Financial, Business, Personal Finance News

The consumption of American households rose in July

Consumer spending in U.S. households rose 0.4% and revenues by 0.2% in July, show statistics released Monday by the Commerce Department.

Consumer spending and showing the strongest gain in four months, receiving a slight increase in revenue.

The figures for consumption and income showed an unchanged rate in the month of June

Economists and analysts polled by Reuters had forecast an average increase of 0.3% of consumer spending and incomes in July.

The savings rate was 5.9%.

After the publication of these figures, futures on the S & P 500 have cut their losses.

New fall in unemployment in France in July

The stabilization of the labor market was confirmed in July in France with an increasing decline in youth unemployment and a rise in job vacancies so that the executive is preparing a return to social and political agitation.

The number of jobseekers in category A, which includes those without work and actively seeking employment, fell for the second consecutive month, declining by 14,400 (-0.5%) last month in France, to 2,676,600 people.

He declined 8,600 (-0.3%) in June, which was the second decline year after the March.

By adding job seekers engaged in a Pool (Class B and C), the number of unemployed increased by 0.1%, however in a monthly basis in July (+5.300) for an increase of 8.1% year on year to 3,963,800 people (4,208,300 including Dom).

"It's positive, we have for the second consecutive month falling unemployment.It's an indication of stabilization of unemployment, "said Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde in an interview with Reuters.

"We have a range of indicators is positive and give us hope that this trend early (…) will probably keep", she added, citing the purchase intentions, ocean freight, advertising, the interim, the recovery of stocks, investments and consumption.

"Who says less of job seekers said wages and therefore more consumption and at the level of public finances, less unemployment and thus a situation of public finances Unedic-improved," continued Christine Lagarde while the government is preparing the draft budget 2011 will be announced in late September.

The executive confirmed last week its goal of bringing the deficit of France in 6% of GDP next year despite the lowering of a half-point to 2.0%, its growth forecast economy.

DOWN FOR THE YOUNG, THE RISE FOR OVER 50 YEARS

The upturn on the labor market due to an accelerated decline in youth unemployment.

Job offers collected by job center for their part, returned to the increase.

Among youth under 25 years, the number of unemployed declined by 2.8% in group A compared to June fell by 1.8% in one year.For categories A, B and C, the youth unemployment down 0.2% on month but a 1.8% increase over one year.

Job offers collected by Pole employment grew 3.6% in July in France and show an increase of 12.7% over one year.They were down by 0.6% in June from the previous month increased 7.1% over one year.

The long-term unemployed and those over 50 years, however, continued to grow.

For over 50 years, unemployment has increased by 0.8% in group A (+17.6% yoy) and 1.1% for the three main categories (+17.1% on year).

The number of long-term unemployed – registered at employment center for a year or more – rose 0.8% in July for categories A, B, C with a mass increase that is over one year (+27.6% ).

The detailed statistics also shows that entry to public service employment in Class A, B and C were down 2.4% from June, down 4.4% year on year.

The outputs of the same categories are in the same time remained stable but rose 4.1% over one year. Among them, radiation administrative advances of 7.3% compared to June, the search stops 11.5% and entries on probation by 17%.

The French economy has created 23,900 jobs in the market sector in the first quarter with growth of the economy by 0.1% and 35,000 in the second quarter with growth accelerated to 0.6%.

Unemployment according to ILO will be published Sept. 2 by INSEE. He stood at 9.5% in the first quarter (9.9% in counting overseas departments), the highest since the fall of 1999.

Wall Street opens up, driven by mergers and acquisitions

Wall Street opened on earnings Monday, investors regaining confidence through several projects of mergers and acquisitions.

A few minutes after the start of trading, the Dow Jones gained 0.54% to 10,268.56 points, the Standard & Poor's 500 index 0.58% to 1077.89 points and the Nasdaq Composite 0.67% to 2194.34 points.

Hewlett-Packard on Monday launched an offer of 1.6 billion dollars (1.2 billion euros) to acquire the data storage company 3PAR, competing with the offer of its rival Dell issued last week.

Titles 3PAR Dell responded to the rise of this announcement, gaining 0.83% respectively and 42%, while HP lost 0.27% at the opening.

The group Campbell Soup gained 0.19% after announcing consider an offer of 1.5 billion pounds (2.3 billion dollars) on the activities of Britain's United Biscuits cookies.

Finally, 3M took the 1.10% group is likely to spend about two billion dollars (1.6 billion) in acquisitions this year, twice more than its previous estimate.

"This suggests that companies have reached a point where they want to grow their cash. (…) This is obviously a positive sign for markets," said Michael O'Rourke, a specialist market with BTIG LLC.

Crédit Agricole sealed by its subsidiary in Greece

Crédit Agricole has extended by one year the return to profit of its Greek subsidiary Emporiki due to credit losses more than expected because of the recession in Greece. The woes of its Greek subsidiary Crédit Agricole will require to spend a further depreciation of 400 million euros in its accounts the second quarter, after the 500 million spent last year.

The French bank, which bought Emporiki in 2006, told analysts still expected a pretax loss of 130 million euros for its subsidiary in 2011, instead of a profit of around 10 million expected initially. For 2010, the expected loss for Emporiki will also increase, to EUR -750 000 000 -350 000 000 cons around. Return to the green accounts is the Greek subsidiary of the blow pushed to 2012 instead of 2011.Around 12:30, the Crédit abandoned agricultural 4.9% to 9.472 euros, underperforming the sector index Stoxx 600 European banks (-2.13%). BNP Paribas and Societe Generale fell by 3.3% and 4.6%.

Battered stock market because of fears surrounding its exposure to the crisis in Greek, the title Credit Agricole sells more than 22% since January 1. Pressed by the market, the bank eventually amount to 850 million euro exposure to sovereign debt Greek."We realize qu'Emporiki always weighs more heavily on agricultural credit, with a cost of risk emerges from 450 million euros more than expected in the original plan," said Tom Bartholomew, head of credit research at Louis Capital Market.

Standardization in 2013

The economic crisis in Greece was in fact forced Crédit Agricole to harden its scenario losses on credit, which is increased by 450 million euros between 2010 and 2013. According to the bank, the cost of risk will normalize in 2013. Leaded by two successive years of losses in 2008 and 2009, Emporiki has also been recapitalized in March by Credit Agricole, to the tune of 989 million euros.

Its parent company now estimates qu'Emporiki will have a "specific need" for 550 million of additional capital by the end of 2011 to confront the crisis and complete its restructuring.Taken to a drastic plan to reduce its costs, the Greek subsidiary of Crédit Agricole had already planned last year to reduce its overhead 21% and close 57 branches, resulting in the departure of 1,500 employees.

The French bank believes that the decline in enrollment of Emporiki will be "faster" in 2010 but "slower than anticipated in 2011. In this scenario, the operating rate of Emporiki will improve faster than expected in 2011 to 62.5% instead of 68.8%.

Puma sees an increase in its adjusted operating profit in 2010

Puma anticipates an increase in its adjusted operating profit in 2010 compared to 2009, the global economic recovery had a positive effect on demand for sporting goods.

In exchange, Puma loses 2.6% in the first exchanges in a market up slightly.

The world's third largest industry, behind the U.S. and fellow Nike Adidas, had a first revised upwards its 2010 targets in April.

He then said he planned to grow its annual turnover between 0% and 5% but closer to the bottom of this range, and a growth of at least 70% of its taxable income.He confirmed that goal Thursday.

Consumer confidence has reached a peak of 26 in July in the euro area, which gradually takes shape of the debt crisis but the longer-term prospects remain uncertain.

The adjusted operating profit came out of Puma up 1.7% to 64.1 million euros in the second quarter, slightly below a Reuters poll that gave 69 million.

Turnover increased 2.5% to 615.4 million euros (consensus of 628 million), while net income increased by 16.4% to 44.8 million (consensus: 49.1 million).

The subsidiary of PPR, which also announced Thursday the launch of a share repurchase program, has a PER of 13.7, whereas it is 15.1 to 17.1 for Adidas and Nike, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine.

The action gives 2.3% to 230.45 euros in early morning.

Plastic Omnium second half sees a "dynamic"

Plastic Omnium said Thursday confident the second half after a first half of the year marked a rebound in net income and revenue thanks to the automobile and the environment.

The group specializes in large plastic parts for the vehicle (body and tanks) or for the collection of waste (containers), posted first half net profit of 72.3 million euros, against eight million a year earlier.The results of the last six months is more than double that achieved all of 2009.

"The activities of Compagnie Plastic Omnium will continue to appear dynamically in the second half of 2010," the group said in a statement.

The title, which earns more than 106% since the beginning of the year, bringing its market capitalization to nearly $ 700 million, has risen by 4.5% to 39.82 euros ten minutes after the opening of trading Paris.

If the turnover of Plastic Omnium has fallen 15% in France, total sales were up by 28.5% to 1.52 billion thanks to a near doubling of sales in North America and Asia.

Emerging markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China) now account for 9% of turnover Automotive Group, a proportion expected to rise "significantly in the next three years," said Plastic Omnium.

This balance, which specifically involves the construction of five new plants should help offset the slowdown in the European car market anticipated the second half of the year with the gradual disappearance of the last car scrapping.

Plastic Omnium has also stated that the acquisition of 50% of the Belgian Solvay Inergy Automotive Systems, a leading global fuel systems and fuel tanks, which the project was announced in June, is expected to close shortly and completed by the end of the year if the competition authorities give green light to the operation.

In the environment, the group's turnover increased by 6.2% in the first half thanks to the development of sorting and of underground containers for the collection.

The European Commission awarded it a satisfactory plan of Athens

The European Commission said Wednesday that the reform program initiated by Greece out of the recession and the debt crisis was largely on track.

The process of fiscal consolidation is consistent with guidelines established under the rescue plan member countries of the euro, the commission said in a report on his mission to Athens for the month of June

Brussels also awarded full marks to the advancement of fiscal and structural reforms of pensions and the site opened by the government of George Papandreou in exchange for massive financial support from its European partners and the IMF.

The report notes as well that if tax revenues were slightly below expectations, lower expenditure of the State is it more pronounced than expected.

But the Commission considers that the Greek economy suffers from a lack of competition and some macroeconomic data are incomplete.

"Although this overall assessment is positive, with an application of this program largely on track, this preliminary review has identified a number of pressure points and areas where further progress is necessary," reads the report in .

Greece, the debt crisis has shaken the euro area, negotiated a financial assistance of 110 billion euros with the EU and the International Monetary Fund and pledged in return to a policy of economic stringency in particular through a reform of its pension system adopted in late June by the government.

On Monday, Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou said he was confident his country's ability to meet its goal of reducing the budget deficit to 8.1% of GDP this year, against 13.6% in 2009.

To access the full report of the Commission, in English, double-click here

Anne Lauvergeon would be maintained at the head of Areva

President Nicolas Sarkozy has decided to keep Anne Lauvergeon at the head of Areva, said Tuesday radio France Info.

Rumors evicting Anne Lauvergeon circulating since the beginning of the year, partly because of dissension in the camp and the French nuclear setback in late 2009 with the loss of a major contract in the UAE.

The decision by the Head of State was expected. In late May, a government source had told the Echo that "exception error on his part brilliantly, it will remain until the end of its mandate" in July 2011.

Anne Lauvergeon has been appointed for the first time as President of the Executive Board of Areva in July 2001. His mandate was renewed in July 2006 and expires in one year.

The Dow Jones ended in decline of 0.42%, Nasdaq 0.37% yield

The NYSE has finished lower on Thursday, several economic indicators are below expectations come stoke fears of a slowdown in the recovery.

The market, however, finished above its lowest sitting through purchases on the cheap.

The Dow Jones yielded 0.42% to close at 9732.53 points.

The S & P 500 is broader, has lost 0.32% to 1027.37 points.

The Nasdaq Composite fell on his side from 0.37% to 2101.36 points.

Monceau Fleurs accelerates its international expansion

Monceau Fleurs Group wants to expand its international presence and is aimed primarily Germany and Asia to boost its sales, told Reuters CEO Laurent Amar.

To support this development, the florist has launched a bond issue in May to a maximum of 12 million euros, which ends June 25 The unit amounts to 500 euros maturing in June 2015, with a coupon of 8%.

"It was rather a good home," said Laurent Amar in an interview. "The receipt of the loan shows that the financial reputation is being done.And the financial reputation is essential for the liquidity. "

Laurent Amar said it had rejected the option of a capital increase because he believes that the current valuation does not reflect his company or its doubling in size after the company acquired in 2008 Rapid'Flore nor its international success.

"As I have my heritage that is in, I refuse to dilute the value then," he said.

Laurent Amar counting on improved financial visibility to see the group increase its capitalization today of 52 million euros.

The group, which already has over 450 stores in eight countries, confirms its objective of growing its network of sales by 20% during 2009-2010, which ends Sept. 30.He added that the pace of store openings to accelerate the international over the last year.

"We went from 6% to 10% in number of stores opened abroad. It'll go faster," said group finance director, Eric Villedieu. "We aim for 1,000 stores in five years," said Laurent Amar.

The group is particularly Monceau penetrate the German market, which he estimated at seven billion euros a year against three billion to France.There is already present through a joint venture with Lagardere Services which owns 40% stake.

The company, which owns the brands Monceau Fleurs, Rapid'Flore and Happy, already extends for several years its international presence by establishing joint ventures with partners.

They have a franchise for periods of seven to ten years in exchange for a fee and a requirement to provide priority via the Monceau group.

"We went further we got from our partners to be the capital of these companies that hold rights in the country.It is quite rare to get this from its partners, "said the CEO.

ASIA, FLORISSANT CONTRACT

Monceau Fleurs said having well through the crisis because of its policy of low prices, achieved in particular through the integration of its suppliers, in addition to its innovative products like its pink bioluminescent.

The CEO also said to have benefited from the crisis to negotiate leases for new retail outlets on terms much more favorable, thereby facilitating its expansion.

Already present in Japan with nine shops, Monceau Fleurs placed on the dynamic Asian markets and their high consumption of flowers, partly due to the multitude of temples in the country to develop.

"It's part of our priorities is a market that is made for us.It would be a mistake not going there, "said Laurent Amar.

Besides the development of the network through franchises, the group does not make acquisitions as opportunities arise, but he says he remains "extremely cautious".

"In terms of developing countries, through acquisition, we do not refuse any opportunity," said Laurent Amar, whose grandfather created Monceau Fleurs in 1965 in Paris.

The group was incorporated in 1985 by the Compagnie Financiere Edmond de Rothschild.

After a degree in business law, Laurent Amar, confident that the flower industry was promising and mostly impervious to attacks, developed the network in the province from 1998 in 2002 before acquiring the company, which now holds , 38, 69% of the capital.

Monceau Fleurs, whose competitors are the Jardin des Plantes in France or the U.S. 1-800-Flowers internationally, has seen its turnover grow by 72% in 2008-2009 due to external growth, 66, 4 million euros for an operating profit (EBITDA) of 1.2 million euros.

At the Paris Bourse, the title listed on Alternext Monceau Fleurs showed a stable course Tuesday to 9.00 euros. Since the beginning of the year, he sold 17% after surging 101% in 2009.