International & World Report

Despite successive reforms, the future of pensions remains uncertain. According to the circle of investors, it is expected that the replacement rate – that is retired from the last wage – down in the next twenty years. Middle managers, especially, will be penalized with lower returns on supplementary schemes. Individuals are aware they will have to save to preserve their future purchasing power. They can do this by reducing their taxes. Several savings products can indeed be a winner on the tax.

The Perp: still little used

The most universal of these savings products is also the least known. The popular retirement savings plan (PERP), established to encourage the French to build and open to all, hard to seduce.According to figures from the French Federation of Insurance Companies (FFSA), 27,000 new Perp were subscribed in the first half of 2011, 2% more than in 2010, but the number of building plans has stagnated at around 2, 1 million since its inception in 2004. "It produces a tunnel that compares poorly with the life insurance contracts, where the funds are not blocked until retirement and also offer a tax advantage," said Marc Darnault, Associate Optimaretraite consulting firm.Perp of the main asset is the ability to deduct contributions from taxable income, with two limitations: the amount deducted must not exceed 10% of earned income, and must remain lower for the 2012 tax return, to 28,281 euros – 10% of eight annual ceilings for Social Security (Pass).

The placement is especially interesting for those imposed in the higher brackets (30 and 41%) of the Income Tax Act and is most appropriate as thirty fifties. The Perp suffers from a disability second. The sums are blocked until retirement recovered mainly in the form of an annuity.Only 20% of funds can be "removed" capital (they are then subject to withholding tax of 7.5%), except in special cases (acquisition of a principal residence indebtedness, disability …) "The Perp is a wager on life expectancy, "says Marc Darnault. The pension amount is difficult to assess in advance and then it will suffer the same tax that the pension provided by the general scheme, namely the scale of income tax after deduction of 10%.

The Perco: the advantage of leaving capital

In comparison, the Retirement Savings Plan (PERCO), which allows the retirement funds out an entire capital – option selected by three-quarters of investors – more attractive.Reserved for the minority of employees whose company has set up this device (about 2.8 million people affected), it has experienced in 2010 an increase of 27% over 2009, according to the French Association of Financial Management (AFG). Some 690,000 employees have passed and the stock reached 4 billion euros on 31 December, an increase of 35% in one year.

The Perco can be powered both by the employee, who can contribute a maximum of 25% of its revenues, as the employer of up to triple up to a maximum of 5,656 euros per year. These payments are exempt from social charges and tax. Only the CSG (7.5%) and CRDS (0.5%) must be paid. "It's a little device binding is a management tool. It may in fact be powered by the profit-sharing payday advance low fees.Since 2010, half of it is also paid directly to the Perco, "said Philippe Crevel, general secretary of the Investors' Circle, which advises to choose security, particularly at the approach of retirement. "It should also be careful because insurers who manage packages often encourage more risky," warns Marc Darnault.

Préfon: The Perp of the Public Service

This optional retirement plan is open to staff and those who worked for a time in the public service. He met with mixed success. Only 3.7% of potential members contribute to gain points Préfon. A lack of interest that can be explained by the low incentive to contribute, the Pension Plan of the Public Service to ensure a replacement rate of 75%."This has made less sensitive to the officials the opportunity to purchase additional pension that private sector employees, including the replacement rate is 50%," says Philippe Crevel. In addition, the level of pension paid will depend on the pension point value, passed annually in the board. A rather complex system that does not allow the insured to have a clear idea of ​​what it touches.

The Préfon was dusted in early 2011. If the principle is the payment of a pension supplement in the form of annuity (taxed at the rates of income tax after deduction of 10%), it is now possible to recover 20% of the money invested capital (taxed 7.5%). Its main attraction is nevertheless able to reduce its income tax by contributing.As for the Perp, amounts paid annually to the Préfon are tax deductible within the limit of 28,281 euros for 2011 income.

Madelin: a necessary complement to the self

Created to encourage self-employed (merchants, independent artisans, professionals, leaders of society … self-employed) to accumulate savings and a pension insurance scheme Madelin contracts are tax-advantaged. As for the Préfon and Perp, contributions are deductible from taxable earned income (BIC or BNC). The device is even more advantageous, since the deduction of 10% of income to a maximum of 28,281 euros plus an additional deduction equal to 15% on income between 35,352 euros (the maximum Social Security for 2011) and 282,816 euros (eight times in the past). The maximum deduction is set at 65,401 euros."Contributing to this diet is all the more necessary for the self that the benefits of their pension base are lower than for employees," said Marc Darnault.

According to the circle of investors, 61% have an independent contract Madelin (including retirement). The FFSA counted 899,000 contracts outstanding of 1.1 billion euros. The funds invested – usually on euro fund or units of account such as life insurance – are recoverable in the form of an annuity (taxed at the rates of income tax). No events capital is possible except in very specific cases of bankruptcy or disability of the investor.Finally, unlike other retirement investments, payments on contracts Madelin must be regular.

ALSO READ:

"Investments: Solutions for the future

"Retirement at age 62 receive 5 billion euros in 2015

"Life insurance? Invincible!

"Transforming its RTT in retirement savings

The Paris Bourse was found to beautiful colors yesterday. The CAC 40 gained 2.83% to 3171.34 points, in a little volume of trade expanded by about 3.3 billion euros. The day before, he had lost 2.32% and the five days he gave up xx%. Elsewhere in Europe yesterday, Frankfurt gained 3.55% and 1.93% London.

Moderated somewhat in early trading, the Paris market has accelerated the pace in the afternoon, reassured by the good performance of Wall Street. In session the Dow advanced 1.77% and the Nasdaq 1.49%. To observers, the shift is mainly due to the information that has filtered through the preparations for the EU summit scheduled between Sunday and Wednesday. Finance ministers of 17 countries of the monetary union have found themselves in the afternoon on Thursday in Brussels to finalize this key event for the euro area.Paris and Berlin have already announced that Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel would meet Saturday in Brussels to prepare an "ambitious and comprehensive response" to the crisis. Concrete measures should then be unveiled during a second summit to be held "no later than Wednesday."

The bad news relegated to planIl will then not only to agree on how to increase the capacity of the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF), but also to review the new rescue plan for Greece.

Hope for quick and concrete progress on the thorny issue of sovereign debt in the euro zone was overshadow the bad news of the day. After Moody's, Standard & Poor's raised doubts about the triple-A long-term debt of France, where strong economic downturn.In the same case scenario, the agency also mentions a possible degradation of the notes from Spain, Italy, Ireland and Portugal according to economic conditions.

Weekly balance sheet negative for banks

Bank stocks, regaining ground as we approach the Summit of Heads of States in Brussels. BNP Paribas was up 6.22%, 5.59% Societe Generale and Credit Agricole of 3.93%. On the week, however, accuse the banks of heavy losses. Over the whole week but it heavy losses. In five days, Societe Generale lost 8.95%, 6.82% Credit Agricole and BNP Paribas 1.46% guaranteed pay day loans.Unlike some of the best performance on the CAC 40 weeks, there is Pernod Ricard (3.76%) and Danone (3%) who announced results considered of good quality, in the last days.

• Essilor (+3% to 52.48 euros)

The world leader in ophthalmic lenses achieved a growth of 6.4% of its sales in the third quarter 2011 to 1.04 billion euros. The group also confirmed its target for 2011 growth of its business "between 6% and 8%" at constant exchange rates and strategic acquisitions, and its goal of stability margin excluding strategic acquisitions.

• Safran (-8% to 22.20 euros)

The group confirmed its targets for 2011. It aims for 2011 growth of around 6% to 9% of its revenues and 25 to 30% of its operating income.Safran has seen its turnover increase from 5.2% to 2.72 billion euros in third quarter

• Valeo (6.63% to 35.85 euros)

The group reported a turnover up 14% in the third quarter to 2.6 billion euros and confirmed its operating margin target for 2011.

• Klépierre (4.01% to 22.28 euros)

The group reported a growth of 4.9% of its sales in the third quarter, supported by the increase in rents shopping centers.

• FranceTelecom (2.58% to 12.94 euros)

Orange will acquire 100% of the mobile operator CTC (China Telecom Congo) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the French group paying $ 10 million (7.3 million) to ZTE for its 51% of CTC and 7 million dollars to the Congolese government for the balance.

• Pierre et Vacances (0.59% to 29 euros)

The group reported Thursday a 2010-2011 annual turnover of 1.47 billion euros, up 11.2% on a comparable basis. Solely on the fourth quarter of fiscal year, ended Sept. 30.

• Etam Développement (2.81% to 14.25 euros)

The group released Thursday a quarterly revenue of 269.4 million euros, down 10.7% on a comparable constant exchange rates.

• OL Group (-0.68% to 4.40 euros)

The group announced Thursday it had reduced its net loss to EUR 28 million for the year ended June 30, against 35.6 million a year ago and have returned to a positive EBITDA (8 , 9 million) "despite a very mixed season in sport."

• Incidents in Rome

Tens of thousands of demonstrators, inspired by the "outrage" of Wall Street and Spain, marched Saturday in Rome, the city had been cordoned off by police. "One solution, the Revolution!", "We are not property in the hands of bankers," could be read on the signs of the protesters.

In Rome, several cars were torched. Photo credits: ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP

In recent days, the word "default" is no longer taboo in Greece, where the announced new austerity measures, the rising social unrest and growth forecasts more and grow darker to look for alternative scenarios. While the Troika team must return Monday in Athens to discuss the progress of the country in control of their deficits, the majority of the press reported on Friday a case of a default involving restructuring 50% of current debt. One scenario would have raised the Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos, in front of Deputies. Immediately, the minister put a stop to these allegations, pointing out that it would do anything to "implement the decisions of the euro area on 21 July."The European decision includes the restructuring of 21% of the debt through voluntary participation of the private sector, especially banks, holders of Greek bonds. But privately, the Minister would have evoked as alternative scenarios, a restructuring of 50%, a "disorderly failure".

"People panic"

A restructuring would mean a partial collapse of the country. A hypothesis that is growing in Europe as soon as possible to avoid a domino effect on subsequent Greek procrastination. Many economic analysts, as Katerina Sokou, see this as a political game. "The government hopes the restructuring of 50% but does not want to ask, she says. The idea is to pass the measures, even if they are bloody and unjust for the most disadvantaged, in order to be rewarded with a debt restructuring, while remaining within the euro area.Of course, this implies a shower of austerity for years. But having a viable Greek debt is better for Europe. "

Several other European officials have discussed in turn: Klaas Knot, Member of the Board of Governors of the European Central Bank said it had absolutely no idea of ​​a Greek default, indicating that s 'acting in one of the scenarios. This is the first member of the ECB to speak in this sense. More cryptic, the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, said he was "whether what was proposed in June and July for Greece is still sustainable in light of recent developments." At the same time, it is "too early to speculate on this idea right now," he added.

This evocation of more frequent non-payment of Greece begins to cause problems in the country."People are panicking. We receive many calls and emails requesting information, or should keep their money in the bank or not, says Sia Kossioni, presenter of TV news 20 hours SkaiTV. So we pedagogy and what it means to decrypt a bankruptcy, framed or not, a default or restructuring. "What a little more fragile banking sector, already in poor condition. Moody's dropped the rating by two notches from eight Greek banks. A decision justified by including "the expected impact of the deteriorating domestic economic environment of non-performing loans" and "still fragile liquidity position." The rating agency also believes that the outlook for the rating of the eight banks are negative.

Saturn must be profitable in three years: it is the objective that its new owner, HTM Group, has set. The holding of the family group Mulliez (Paragraph, Kiabi, etc.). Boulanger strengthens its brand with 35 stores in French Media Saturn, a subsidiary of the German Metro, which she bought on June 30 for an undisclosed price.

"Saturn knew generate traffic in its stores with low prices and promotions, but never developed Internet business and has never managed to be profitable," especially in front of supermarkets are on the same niche (26 % market share), explains Layous Bernard, director of purchasing and marketing Boulanger.

"With Saturn, Boulanger changes category. Faced with global suppliers, we will have greater purchasing power and we will be known to the public, "he says.The distributor of multimedia products and services and appliances improves its national coverage with this acquisition, which "saves 3 to 4 years of expansion." Even if Baker is, first, giving up open the store on the outskirts of Saturn provided Avignon and on the other hand, give five other outlets of the brand (Toulon, Le Havre, Mulhouse, Aubergenville , Angers), and a shop in Tours Boulanger to respect the opinion of the Competition Authority on the merger.

No project abroad

The integration of the stores kept Saturn, which carry a turnover of 500 million euros, will allow Boulanger (97 stores) to reach the 2 billion mark in sales in a French market the electrical appliance 22 billion euros, according to Gfk.

"The market has been growing steadily for twenty years, with the exception of 2009," says Francis cord, CEO of HTM Group. Since the beginning of the year, but the activity is again down, 1.2%, except for sales professionals on the Internet, such as Darty and Fnac. These are already doing about 10% of their sales through this channel, twice as Boulanger, who made his priority. Points boulanger.com withdrawals and will appear in the old Saturn, because a client of two picks the order.More reason to want to see HTM Group "soon" its goal of 150 stores Boulanger on the rise, with major cities and especially Paris-line of sight. International expansion, produced by its competitors, remains a dream, "but before going abroad, one must be strong in our home market," said Francis cord. Confident, it provides a higher turnover of Boulanger 3% over the year, at constant perimeter.

ALSO READ:

"Francis cord amplifies the influence of Boulanger

After years of uncertainty, Galileo, the European satellite navigation, has reached a milestone Wednesday with the signing at Paris Air Show, the last two industrial contracts awarded to Thales Alenia Space (281 million) and EADS-Astrium (73.5 million) for the realization of the "ground segment" of the device. Namely, a network of 21 stations to receive and rebroadcast the signal transmitted by satellites, distributed on the surface of the globe as well as two control centers based in Italy and Germany, "Now it remains to put satellites into orbit and build ground facilities.Galileo becomes a reality, "welcomed Jean-Jacques Dordain, the Director General of the European Space Agency that provides project management of this mammoth project on behalf of the European Union.

The first two satellites to be launched on October 20 at 24:00 (French time) from the Kourou space center, a Russian Soyuz rocket that will be the first launch from French Guiana. Another dual launch is scheduled for first half of 2012. Once the first four satellites positioned 20,000 km above the in-orbit validation phase (IOV), which is essential to test the operational capabilities of the system will begin.The signal they transmit back to Earth will allow users equipped with a suitable receiver to determine their position in real time, with an accuracy of one meter.

But to ensure comprehensive coverage of the territory, with this level of performance, both in cities (where buildings cause interference) in mountainous areas, Galileo must be supported, ultimately, a fleet of 30 satellites .

"At the rate of a dual launch every six months, we hope to place 24 satellites into orbit by the end of 2014," said Wednesday the European Commissioner for Industry, Antonio Tajani. A level at which Galileo will begin to be operational. The remaining six satellites will be purchased now through the "500 million euros of savings" on the project budget, said Mr. Tajani.Specifically, "the European Commission will request 1.4 billion instead of $ 1.9 billion for the next financial perspective (2014-2018)". An amount that will add 3.4 billion to the current fiscal year (2009-2013).

A market of 90 billion euros

This "good news" is undoubtedly to reassure policy makers on economic and technical and financial viability of a project that has accumulated delays since the launch of the first test satellite Giove-A in December 2005. In addition, it is clear that Galileo will be operational more quickly, more quickly in the European economy will reap the benefits.

The market for satellite navigation, today mainly occupied by the American GPS, is estimated at 90 billion euros for the period 2010-2030.

ALSO READ:

"Astrium perspective the loss of the contract Galileo

"Europeana, Galileo, Quaero: the high-tech disappointments of the EU

Even stronger in Asia on Monday morning, investors reacted badly to the new rescue plan for Greece: the Paris Bourse, a technical problem prevents the scoring but when the problem is solved, the CAC is expected to fall sharply and move under the 3800 points, which had not happened since March 18. "Some technical problems occurred during the pre-opening, the markets could not open on time and are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible," said NYSE Euronext exchange group at the time of Opening assumed the Paris Bourse, at 9 am.

Despite a new rescue plan for Greece launched last night by finance ministers in Europe, markets remain worried and disappointed "investors continue to seek a quick fix that is not the working time of European political authorities.The difficulties in finding compromises will continue to maintain the highest concern, "warns one at CM-CIC.

After the reassuring words of French and German leaders who have displayed a welcome unity Friday, the firm tone adopted by the ministers said that the issue will be very long to resolve. The central bankers in the eurozone have defined the conditions of payment of a further tranche of loans in July, but the finance ministers of the euro area indicate that the release of the loan must be accompanied by the vote of a new plan of austerity and privatization by the Greek Parliament. Banks and other private creditors and participate in this new plan. However the contours of that plan remains to be defined.

In Milan, the stock market fall of over 2% after the warning from the rating agency Moody's on Friday night.The agency said Friday it planned to lower the debt rating of Italy, currently set at "Aa2." The agency said the risks to growth, financial markets and the government's ability to reduce the deficit. Featuring Dax index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange opened sharply down Monday from 1.20% to 7078.59 points against 7164.05 at the close Friday. The London Stock Exchange it retrograde from 0.87% to 5665.24 points.

On the currency side, the euro weakened against the dollar: 7:45 to Monday morning, the euro lost 0 instant personal loans guaranteed.57% to 1.4225 points, showing that the meeting euroépenne last night did not convince the markets. In addition, oil continues to fall sharply, quoting under $ 92 in New York.

Opening of the Paris Air Show

All eyes will be mostly shot on the Paris Air Show, which opens Monday.Bad news for Airbus (parent company: EADS) last night, an incident of a private Airbus A380 giant aircraft flight, the aircraft had struck the wing of a building while being towed on taxiway of the airport. Boeing, he launches the new version of its popular 747 jetliner, highly anticipated.

In addition, the CEO of EADS, Louis Welsh, said the sale of 22.5% stake held by French and German states could be done without exposing the group to a hostile takeover, note leFinancial Times. Louis Welsh evokes an existing structure "extremely hard" for the development of the company.

Sanofi-Aventis. An investigation into a corruption case involving employees of the pharmaceutical group in Germany was opened, said Sunday a spokesman for prosecutors in Verden."Sanofi confirms that there is an ongoing investigation and that he will cooperate with the authorities related to this investigation," said his side a spokesman for the group.

PSA Peugeot Citroën. The mayor of Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), Gerard Segura, announced Friday it had requested an appointment at Industry Minister Eric Besson for clarification on the future site of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Areva / EDF. According to reports in The Tribune, Nicolas Sarkozy has warned a week ago the CEO of EDF Proglio the departure of Anne Lauvergeon.He finds himself in a strong position.

The French group Publicis has bought Chinese Genedigi, specializing in public relations, events and digital marketing, with about 400 employees, for an undisclosed amount, he said Monday.

"CONTEST: Estimate the Cac 40 in late June

ALSO READ:

"With ZEHST, EADS gives an heir to Concorde

"Le Bourget private A380 because of a stupid accident

"Aid to Greece: the private sector put to

Asian stock markets follow divergent paths on Wednesday. Markets are generally reassured by U.S. data released Tuesday, less bad than expected on the price front in the production and sales details. But the reluctance dominates.

In Japan, the Nikkei decides to follow the good mood on Wall Street has ended sharply higher on Tuesday. The benchmark index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange gained 0.28% to 9574.32 points at closing. The Topix, wider, took 0.22% to 824.65 points. Again, the action of the electric company Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), operator of the nuclear accident in Fukushima, illustrated by a jump of 32.12%, after the government submitted to Parliament Support project to fund compensation for victims. The title had already taken 25% yesterday.

In contrast, Hong Kong and Shanghai are losing ground.The Hang Seng loose 0.39% and the Shanghai Composite was down 0.49%. Investors are troubled by the decision of the People's Bank of China to meet Tuesday to 50 basis points on required reserve ratio of banks, hoping to contain high inflation that poses many economic and social risks. Beijing had announced earlier that consumer prices rose 5 guaranteed personal loan approval.5% in May, an unprecedented growth in nearly three years. The banking sector battered the image of Bank of China (-1.27%) and HSBC Holdings (-1.01%).

The KOSPI Korea following the Chinese markets and decline of 0.17%. Same thing for the Indian Sensex losing 0.31% and the S & P dropped 0.43% Australian. In Australia, the rating is pulled down by the airline industry. Qantas Airways (-1.06%) and Blue Holdings (-3.33%) and are penalized by their decision to cancel domestic flights due to volcanic emissions.

Trend mixed before U.S. crude stocks

The time is also reluctance on the oil markets on Wednesday. In morning trading, a barrel of light sweet crude for July delivery lost 25 cents to 99.12 dollars while that of Brent North Sea crude for delivery rose 49 cents identical to 120.65 dollars.

Investors await the day the report on the status of stocks of petroleum products in the United States. Analysts surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires, crude oil inventories have fallen by 500,000 barrels last week. In contrast, gasoline stocks had risen by 400,000 barrels and distillates (including diesel and heating oil) of 900,000 barrels.

"We resist '. That is what could be read on the sign of one of the protesters took to the streets of Athens on Saturday to protest against austerity measures additional adopted by the Greek government to clean up its public accounts. Responding to the call of the country's two main unions, GSEE (private sector employees) and ADEDY (public sector), the thousands of protesters denounced the identified "social barbarism" After the enhanced supervision of international institutions in their countries . "We oppose the government and the memorandum for these barbaric actions and antisocial," said Gregoris Kalominis, an official of ADEDY.In a joint statement released on the sidelines of the event, the two unions have called for "a different economic policy, with measures of development and social measures that preserve jobs and increase our social and economic rights."

A plea against the recent economic decisions imposed on Greece. Yesterday, the country has received the "troika" (European Central Bank, European Union and International Monetary Fund) the green light for the payment of this summer's fifth installment of the loan of 110 billion euros granted in 2010. But a green light conditioning to "accelerate fiscal and structural reforms in the country", which Moody's rates still at 50% the risk of default within five years. Enough to arouse the wrath of the unions.Indeed, George Papaconstantinou, the Greek finance minister, has already announced it is less than a month an austerity plan for 2011, about 6.4 billion euros.

Hardening of social climate on another front

After nine general strikes, mobilization has been moderate on Saturday. The demonstrators were mostly employees of the public power company PPC, port employees and teachers. An event that went smoothly. Nothing to do with the excesses seen in previous demonstrations.

Mobilization and social deterioration seems rather move on another front, the less supervised by trade unions or political parties. Already experienced in Spain, a spontaneous party Internet illustrates the ras-le-bol of the Greeks, that of "outrage".Now, they do not hesitate to take sides publicly in the political class and physically, according to them responsible of the current situation. For ten days, these "outraged" gather every evening on the Constitution Square, just before the Greek Parliament.

ALSO READ:

"Greece has a new aid of 60 billion

U.S. stock markets failed to bounce back Tuesday. The Dow Jones closed at a decline of 0.55% at 12,480 points and the S & P dropped 0.04% to 1329 points. Only the Nasdaq managed to get back into positive territory and ended up on 0.03% to 2783 points.

Greece and Portugal, a source of concern

The caution is this Wednesday before the outcome of the meeting of the Eurogroup, which must rule on the case of Greece and Portugal endorse aid. The sovereign debt crisis continues to produce adverse effects on both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe, the fate of Greece crystallizes all concerns. Discussions on extending the term of the loan could still affect banks in Europe and the United States and creates a strong element of uncertainty in the stock market.

Wall Street is also proven by the uncertainties surrounding the U.S. debt.The U.S. Treasury announced Monday new measures of financial emergency to allow the U.S. federal government to continue to operate while the government fails to obtain an increase in the statutory limit on public debt, which was reached on May 16

Oil down

The market is also impacted by the downturn in the energy sector, while a barrel of crude has dropped more than $ 2 Monday in New York. On Tuesday, the decline continued on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex). A barrel of light sweet crude for June delivery ended at 96.91 dollars, down 46 cents from the previous day."The crude market is a follower, very responsive to the dollar and the stock market," noted Rich Ilczyszyn, Lind-Waldock.

On the foreign exchange market precisely, the euro was changing, however, rose slightly on Tuesday against the dollar at 1.4156 dollars against 1.4153 dollars late Monday.

Bad news on the front of the property

More disturbing for operators, housing starts and building permits for homes have fallen sharply in April, the oversupply in the market, particularly related to foreclosures, discouraging new projects. According to figures released by the Commerce Department, housing starts fell 10.6% on a seasonally adjusted at an annual rate of 523,000 units, against 585,000 units in March (549,000 first announced) and 568,000 units expected by the market.

Moreover, industrial production in the United States remained stable in April, said Tuesday the U.S. central bank (Fed), while analysts believed it was up 0.5% from March.

HP heavily penalized

The side of values, Hewlett-Packard (-7.31% to 36.89 dollars) on Tuesday reported a sharp reduction in its annual forecast, highlighting the impact of the earthquake in Japan and lower sales of personal computers . The annual profit forecast was lowered to "at least five dollars per share, excluding special items, after a previous forecast of between" 5.20 and 5.28 dollars. "

Wal-Mart (-0.96% to 55.52 dollars) Tuesday reported a profit and a better than expected sales in the first quarter and delivered a goal in line with expectations for current quarter.[ID: nWEA1793] Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations stood at $ 0.98 over the period from January to March, against 0.95 expected by analysts according to Thomson Reuters I / B / E / S. Sales rose 4.4% to 103.4 billion, against a consensus of 102.93 billion.

Boeing (-1.41% to 76.67 dollars) has won an order from the U.S. Air Force $ 963 million for the construction of 5 C-17 cargo planes.In the same sector, Lockheed Martin hopes to sell 18 fighter jets F-16 fighter in Iraq and Oman by the beginning of 2012 and record orders for 100 additional aircraft F-16 in the world of By the end of the decade.

The casino group Las Vegas MGM (1.32% to 14.54 dollars) hopes to raise $ 1.5 billion public offering in Hong Kong by introducing its China branch, MGM China, a partnership between the U.S. parent and the daughter of the tycoon game that rules over Macau, Stanley Ho, said Tuesday the Wall Street Journal. The IPO is scheduled for early June.

The ambitions of BP (0.66% to 42.74 dollars) in the Arctic have suffered a serious setback after the oil giant announced today that no solution had been found on its proposed alliance with the Russian public group Rosneft in oil exploration.The agreement on a share swap of 16 billion dollars (11.2 billion euros) expired last night and the main obstacle to its realization, namely the opposition of the Russian shareholders in BP's joint venture in Russia , TNK-BP, could be lifted in time. The British oil company said that talks with Rosneft would continue despite the expiration of this Agreement. But people close to the Russian group claimed on their side that it was going to seek "new partners".

Moreover, a prosecutor in New York has opened an investigation into dubious practices to transform mortgage securities, says Lewalle Street Journal.Officials at Bank of America (+0.34% to 11.90 dollars), Goldman Sachs (+0.13% to 140.78 dollars) or Morgan Stanley (1.38% to 24.21 dollars) must be heard in the week by Attorney Eric Schneiderman.

Also note, the battle over the takeover of the transatlantic exchange operator NYSE Euronext (-3.44% to 34.50 dollars) ended Monday with the withdrawal of the cons-hostile bid launched by Nasdaq OMX (-1 , 07% to 25.95 dollars) and IntercontinentalExchange (-1.36% to 120.56 U.S. dollars), who threw in the towel before the opposition of the competition authorities.