At The Core
World News
Change the marriage contract to better protect her husband
Your matrimonial is it still fits your financial situation? Through the acquisitions made during the life, property division rules established by the initial marriage contract may no longer meet the needs of the couple, including the death of one spouse.
The rules of succession are now more protective of the surviving spouse. They guarantee him at his option, the option of retaining the use of all of the assets of the deceased, or to obtain full ownership of one quarter of those assets. The question arises, however, with respect to the principal residence, especially when children are involved. If one spouse wants more protection, it is possible, by gift or by will to assign ownership of property.
A subway project in the Channel
Do we take the subway to Calais soon the morning to work in 25 minutes on the other side of the Channel in Ashford, and go home at night by the same means? This is the project defended tooth and nail by an association of French entrepreneurs in southern England. The Union of French Citizens Abroad organized Thursday a day of employment and business in the region where the project was presented shuttle Channel.
Olivier Cadic, an entrepreneur of 49 years, Councillor elected to the Assembly of French abroad, moved to Ashford fifteen years ago "because it was the first stop on the Eurostar," to escape the French tax burden, creating a media outcry.It was followed by other entrepreneurs from ready to provide many jobs.
"It's hard to recruit because the high cost of real estate in Kent do not allow employees to set up small, explains Olivier Cadic. An electronics company came along with me, which now employs 1,500 people, would be willing to offer 100 jobs immediately. Or just on the other side of the Channel to Calais, there is 25% unemployment. The TER of the Pas de Calais stops at the entrance of the tunnel. It's absurd. "
For 2012 Olympics
For its proponents, the metro project under the English Channel would be easily achievable. Eight TER trains purchased by the Nord-Pas de Calais originally for a project linking Lille-Manchester, could very well use the tunnel to get to Ashford in less than half an hour cash advance now.Eurotunnel, used only 55% of its capacity, is all for this binding would increase its revenues. SNCF, partner Southeastern Railway on the other side of the Channel, did not object either.
Consul General of France in London, Edouard Braine, is optimistic. "It's a certainty it will happen. Just look at a map and see that there is full complementarity between the two regions. Cross-border workers are already doing this ride by carpooling Eurotunnel but that's not very practical. And this is not the business of Eurostar to the local service. "The high speed train between Paris and Ashford has phased out most of his stops at Calais and London to optimize speed between the two capitals.In addition, its prices are prohibitive for commuting.
The ball is in the camp of the Nord-Pas de Calais, which seems to drag to decide. One question: is there a sufficiently large market to recoup such an operation? The members of the association believe that the London Olympics in 2012 would be a great opportunity to launch the line.
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The newspaper editors united against Apple
The French press bristled. In a joint statement, the leading provider of daily newspapers and magazine announced Friday that it will not NewsStand titles in the digital kiosk that has just been launched by Apple with its new mobile operating system (IOS 5) . Digital versions of newspapers are accessible via the iPhone and iPad applications.
"The trading conditions imposed by Apple today are unacceptable," consider the union of the national daily press (SPQN), the Union of the regional daily press (SPQR), the SPM, which represents the magazine, and professional union the magazine of opinion (SPPMO)."They are undermining the economic model of the press and ultimately reduce the choices available to Internet users."
Newspaper publishers have stalled on several issues with Apple charges for the sale of newspapers imposed, failure to provide subscription multi-platform and commission rates, considered "excessive". It is 30% for any sale in the App Store – be it a press title, a video game or a piece of music. But more than the standard rate of commission is the loss of control over customer relationships that worries the press."Personal data readers are the property of Apple and are not systematically shared with publishers, yet anxious to establish a relationship of trust with their readers to better take into account their expectations, 'the publishers.
Call for government
These criticisms have emerged since the launch of the platform download App Store in 2008 and is shared by publishers around the world. Newspapers have tried to deal with the manufacturer in developing their own applications, offering subscriptions multi-platform on their websites and enlançant a common digital kiosk application in late June (e-Presse premium). But the very existence of the latter is now threatened by NewsStand."We have not intended to be distributed by a single booth, but we want to be distributed under normal conditions," said one editor.
French media owners could benefit from the organization of the conference "New World 2.0" by Minister Eric Besson, this weekend, to educate government and foreign players to their difficulties. The battle is not won. As with Condé Nast, some media groups have signed with Apple in the U.S. while their French subsidiary belongs to the anti-sling NewsStand.
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Barroso wants to recapitalize "emergency" banks
"The speed of the European Union should not be that of its slowest member," hammered José Manuel Barroso on Tuesday before the European Parliament. In the aftermath of the rejection of strengthening the European Fund for assistance to indebted countries (EFSF) by the Slovak Parliament, the President of the European Commission urged member countries to continue efforts to stop the contagion of sovereign debt crisis in the area euro. Jose Manuel Barroso called for a recapitalization "emergency" banks as part of a "roadmap" gathering proposals from the Commission to support the banking sector.The latter, weakened by the debt crisis, is under pressure from the collapse of the Franco-Belgian Dexia facility.
Bank recapitalization should be conducted in a "coordinated" by members of the euro area to counter "the threat of systemic crisis that is taking shape," said José Manuel Barroso. Specifically, it proposes to raise the minimum capital "hard" of banks, without giving precise figures. To achieve this, banks must first use of private sources of funding and, if necessary, seek the support of the national authority. If the state is not able to provide the necessary assistance to the bank, a loan will be contracted by the EFSF.
In the absence of recapitalization, the banks should not pay bonuses or dividends, said Jose Manuel Barroso.Their exposure to sovereign debt should be evaluated "in a transparent manner overnight pay day loans."
The EFSF, rose to be replaced mid-2012
In addition, the sixth tranche of aid to Greece must be paid, said the President of the Commission. The country should also get a second loan that would be based on "sufficient funding for the participation of public and private sectors."
Other Commission proposals: the EFSF must be increased to "maximize" his strike force. This must be done through a "leveraged" with no financial guarantees for new states. In addition, Jose Manuel Barroso called again to accelerate the establishment of permanent mechanism should succeed the EFSF. The "European Financial Stability Mechanism" (MES) is projected by the President of the Commission, to take effect mid-2012, not mid-2013 as planned.With 500 billion euros of lending capacity, this mechanism would directly buy the debt of the states in the primary market, not like today only in loans.
Finally, José Manuel Barroso is also income, without naming them, the "Eurobonds", or "Eurobonds", mentioned as a solution to the debt crisis. The Commission will present by the end of the year, a proposal to allow the creation of the "obligations of stability."
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Sony wants full control of Sony Ericsson
The maneuvers in mobile telephony will continue. Less than two months after announcing the acquisition of Motorola by Google, it's time for Sony to come forward. The Japanese would be poised to buy out its partner in the joint venture Ericsson they hold a 50/50, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sony said "have made any announcements on this and have no comment."
Becoming once again sole master on board in the phone, Sony get back into the race, while its subsidiary is in full decline. In the latest Gartner, Sony Ericsson does not point only to the tenth place. Unbearable to cope with the rise of Samsung and other HTC.
The share of Swedish would be valued between 1.25 and 1.5 billion euros.Sony Ericsson reported a loss of 50 million euros in the last quarter (ended June 30), strongly impacted by the consequences of the tsunami in Japan. The group felt when the earthquake had prevented the production of 1, 5 million phones.
A very strategic move
A recovery of 100% Sony Ericsson, ten years after the creation of the joint venture fits perfectly with the new guideline from Sony. Since late August, the Japanese never ceases to present the virtues of a strategy "five screens" (TV, PC, tablet, game console and … smartphone). At each speaking orchestrated by Sony, its subsidiary in the phone is a little more present. A to obscure the fact that the group led by Howard Stringer holds only half! While in September, when questioned on the subject by the Figaro, a leader of the group responded, "Why buy expensive our participation? ".Admitting a hint that Sony already felt at home in their joint venture. An attitude that could just as tired Ericsson, which has every reason to feel more deprived.
In addition, Sony ensures highlight the synergies between the different divisions of the group. But the mobile phone is, at present, is a real focal point. The latest Sony Ericsson Xperia smartphones are a perfect summary. They are equipped with optical CyberShot inherited cameras from Sony and for the sound, the Walkman and entertainment, Sony Entertainment. The climax was reached with the Xperia Play, which includes all the features of a PlayStation.
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Crisis: CEOs more pessimistic than in 2008
Worse than the fall of 2008, "58% of business leaders consider an inevitable deterioration in the economic situation," according to the survey conducted in 2011 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris (CCIP). This survey was conducted during September, with 5000 businesses with fewer than 500 employees, representing the economic fabric of Ile de France and the country as a whole. There were only 48% of patrons to express such a fear in September 2008, at the time of the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, which would trigger a few months later a global recession – in France, in particular, GDP declined by 2.5% in 2009.
A remake of 2008-2009 is in everyone's head. But comparison is not right."Companies now have to pay much less than in 2008 and stocks the contrary, they have much better treasuries, said Pierre-Antoine Gailly, President of the CCIP. For the whole of France, their current account deposits at banks now amount to 180 billion euros, 20 billion more than in 2008. "
The CCIP also notes that if the concern that banks limit access to credit are large, this fear has not yet materialized. Moreover, the dreaded cold snap on the situation at the moment is focused on Europe, while in 2008 it had distributed instantly worldwide. Clearly the multiplier effects that had abruptly fired three years ago now seem less formidable.The current crisis follows a phenomenon much more confidence that it reflects a mechanical depression guaranteed unsecured personal loan.
Bring to a faster response to the crisis in Greece
Thinning can therefore act only through a return of confidence, it says in the CCIP. First in Europe: it is faster to make a response to the crisis in Greece and more generally to uncertainties in the sovereign debt.
Second key point: the situation of banks and their ability to finance the economy. There also should clarify the situation, including the definition of the application of Basel III on capital requirements.
Third dimension, unique to France, the presidential campaign. She never held in such a climate of economic turmoil, with what is more significant questions about a possible alternate.Two factors, by definition, anxiety, do you recognize the CCIP where one refrains from taking sides of course on the merits. Much will depend on the conduct of the presidential campaign, knowing that in times of uncertainty the temptation of inaction is great for business.
Everything will be in the speech
The survey conducted last September marked a sharp decline in climate, especially in SMEs. The synthetic indicator currently stands at 91 down from 106 in September 2006, at the last presidential campaign for SMEs. For larger companies, this indicator is 96 against 104 five years ago. While governments have no fiscal space to influence the deal, everything will be in the speech. The power of words never been so great.
Industry and households demoralized
Optimism has no place in French industry and households. According to the monthly survey published Friday by INSEE, the synthetic indicator of business climate in manufacturing industry fell by six points to 99 points in September, passing below the 100 that corresponds to the average long period for this indicator. "He finds his level of August 2010," INSEE said in a statement.
As for the index of business climate as a whole (including services, construction, wholesale and retail trade), it falls along eight points to 97 points. Clearly, "the economic climate deteriorated in all sectors except construction," says INSEE.
In detail, the entrepreneurs of the manufacturing industry believe that their past activity slows again.They are particularly concerned to see their order books, global and foreign, are down. The situation is similar in both food processing, electrical, electronic and computer in the car, where the activity is expected in sharp decline in the coming months.
Confirming this gloom, the turning point indicator of INSEE has clearly shifted in the red. If it is not necessarily synonymous with recession, "the index is in all cases the echo of a deceleration of growth in all sectors," explains Sandrine Duchêne, head of the department of economic INSEE.
The financial situation of the French deteriorates
Even pessimistic side of French households, whose confidence index has lost five points to 80 points in September, according to data from the institute poor credit personal loans. This is its lowest level since February 2009.This indicator had a slight gain in July (three points) after months of stability. But in September, households appear significantly higher than in July to anticipate an increase in unemployment (23 points).
To this must be added the concerns of their income: between July and September, the opinion of households on their personal financial situation has deteriorated further, the balance corresponding dropping six points. Thus, the French are less numerous than in July to consider appropriate to make major purchases (-5 points). About their nest egg, they also feel that the time is not conducive to spare, the balance being lost 8 points in its long-term average.
According to Sandrine Duchêne, growth forecasts of 0.5% set in June for the third and fourth quarters will soon be downgraded."Since mid-2009, we tablions on a scenario of sluggish growth," said she. But the accumulation of adverse factors, "as the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, or concerns about the economic situation in the United States and China," cloud the prospects for a real recovery in the Hexagon.
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Bid rates on bank books
The French, who have cash to invest are spoiled for choice. Since early September, the war of books has flared up: banks, especially those dedicated to the Internet, engaging in a battle of promotional offers to attract home savers' deposits. They need the cash to finance themselves with it.
Some institutions are content, as in the past, offering a promotional rate of 4.5% or 5% (3 to 3.3% after tax) for two or three months for the opening of a new booklet . The good thing is short lived as the remuneration then falls to 1.75% or 2%. This string – display a high rate for a short time – is well known to subscribers.
Other institutions so attempting to stand out by offering lower rates, but longer guaranteed.This is for example the strategy of Cortal Consors (BNP Paribas), initiated by the summer. The property offers on new books 3.25% gross, but for 12 months (up to fifty million). Another subsidiary of BNP Paribas, Cetelem, also puts forward a savings account strictly identical conditions.
Rates guaranteed for one year
A fixed fee for one year is attractive for investors tired of "doing bounty hunting", that is to say, to transfer their capital from one institution to another and from one book to another, to take advantage of new offers short term personal loans. Other institutions are on the same register, even more cleverly. BforBank, a subsidiary of Credit Agricole, has revived some of its customers by promising 3% guaranteed, again for a year.But unlike other promotional offers reserved for the opening of a new book (or new installments of a book already exists), BforBank promises to serve this rate on any outstanding, that is to say also to amounts already invested in the booklet provided only "activate" the promotional offer.
That all customers BforBank not rejoice too quickly! The promotion was targeted: only those whose libretto is not too BforBank garni – and do not cost too much in interest to the bank – received the proposal. BforBank wishes to draw the subscriptions, but not at any price ….
The war is won booklets also in the field of customer segmentation. Like passengers on a plane, none of which paid for his ticket at the same price, investors who subscribed have the same book – a few months later – at all the same pay.Those who wanted to transfer their money have sometimes been offered to extend more interesting than those who leave the bed.
And those who have transferred their capital elsewhere without closing the book are offered more attractive rates for recharging …
Hotels: 150 euros per night taxed?
The Finance Committee of the National Assembly on Wednesday adopted an amendment removing the increase in the VAT rate in the theme parks to theme. Then Saturday, Jean-Pierre Raffafin said the head of state had waived this. If the professionals, and local elected officials – Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Philippe de Villiers in the lead, have welcomed the government ends up in turn with a hole of 90 million – expected gain with the increase in VAT – in new revenue under the austerity plan. There is indeed little chance that the measure be reinstated Tuesday by the parliament met in extraordinary session.
But the government was clear: any measure removed must be compensated. Asked on Sunday to go to Europe Grand 1-Le Parisien / Today in France-i-Télé, Labour Minister Xavier Bertrand described the week ahead of "week of choice."Present at the close of the Campus UMP Marseille, Prime Minister François Fillon has assured that "nothing is taboo and nothing is left" in the savings plan. "The government is open to criticism and amendments provided they do not involve the amount of effort, nor their balance," he said.
0 to 14%
The general rapporteur of the Budget, the UMP Gilles Carrez therefore working on a measure that would affect this time the luxury hotel, the four, five star and luxury hotels in France. Since the 1960s, the area has a rate of 5.5% VAT. A niche that has cost 930 million euros this year to the state. Hence the idea of submitting the luxury hotel at the standard rate of VAT at 19.6%.
For compatibility reasons, the European creation of a flat tax is now considered. He should table an amendment on Monday late afternoon.It provides that the tax would be due when the room rate exceeds 150 euros per night. It is progressive from 0% to 14% between 150 euros and 300 euros per night and would be fixed at 14%, for a price above 300 euros per night.
Politically interesting
Taxation of luxury hotels is considered politically attractive by some parliamentarians, while the tax on high incomes, which will be discussed in the fall, was ridiculed by the opposition and is not high enough to taste of some big names of the majority. But professionals do not agree. For Jacques Borel, consultant-lobbyist, the measure would be "shooting in the foot."
Secretary of State for Tourism, Frédéric Lefebvre agrees.He told AFP on Friday to be opposed to any measure that overtaxed the luxury hotel, and "deal a blow to the competitiveness" of the French tourism. "I am adverse to anything that overtaxed the luxury hotel business because it is precisely the quality and upmarket who left the area of crisis," he said. As for the Synhorcat, union of the profession, he said that a tax of 33% between 1981 and 1994 on 4-star hotels of the period, against 7.5% for the rest of the hotel, had resulted in what "Many of these hotels" will downgrade "to escape the VAT hike."In Le Parisien, Aujourd'hui en France, director of the Plaza Athénée expressed this weekend's fear of his clients go to other capitals as cheaper in Italy or Spain.
Valérie Pécresse, making his debut as budget minister in the chamber Tuesday, said "respect" the parliamentary debate. But it should not drag on so that everything is completed before the Senate elections of 25 September.
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Wall Street should be on guard before the Fed
Wall Street holds its breath. In the wake of a sharp drop in session, and two hours of opening, the contracts are in equilibrium on the Dow Jones (+0.03% to 11,134 points), Nasdaq (0.09 % to 2113 points) and the S & P (+0.02% to 1157 points).
As in Europe and Asia this morning, the New York Stock Exchange on Friday waiting to learn more about the measures to be taken by the Fed to support the U.S. economy threatened by recession. Ben Bernanke, head of the institution, will speak Friday at 4:00 p.m. (French time) to his counterparts at the traditional central bankers in Jackson Hole Symposium, Wyoming. The Fed could launch a new program of quantitative easing, but many stakeholders are concerned that expectations may be disappointed.However, "if Ben Bernanke said that the need for further action is not obvious, it means that the economic outlook is less black than starting to think many investors, 'the economists broker Aurel BGC.
GDP in the menu
Before this appointment, investors will read the second estimate of GDP for the second quarter (14.30), the first being very disappointed. Growth could however be further revised down 0.2 point to 1.1% annual rate. The second estimate of the index of consumer sentiment in August is also the program cheap credit report.
As for currencies, the euro resumed slightly against the dollar to a few hours of the speech of Ben Bernanke. Around 11 am, the euro was worth 1.4440 dollars against 1.4378 dollars on Thursday in 21 hours. The wait also dominates the side of the oil markets.A barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery was trading at 110.25 dollars on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in London, down 37 cents, while in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of "light sweet crude" (WTI) for the same maturity lost 35 cents to 84.95 dollars.
Values of the day
On the corporate side, Tiffany, Madison Square Garden, Frontline and Royal Bank of Canada must publish.
HollyFrontier reported a dividend increase of 17% to 8.75 cents.MTS Systems also announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend.
Pandora Internet Radio, which made its IPO in June, on Thursday posted a net loss of $ 3.18 million in the second quarter of its fiscal year lag, and a turnover more than doubled, exceeding analysts' expectations.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has reported a quarterly profit of $ 8.8 million or 12 cents per share against 2.2 million a year earlier. Sales jumped 11% to $ 97.9 million.