly smaller. In short, "everything is more straightforward, as summarized by Gizmodo.

The device measures 11.43 x 5.87 solved x 0.94 cm, and weighs 140 grams or 3 grams more than 3Gs. "Because it is thinner, it appears as if he is more comfortable to put in the pocket of his trousers," enthuses editor of Gizmodo. Its battery is 16% larger. In fact, all internal components are small."As we have never been able to completely start, we ignore its storage capacity, however, regrets the article.

The buzz before the release

This is not the first time that Apple misled a model. Last July, the Chinese company Foxconn, which assembles the iPhone, claimed that an employee had lost one of sixteen prototype fourth-generation iPhone, which should be sent to California. The consequences have been more dramatic then that Apple would have liked because the employee complained, Sun Danyong, had ended his days. The news, first considered a rumor had been confirmed by Apple via an e-condolence.

This time, no new side of the California firm. The buzz created by the specialized sites around the prototype are in any case a boost in marketing the device, expected in JuneTimely support for Apple, since Google has released its Nexus One this year.

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»Blog: Technotes, daily source of high-tech news

A check of 150 euros for the poorest

Auto Date Monday, April 19th, 2010

A plea for an increase in purchasing power. The foundation for innovation policy published on Monday a report by Pascal Perri, an economics professor, offers several practical solutions to improve the living standards of middle class and poor. Noting that a large demand stimulus plan would benefit foreign companies more than the national economy, the report recommends several measures to lower the price of goods, or increase the purchasing power of households through benefits in kind.

This is the check-consumer, Pascal Perri calls back to 7 million people in France whose income is below 880 euros per month, the poverty line. At a cost of 150 euros a year, the check would be compensated only in fresh produce.One way to ensure that scarce resources are forcing the poor to consume only low-priced products, "but too salty, too sweet and too fatty." The measure, estimated at one billion euros, would also increase farmers' income, "down 35% in 2009, according to figures from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture," the report said.

To support the middle-class incomes, the report also calls for an overhaul of fiscal policy. Considering the income tax on a plate sitting too low and insufficiently progressive economist suggested a review of the current scales for "a more favorable earnings between 25 cash advance to savings account.926 69,505 euros euros per year.The report, which emphasizes that the tax increases only by 32% when the average annual increases of 200%, calls for a higher income tax rates. He recalled that in 1934, U.S. President Roosevelt did not hesitate, under the New Deal, to tax incomes over $ 200,000 per year up to 90%! Even less consensus, the report proposes to restore the character of citizen tax payment by submitting even the lowest income, an amount certainly low.

Finally, Pascal Perri advocates the establishment of a true die hard discount and low cost to the French, to promote lower prices and introduce healthy competition. "The French market for the distribution is not a competitive market, a market dominated by competitive agreements" hammered the economist, who advocates the establishment of a "policeman" of the Social Modernization Act (LME) .The LME has effectively dismantled on paper the kickback, the money repaid by suppliers to their distribution (eg supermarkets), which contributes both to exert financial pressure on those suppliers, and inflate prices . Still to enforce it, laments Pascal Perri.

The CAC 40 still in the green

Auto Date Saturday, April 17th, 2010

Always above. Halfway through, the CAC 40 in advance from 0.20% to 4073.63 points. The benchmark index of the Paris Stock Exchange Thursday posted a new annual peak at 4065 points (+0.20%), is a bit closer to the symbolic barrier of 4100 points. Investors watch for the slightest excuse to take profits.

Thursday already the Cac 40 has long been reluctant to choose green. An evolution in sawtooth corresponds to that recorded on the U.S. markets. The Dow has finished higher on a year (11,145 points) and two indices despite disappointing industrial production and rising enrollments in weekly unemployment.

Wait and caution

On Friday, the markets will therefore remain a very close eye on the figures for housing starts in March and nine on the consumer sentiment index in the United States.Before that, they analyze the price index for consumption and trade balance figures for the euro area.

A series of major publication is also expected before the market opens on the side of U.S. companies. Bank of America and Mattel will unveil figures of their first quarter, while General Electric will issue its second quarter of those displaced.

The values to follow in Paris

Carrefour (2.67% to 38.88 euros) on Thursday posted a turnover better than expected for the first quarter to 23.96 billion euros (+5.5%). He simultaneously announced a stock repurchase program covering 6% of its capital and a partnership in Indonesia.

Pierre et Vacances (-2.22% to 58.67 euros) on Thursday posted a turnover up 2.3% on a comparable basis in the first half of its fiscal year 2009-2010.Bookings for the summer season would also accelerated in recent weeks.

Stallergenes (0.87% to 62.76 euros) on Thursday posted a turnover up 13% in the first quarter and confirmed its objective of improving its margins this year.

NextRadioTV (EUR -0.64% to 15.60) announced a 10% increase in net sales in the first quarter to 30.7 million euros and refers to "positive outlook" for the first half.

Still on publications, Theolia (0.96% to 3.16 euros) publishes its annual results on Friday.

According to sources close to the deal, EADS (+0.51% to 14.82 euros) is continuing its search for a new U.S. partner, so that L-3 Communications waived to join its bid for the contract tanker aircraft to the U.S. Air Force.The group also announced a partnership with Lockheed Martin for development, always with U.S. military helicopter demonstration.

Air France (-1.67% to 12.66 euros) announces the cancellation of all flights to and from Paris on Friday, without specifying the time of resumption of traffic.

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The international launch of the iPad delayed one month

Auto Date Thursday, April 15th, 2010

The tech-savvy Apple will take their troubles patiently. Due to a "demand much stronger than expected," the Apple brand has chosen to postpone by one month the sale of its famous tablet outside the United States. Since its launch last April 3, they are already over 500,000 iPad that the Americans pulled out, a demand exceeding initial estimates from Apple.

"The demand will probably exceed our offer for several more weeks, as people discover and receive the iPad 'group said in a statement Wednesday. Why Apple has "taken the difficult decision to postpone by one month the international launch of the iPad, until the end of May," they said.The price of international sales of the shelf will also be made public until 10 May.

5 to 6 million of iPad could elapse before the end of the year

The choice of Apple to delay the launch of its new flagship will not surprise some analysts, who predicted an already dwindling stocks of Apple to the success of the tablet. The only day of its launch, the tactile apparatus has sold 300,000 copies in the United States, while several hundreds of thousands of applications were downloaded.

Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty recently anticipated sales well above the forecasts of the U.S. firm 2.5 million iPad view could take over the first three months, against 750,000 originally provided by Apple.For their part, the bookies are betting on sales of $ 5 or 6 million euros before the end of the year … "We build iPad as quickly as possible" recalled recently Steve Jobs, head of group. Potential buyers will, however, biting at the bit.

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