Wall Street ended up 1.23%, boosted by employment

Wall Street closed sharply higher Friday, boosted by the employment statistics, which in particular led the Nasdaq Composite to register a peak of 11.

The Dow Jones for his part tu a high of four years, while a large number of stocks from the peaks have registered a year.

The Dow Jones took 156.82 points (1.23%) to 12,862.23 points. The S & P 500 gained 19.36 points (1.46%) to 1,344.90 points. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 45.98 points (1.61%) to 2,905.66 points. On the whole week, the Dow gained 1.6%, the S & P 500 2.2% and Nasdaq 3.2%.

The S & P 600 small caps for his part closed Friday's session at a record high of 463.56 points, representing a gain of 2.14%.

The upturn in the U.S. employment continued in January, with the highest rate of job creation observed in nine months, and the unemployment rate fell to , its lowest level in nearly three years, reflecting the impact of growth in the fourth quarter of 2011 at the beginning of new year.

Other statistics published in the day, the industrial orders and the ISM services. Orders to U.S. industry rose for the second consecutive month in December, driven by increased business investment.

The growth rate of services sector in the United States has clearly accelerated in January, while economists had estimated that it would evolve in the same tempo as December , according to figures released Friday by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM).

"This is confirmation of a slow but significant statistics US", says Stephen Wood (Russell Investments), noting that risks remain, however, as the debt crisis in Europe.

The financial sector gained 2.68% and 1.71% of industrial

Values, and therefore against the trend, Estee Lauder loses 2.33%. The American cosmetics group, citing adverse currency effects and increased its advertising spending, announced quarterly forecasts well below expectations.

More than halfway through the "season" results, 60% of the S & P 500 have reported results above consensus, according to Thomson Reuters I / B / E / S.

Cameron mocks Sarkozy's Tobin Tax

With this measure unilaterally decided by France, the UK will host "several French banks," mocked the British prime minister Monday. Meeting between David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy at the Elysee December 2, 2011. <p> British Prime Minister David Cameron mocked Monday Nicolas Sarkozy's decision to unilaterally introduce a tax on financial transactions, believing that by this measure, the UK would host "several French banks." " / p> "I find it incredible that we can do this," said Mr. Cameron about Mr Sarkozy's decision to introduce this tax without waiting for its European partners. "As we fight for jobs and growth, do something that cost so many jobs seems extraordinary," he said during a press briefing on the sidelines of a summit of 27 countries of the European Union in Brussels. </ p> "And in a healthy sense of competition with France, if France a tax on financial transactions, our door is open and we can welcome UK banks and many more French companies, and our economy will grow, "Mr Cameron joked. </ p>" I am full of admiration for Nicolas "<p> While noting that they were disagree on certain issues, he described the French president as "remarkable man" and recalled their collaboration during the war in Libya. "I wish the best to my friend Nicolas," he added, in response to a question whether, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he would campaign for re-election of Mr. Sarkozy. </ P> "I am full of admiration for Nicolas. From time to time he said something with which I do not agree, as when he said that Britain has no industry, as we have an industry larger than France, "he said. </ p> M. Cameron was referring to comments made Sunday night by Mr Sarkozy during his interview broadcast by French television channels. "We can talk in the UK with pleasure, the UK, they have more industry", launched the French President. </ P> Relations between the two men are strained these recent months. The EU summit in late October had already been the subject of a frank explanation of them, M. Sarkozy irritated during a meeting that Mr. Cameron gave lessons to the euro area over the course of action. </ P>

More than 68,000 passengers affected by the strike at Qantas

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has asked Qantas unions to end their claim as the strike of the airline has reached over 68,000 passengers.

Julia Gillard, criticized for not having intervened earlier in this dispute, asked the court ruling in Melbourne this type of case to end as soon as possible to the strike.

"We have taken this action (going to court) because we are worried about the impact on the economy," said the head of the Australian Government.

The strike comes at a worse time for the Australian Government, the Commonwealth summit being held in Perth.Seventeen officers were invited to travel on Qantas aircraft Sunday.

Saturday, the airline has grounded more than one hundred aircraft and canceled 447 flights. The strike comes during a weekend of the busiest of the year in Australia in terms of air transport, in part because of a very popular horse race, the Melbourne Cup horse, which takes place Tuesday and attracts tens of thousands of people.

The unions are demanding salary increases and improved working conditions, and challenge the strategy of the company to focus its international activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The company management wants it removed through a thousand jobs.

Death is expensive in France

Bury or cremate their dead costs on average 3,000 euros, according to a survey of the UFC-Que Choisir. The difference between the cheapest quote (1300 euros) and the most expensive (6100 euros) shows that competition is not enough. Cemetery of Pantin, near Paris

Bury or cremate their dead is a complex and costly journey to the consumer who must deal with often exorbitant prices and specifications are difficult to obtain or abuse in an industry where competition is not. The cost of the passage from life to death can be multiplied by five, depending on the selected services and burial.A survey of UFC, released Tuesday, provides a range of 1300-6101 euros between the cheapest quotes and the highest, at an average cost of 3098 euros, almost equivalent to a burial or cremation.

These differences show that the competition is not enough, and especially since customers weakened by grief often accepts the estimate prepared by the provider first met. "Play competition, even in the case of death, it's not butt, although some operators do not hesitate to make this argument vicious" to corner the families to pay a high price, told the AFP Alain Bazot, president of the association.The "first condition" of healthy competition, he says, is a quote "transparent and legible for comparing and sorting" between mandatory services and plenty of optional services (flowers, toiletries, conservation , dressing, porters etc. ..) always available.

The price of the coffin varies from 950 to 1300 euros, care to the deceased from 90 to 150, the burial chamber from 250 to 400, and administrative procedures handled by the operator 110 to 263 euros. However, the benefits required by law, can be summarized in a coffin 22 mm – 18 mm for a cremation – a mechanical seal, four handles, an identification plate, and a vehicle authorized to transport the deceased.

Reinvigorate competition

A ministerial order intended to force since August 2010 funeral operators to establish transparent and legible quote, did not provide a satisfactory answer, according to Mr.Bazot: 97% of estimates collected by UFC does not conform to the regulatory model, 39% only partially meet the criteria, and 18% of 997 shops visited refused burial to establish a personalized quote. The constraint can not be effective if accompanied by sanctions, and this, according to Bazot, the Directorate General for Competition (DGCCRF) must become a "deterrent" in imposing penalties financial.

DGCCRF objected that "this is the field establishing PV" including crimes (in case of deception on benefits). Paid for justice to follow. DGCCRF also conducts investigations "to identify more discrete agreements between operators or abuse of dominant position". For in this local market, franchisees and independents, too often only locally, abuse of that exclusivity.

"There are ways to enhance certain operators and avoid the ill will of others," says Bazot proposing to inform consumers through brochures available in hospitals, nursing homes, and town halls. "It's not revolutionary, he says, but it can revitalize the competition."

Rescue of the euro: the bites of discord

Despite claims of a "perfect match" between Paris and Berlin to save the euro area, Germany is seeking to impose its measures to France. But Paris is fighting back. Anthology of statements that illustrate these differences. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a press conference at the Elysee Palace August 16, 2011.

"The French do not move one iota"

Paris and Berlin on the same wavelength? There is something highly doubtful. Despite Thursday about the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble has mentioned a "total agreement" between France and Germany before the European summit Sunday, the two capitals still cling. This is particularly the disagreement on scenarios for ending the crisis of the euro which caused the postponement of a final decision next Wednesday, not Sunday as planned.Angela Merkel even declared Thursday in a small group that "the French do not move one iota" on their positions, according to remarks reported by the German daily Bild.

"Give a banking license in EFSF is out of question for us"

The disagreement most marked between the two capitals is on maximizing the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF). Paris wants to give it a banking license to enable it to obtain financing from the European Central Bank (ECB) and have a borrowing capacity multiplied. Out of the question for Germany. The Vice-Chancellor of Germany Philipp Rösler was repeated Friday, "in no circumstances do we want a banking license is given to the EFSF. Want that our colleagues, friends and partners in France. But it's out the question for us as government and the coalition (government) as a whole. "The ECB also refuses, his chief economist Juergen Stark said on Thursday that "we can not meet the expectations of the governments (…) the fact that the ECB to do more."

"France continues to defend it, there are big discussions"

The EFSF, negotiations are still bitter between the two diplomats, and Paris does not admit defeat. According to a European diplomat, "France continues to defend it, there are big discussions." Paris as the ECB would continue to purchase securities of distressed states like Greece, Italy, and Spain. The institution has made since May 2010 out of its mandate to do so, and avoid contagion of a debt crisis in these countries. Belgium is already favorable.But the ECB refuses to continue this policy firmly and waits for the EFSF take the baton, according to the diplomat.

"From the beginning, Merkel dictate the tempo and impose its income erroneous"

If France does not want to compromise on its position is that it has followed much the German proposals in recent weeks on two main points: a strong restructuring of the Greek debt and bank recapitalization. It has long been opposed, but finally solved it, especially to preserve the unity of France and Germany. "From the beginning, Merkel dictate the tempo and impose its income erroneous," a European diplomat plague.France seemed to have resigned to claim the "banking license" to EFSF, it is now ready to attempt the showdown with Berlin.

"The impact is disastrous outside"

To stem the crisis, Berlin wants to use the EFSF as insurance against the default of the countries in difficulty. It would guarantee 20 to 30% of the securities issued by states. But on this subject the French are not the only ones to show their reluctance. Rome and Madrid are also in disagreement according to a source cited by Les Echos. According to Italy and Spain it will create a rate difference between bonds and debentures. "No one in a financial crisis, venture to purchase securities that need a crutch," the official said.The prospect of a consensus is difficult to foresee, and Europe the world illustrated by his disagreements according to the chairman of the Eurogroup, Jean-Claude Juncker. "The impact on the outside was a mess," he said. "We'll have to agree soon on how we can improve the look of others on us."

The situation in Greece "has not changed since July"

One of the major issues for the future of Europe is its ability to prevent financial excesses of fragile states in the euro area. In Germany, it would tighten controls on the reforms implemented by the countries supported by the troika (EU, ECB, IMF), today Greece, Portugal and Ireland. For this troika responsible for evaluating on a quarterly basis the progress of reforms, not enough according to a source close to the German government.The situation in Greece "has not changed since July," said the source. "The troika system which advises us every three months because too much stress, we need a much more permanent support, which allows to adapt much more quickly" assistive devices.

"There is no real problem with the Chancellor, there is a problem with the German coalition"

According to a French official quoted on the blog of Libération journalist Jean Quatremer, the real obstacles between France and Germany would rather a problem of "German-German". "There are no real problems with the Chancellor, there is a problem with the German coalition," said the official, who stressed that the Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble diverges including its chancellor on the level of discount to be imposed on creditors private on Greek debt.What foreshadow muscular discussions before the EU summit on Sunday.

Cigarette prices increased by 6%

Cigarette packs will cost on average 30 cents more starting Monday. This should bring 600 million euros to the state in one year.

Cigarette packs will cost on average 30 cents more starting Monday in France, a 6% increase sought by the government should have little effect on consumption, but that will bring 600 million euros a year in State to Safely smokers will find it in a package less than 5.70 euros in their tobacconist. For the first time, the Marlboro (the best-selling package with nearly 25% market share) will pass the bar 6 euros to 6.20 euros.The government has allowed manufacturers to revise their prices, anticipating an increase in minimums of perception which must be passed by Parliament in the law on financing of Social Security.

This increase was announced by Prime Minister Francois Fillon, in late August, when presenting the plan anti-government deficit. It should bring 90 million euros this year and 600 million in a full year.

Taxes are 80% of the price of a pack of cigarettes. Most (over 10 billion euros in 2010) goes into the coffers of the social security system. Fillon also announced a further increase of 6% in 2012, without specifying the date. This is the third consecutive year that the cigarettes in the fall recorded such an increase (30 cents per pack), well above inflation.However, sales have never declined so far in the same proportions.

54.8 billion cigarettes sold in 2010

Thus, it has sold 54.79 billion cigarettes in 2010 against 54.98 in 2009, a mere drop of 0.3%. At the same time, the amount of rolling tobacco rose from 7257 to 7598 tonnes (+4.7%). In total, sales of tobacco (including cigars) increased by 0.14% by volume, according to figures from the observatory of drugs (OFDT). Again this year, cigarette sales in late July had declined by only 0.6% in volume compared to 2010.

Value, because of previous price increases, the market is increasing by about 5%. Growth shared by the state (almost 13 billion euros in 2010, including 2.5 under the VAT), tobacconists (8.2%) and manufacturers and distributors (11.8%). The anti-smoking groups believe that any increase less than 10% has no effect on consumption.The Office of Tobacco Prevention (OFT) ironically on Monday up seeing an "application" of the state "to the tobacco industry for agreeing to increase by more than 100 million profit."

Tobacconists and manufacturers recall their part that a sharp increase has an effect on sales in tobacco shops, without lowering consumption, since it encourages smokers to buy abroad or from resellers on the sly. A study of Customs estimates that 20% of cigarettes smoked in France are not purchased in the network of tobacconists, but fraud (5%) or legally (15%) in the neighboring European countries (Belgium and Spain) where the package is sell up to 30% cheaper.

These purchases, which exploded after the sharp increases in tobacco prices in 2003/2004, affecting particularly border trade, result in financial compensation from the state to tobacconists.A parliamentary report issued in early October to the Minister of Budget, recommends "a convergence of prices of tobacco in France and in neighboring states," but also "to reflect on the taxation of rolling tobacco" for "contrecarrrer the substitution effect for each increase in the price of cigarettes. "

The U.S. economy created more jobs than expected

The U.S. economy has created far more jobs than expected in September and the new posts of previous months have been revised upwards, according to official statistics released Friday that could mitigate fears of a return to recession.

Last month, 103,000 non-farm jobs were created, according to the Labor Department, while economists on average expected 60,000 creations.

The unemployment rate was unchanged from a month to month to 9.1%, in line with analysts' expectations.

The right numbers in September are based in part on the reintroduction of 45,000 employees of Verizon in the number of jobs created, they were not in August because of a strike.By excluding these employees, 58,000 new jobs were created.

Statistics disappointing August, which reported zero job creation, for its part has been revised to bring out 57,000 new jobs. That of July was also revised upward to 127,000 against 85,000 previously.

Overall, the private sector has created 137,000 jobs, 100,000 against and 42,000 expected in August. The public sector has eliminated 34,000 jobs to him.

RELIEF

These employment figures are one more sign that the U.S. economy could avoid falling into recession despite a sluggish summer.Last week, the growth of U.S. gross domestic product in the second quarter was revised up to 1.3% against 1.0% in the first estimate.

Recent indicators of the manufacturing sector, business spending and auto sales leave now think the economy is doing better than expected third quarter.

Hourly wages have also increased by 4 cents in September after falling all the previous month.They then recorded their first decline since October 2009, pushing the savings to its lowest level for over a year and a half.

"The increase in job creation and revisions of the statistics is comforting and exciting to the market," said John Kilduff, partner of Capital hedge fund in New York Again.

"But it seems premature to use these numbers to say, regarding the economy in general, we are out of the woods," he tempers.

In September, the U.S. economy has eliminated 13,000 manufacturing jobs, after having destroyed in August 4000.

Some economists fear that the debt crisis will derail the U.S. recovery, not a fear expressed Thursday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

"We're still not at a job that can bring down the unemployment rate, which remains a key concern important to the economy," warns Ellen Zentner, economist at Nomura Securities in New York.

The economy must grow by at least 2.5% per year and create jobs 150.00 per month to prevent the unemployment rate to rise.

GDF Suez to Eni sells a share in the fields in the North Sea

GDF Suez said on Wednesday an agreement with Eni to sell to the Italian group's 10.4% indirect interest in the gas fields of Elgin-Franklin in the UK North Sea for 590 million euros.

This is part of its program to sell 10 billion euros, said the French energy company in a statement.

Participation in question is owned through the company EFOG, a joint venture between GDF Suez (22.5%) and Total (77.5%), which itself holds 46.2% of Elgin-Franklin field.In 2010, these assets accounted for 5.5 million barrels of oil equivalent in natural gas production and hydrocarbon GDF Suez.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2011, said the French group.

Around 9:30, the action GDF Suez was almost unchanged at 22.52 euros while the CAC 40 gave 0.29%.

The new home sales fall 22.6% in Q2

Sales of new homes fell 22.6% in the second quarter in France compared to the same period last year, show figures released Tuesday by the Ministry of Sustainable Development.

At 23,183, sales from April to June, however, increase by 2.6% over the first quarter of this year.

In one year, the decline in the number of transactions reached 28.5% for houses and 21.8% for apartments.

"Sales of 2010, the year of continued recovery began in 2009, had been particularly high," says the ministry in a statement.

Of the last four quarters, sales of new homes declined 5.1% compared to previous four to 104,473.

This movement, which affects all areas of city with the exception of Central and Corsica, has not prevented a further rise in average prices at 3820 euros per square meter for apartments (7.7% over one year) and 249,400 euros on average for homes (+1.8%).

Meanwhile, on sale housing fell 8.6% in the second quarter from April to June 2010, to 28,596.Like sales, this reflux is more affected houses (-19.2%) and apartments (-7.3%).

The last four quarters, put up for sale, however, increased by 9.9% over the previous four.

Further signs of tension in the market for residential real estate, the stock of new homes for sale was in the second quarter, up 1.5% year on year and the average flow of housing has increased in one year seven months to eight and a half months for apartments, eight and a half months to just over 11 months for houses.

Moreover, housing starts for new homes end of July showed an increase of 15.7% over one year to 347,355 units, and 9.1% over the last three months compared to the previous three months, to 80,524.

The number of building permits granted for dwellings alongside increased 10.1% year on year to 422,974 units and 8.6% over three months, 118,747.

In the non-residential housing starts were up 9.6% over three months, to 5.95 million m2, but fell by 1.5% over the last 12 months, 24.39 million of m2.

Building permits for industrial and commercial premises, they are up 2.9% over the period May to July over the same quarter a year earlier to 8.88 million m2 and will increase by 5.7 % 12-month rolling, to 35.82 million m2.

Nestlé driven by growth in emerging markets

Nestlé has identified its goals Wednesday after unveiling an organic growth than expected in the first half, also marked by strong sales growth in emerging markets.

Despite an environment of rising agricultural commodity prices and the strength of the franc, the agribusiness giant expressed confidence in its ability to achieve its target of organic growth of 5% to 6% – indicating he thought to reach the top of the range – combined with an increase in the margin at constant currencies.

Nestle also announced that it would not launch a new program of share repurchases at this time, after buying 35 billion francs in securities since 2007.

The group intends to maintain its financial flexibility to carry out its expansion strategy in emerging markets while pursuing acquisitions.

Nestlé intends to continue to increase the dividend paid in Swiss francs to shareholders, also stated the CFO.

In the first six months of the year, Nestle achieved a turnover of 41 billion francs (39.3 billion), down 12.9% from the previous year due to changes in scope and impact of foreign exchange.

Sales increased in all regions, including Europe and North America, despite the fall in consumption in developed countries.

PRESSURE FRANC FORT

Organic growth has exceeded expectations, reaching 7.5% while sales in Asia, Oceania and Africa rose 11.5% on strong performance of the Maggi range of products.

Price increases, of 3.8% recorded in the second quarter after rising 1.5% in the first, also contributed to this performance of Nestlé.

Last week, competitors Kraft Foods and Unilever have published better than expected results after having passed on their selling prices high inflation in the prices of agricultural commodities such as coffee, cocoa or milk.

For Danone, which published its half-year end of July, the price increases, however, have negatively impacted volumes in the dairy business.

Nestlé, unlike its major competitors, has also faced pressure from the strong franc has had a major impact in the consolidated accounts.

"The Swiss franc has no significant impact on the underlying performance," however, said Chief Financial Officer Jim Singh, at a conference with analysts.

PROGRESSION OF OPERATING MARGIN

Compression of distribution costs and administrative costs, however, have helped to protect the operating margin which increased by 20 basis points and 40 basis points at constant exchange rates, while many analysts had forecast a loss of profitability .

Net income was 4.7 billion francs, a decline in over a year but slightly above expectations.

The consensus of analysts polled by Reuters had stood at 41 billion francs in revenue and $ 4.6 billion in net income.

At 11:20 GMT, reduced earnings, but still took 0.7% to 47.03 francs, underperforming the European index of food and drink that gained 1.13%.

"The forces were well distributed geographically, but were particularly impressive in Europe and echo the strong results from Unilever last week," noted Alicia Forry and Eddy Hargreaves, analyst at Collins Stewart.

"The fact that Nestlé has not announced share buyback will fuel further rumors of an interest in the activities of Pfizer Nutrition," says Jean-Philippe Bertschy, an analyst at Vontobel.

Nestlé, which has large reserves of cash from the sale of Alcon to Novartis, has acquired particular Prometheus Laboratories, California company that specializes in the diagnosis in gastroenterology and oncology.

In July, he also announced plans to partner with Hsu Fu Chi to grow the confectionery market in China.