Paris and European stock markets end in red

The European financial markets have closed lower Monday, investors still fearing a slowdown in the global economy, but the exchanges were, however, supported by numerous mergers and acquisitions in progress.

The Paris CAC 40 index finished the session with losses, yielding 20.43 points (-0.58%) to 3487.01.

Trade volumes were particularly weak during this meeting due to a holiday in Britain.

The pharmaceutical values showed the strongest gains, taking Sanofi-Aventis 0.66% after the rejection of its proposal for redemption by Genzyme.

Intel announced on Monday the takeover of the division of components for mobile equipment of Germany's Infineon Technologies for $ 1.4 billion, pushing back the title of the latter 3.69% at closing.

Other declining value, the title Safran lost 2.3%, the group had denied preparing a bid for Capital of Zodiac, whose title has however jumped 10.45%.

At trial Kerviel, Daniel Bouton recounts his strange dreams

18.15: Final Questions of the President: "There is a bank that claims 5 billion euros. What does that mean to you?" "I am conscious of having gone too far, but things do not happen as simply as this does mean that Societe Generale, defends Jerome Kerviel. "Were you made to be traded?" "Probably not, answers Kerviel. At the time, I thought was made for it, because I brought money. "Was there not a way out of it before it explodes?" "It's hard to say, according to ex-trader, which repeats at every he has never hidden. I acted in full sight of everybody. Everything is known and all means in the trading rooms. "Have you no submissions to make? This is the last boom that I tend … We know all about you?" Yes. "There is no mystery Kerviel?" No. It remains none the wiser …

6:06 p.m.: Kerviel was called to the bar."Who are you then, Mr. Kerviel, questioned the president? "My goal was to earn money in the bank" tirelessly answered the trader. It is still "sorry" for having suffered some people, like shareholders. But without the backing of his superiors Kerviel could have done nothing. Okay, but why Societe Generale would she let you do, the response president? Kerviel answers beside the point: "I do not know what degree of knowledge of my superiors." She adds, "I have not been able to circumvent all the controls. Conclusion of the presiding judge: "It is difficult to get you out of your way to change your point of view."

6:04 p.m.: Last question of the defense Button: IEC you know, the bad bank Société Générale? Evasive answer. "The issue is not really there." "I'm sad Master Metzner," concluded Daniel Bouton.With these words, the hearing is completed. Bouton leaves the room.

5:45 p.m. button explains to judges the arbitration function. "Banks are not what Jerome Kerviel tried to do," he pleads. Metzner did not give up its prey so easily. How come no one has responded to various warnings about Kerviel operations? For Button, it is obvious that should have been "fuck Kerviel at the door when the first warnings were issued." Mr. Dumas is accused of blowing the answers to Button. The discussion gets heated. Mr. Metzner has indeed evoke the suicide of another trader in the summer of 2007. For the lawyer the two cases are inextricably linked. Button indignant.

5:35 p.m.: Olivier Metzner continues on his questions.Including the most important: how Societe Generale could she not see the amount of these commitments "stupid"? For Button, one must distinguish between what was seen – and for now no one has proved that Kerviel's superiors were aware of what-should be seen ..

5:12 p.m.: For 20 minutes it is the shareholders' lawyers who have succeeded at the helm. They ask how Societe Generale could compensate its shareholders. Button, "unfortunately," says he can not do anything because it "is not responsible for any" innuendo, certainly not that. As his doctors told him when he was very ill, "you are not responsible for the crisis of Lehman, the banking crisis in the U.S. and now the Greek crisis".It can "reassurance", especially today, the General Socciété will remind, Button, who is not to much.

5:04 p.m.: Kerviel did not meet the wishes of Button. Prosecutors asked him if two and half years after the fraud he is determined to make excuses. He does not refuse them openly, but does not give up. "Of course I recognize mistakes, encouraged by my superiors" Kerviel replied. "50 billion euros you did not lose your cool, slice the prosecutor.

16h50: Button gets to tell his nights. In a strange dream Kerviel admits that he lied, and admitted that no member of the hierarchy has not pushed to defraud. And in this dream, Kerviel explained why he did it. He explained to the tens of thousands of employees of Societe Generale, who also are entitled to answers …A question remains: is it that there is a case where Kerviel's positions had been winning? For Button, of course not. The bank relies on the confidence that gave him his staff. The former CEO is trying a bit of humor. With 1.4 billion won, "the bank might be able to save the souls of young débousselés of trading rooms. Button Kerviel admits to still the tip of talent, and even a "capacity to conceal quite exceptional". With sympathy and physical, it was impossible to be suspicious, finds the former boss of the SG.

Tony Hayward is on the verge of leaving BP, according to sources

The BP has decided that its chief executive Tony Hayward must leave office because of his handling of the spill, and his departure will probably be announced within 36 hours, officials said Sunday, sources close to the group.

The board of BP is due to meet Monday to determine how the departure of Hayward and its replacement by Bob Dudley, the American leader who also oversees the fight against the oil spill, sources said.

Replace Hayward at this stage of operations could be difficult for BP.Well Macondo, which lets out of oil since the explosion of the platform Deepwater Horizon April 20, has not yet been definitively blocked.

If problems occur during the recent operations, Dudley's reputation could also suffer.

But the fact that the leak has been controlled for over a week by a temporary containment has led the company to be more concerned about the future of its chief executive.

According to sources, Hayward acknowledged that he was in the interests of BP let him go.

The British oil giant has lost 40% of its stock value since the beginning of the disaster.The group would not comment on rumors of departure from Hayward, declaring that he was general manager with the full support of the board of directors.

A spokesman for BP declined to repeat the news last week that the board does not even discussed the future of Hayward.

In the Gulf of Mexico, ships trying to stop the leak came back Sunday on the site after being forced to move away from threats of Tropical Storm Bonnie, now dissipated.

The next step is now the operation known as "static kill", which is to inject heavy fluids and cement into a pit pass.

This operation could begin in three to five days, according to Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen, who directs operations for the U.S. government.

Sanofi-Aventis has approached the U.S. laboratory Genzyme

The pharmaceutical group Sanofi-Aventis, seeking a major acquisition, has approached the U.S. biotech Genzyme, we learn the source familiar with the matter.

Discussions are still in their infancy and there is no agreement expected in the immediate future, it says.Issues such as price and management have not yet been addressed, it adds.

The Wall Street Journal, which has revealed the information, officials of Genzyme, which specializes in products for the treatment of orphan diseases, are studying the amount that Sanofi would pay.

In Stock, Genzyme is 14 billion dollars (10.8 billion euros) but the group can require a significant premium given its portfolio of drugs, analysts said.

"If we take as a starting point the figure of 20 billion dollars that has been discussed before, this puts Genzyme to $ 75 (per share)," said Michael Yee, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

In exchange, the share of Genzyme blazed nearly 18% to 63.84 dollars at end of session.

Sanofi declined to comment.

Faced with competition from generic drugs, many pharmaceutical companies are looking for external growth.

In early July, the rumor gave Sanofi-Aventis, faces the expiration of patents on several important drugs, looking for acquisitions in the United States.

The sales of Sanofi made in the USA by its anticancer Eloxin fell sharply after the launch of generic versions, while its other cancer drugs, Taxotere, will drop its patent to the public in November in Europe and United States.

In late June, Sanofi announced the acquisition of American TargeGen for 560 million dollars (458.5 million euros) in order to strengthen the fight against cancer.

Late June-early July, the French laboratory has met its board of directors on the topic of acquisitions, had been taught to the time source familiar with the matter.

Friday, Biogen and Allergan, whose names had been mentioned as potential target for Sanofi alongside Genzyme, lost 5% and 2.5% in stock.

European markets end slightly down, Paris sells 0.13%

European shares ended slightly lower Wednesday, ending six consecutive sessions upward, banking stocks have suffered from the perspective of capital rules and more stringent risk for banks.

The increase of the high tech, according to results from Intel, however, helped to significantly reduce losses. Without appease investors who wait with some anxiety the results of stress tests of banks, July 23.

In Paris the Cac 40 index loses and 0.13% to 3632.98 points.The FTSEurofirst 300 index, which gained 8.2% over the previous six sessions, do likewise yields only 0.14%.

The European banking index, which lost more than 1% in session, ended the day on a decline of 0.42%. This is the second segment loss of the day and not as the first meeting. On the contrary, it confirms the high techs gain the most important day of 1.21%.

For banks, BNP Paribas, HSBC and Societe Generale have lost 1% to 2.7%.

For the high techs, ASLM Holdings gained 3.05%. The world leader in machine lithographed raised its revenue outlook for 2010, strong demand for its machines that allowed him to achieve results better than expected second quarter.

Resuming better than expected in the U.S. but risks remain

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the economic recovery of the United States proves stronger than expected but still weakened by high unemployment and a moribund housing market.

The IMF has slightly raised its outlook for U.S. growth to 3.3% for 2010 and 2.9% for 2011, but he added that unemployment would remain above 9% for two years, with inflation still low.

In a statement released Thursday after annual consultations with the U.S. authorities, the IMF considers that the recovery from the recession is affirmed by an efficient reaction of the authorities in monetary and fiscal policy.

"The outlook has improved with the recovery but weaknesses remain in household balance sheets and financial services, combined with high unemployment may slow private spending," observes the Fund.

Greece second riskiest country in terms of sovereign debt

Greece became the second most risky in terms of sovereign debt due to a deterioration of its debt in the second quarter, a survey of CMA Datavision.

Athens was still in the ninth position of the most risky in terms of sovereign debt in the first quarter, said CMA.

The cost of protecting against a default in the country five years on its debt (credit default swap) has jumped to 1,003.4 basis points (bps) in the second quarter.There is a probability of 55.6% of default of Greece in the five years.

Greece is also the countries with the worst performance in the second quarter with an increase of 190% of its CDS, followed by Belgium with the CDC have increased 168.5%.

Spain completes the podium with a jump of 129.2% of its CDS, while Portugal and France are respectively the fourth and fifth worst student with an increase in the cost of protection on debt of 129.2% and 112.3%.

In absolute terms, Venezuela, with CDS has reached 1305.7 bps remains the country's riskiest ranking made by the company study the risk of default on debts, Caracas, with a probability of default to five years' s raising to 58.7%.

Iceland and Egypt are instead left the group of the ten riskiest in the world, unlike Romania and Bulgaria which joined the top 10 at the eighth and tenth positions respectively, their banks being heavily exposed to Greece.

Among the safest countries in the world are still Norway and Finland, which continue to occupy the first and second place in the field, while the U.S. is hoisted from the tenth to third in favor of improving the credit situation in the country.

Germany, which is a reference in the euro area sovereign debt, and the Netherlands have however slipped in the rankings of the safest countries.

Germany has dropped to third from sixth place the first three months of the year and the period April-June The Netherlands has them in eighth place after being in sixth place three months earlier.

For a chart on the classification of CMA Datavision, click on:

here

Wall Street ends slightly down

U.S. stocks finished lower Friday as investors questioned the robustness of recovery after the announcement of job losses in the U.S. were added to several indicators considered disappointing.

The Dow Jones ended down 0.47% at 9686.48 points, while the Standard & Poor's 500 index also lost 0.47% to 1022.58 points.The Nasdaq composite yielded 0.46% at 2091.79 points.

For the week, the Dow lost 4.5%, the S & P 5% and the Nasdaq 5.9%.

The U.S. economy is destroying jobs last month – 125,000 – for the first time since the beginning of the year, with the end of thousands of temporary contracts in the public sector related to the identification and recruitment of fewer than expected in private.

The unemployment rate however declined to 9.5%, its lowest level since July 2009, the final output for the labor market of some of the unemployed.

The sharper drop than expected industrial orders in May also weighed on the trend.

Another sign of concern, the moving average 50 days of the S & P 500's fell below its moving average 200 days. This configuration, which sees an average short less than an average long known as the "cross of death".

The phenomenon between the moving averages at 50 and 200 days happened the last time in December 2007, shortly after the market had begun a decline that had led the S & P to its lowest in 12 years.

On the front of values, financial values and sensitive to economic cycles have been neglected.The S & P 500 financials fell 1.1%, as well as some consumer values.

Volumes were thin, many players who left the office earlier in the weekend of Independence Day. The markets will be closed Monday.

In contrast, values were sought after biotech news reports that Sanofi-Aventis prepare a large acquisition in the United States.

Biogen gained 5.76% to U.S. $ 49.42, Allergan 62.29 dollars to 7.21% and 5.9% to Genzyme 52.80 dollars.

Brake application for manufacturing activity in Europe

Growth in manufacturing output slowed in June in Europe, the euro zone even dropped below four months, further indication of lack of breath from the economic recovery in the region.

The final results of the survey conducted among Markit purchasing managers, the PMI manufacturing sector in the euro area stood at 55.6 in June, a level consistent with the flash estimate and slightly below the 55 , 8 May.

Economists do not take the alarm to prevent a risk of sudden halt to growth in Europe, but it seems clear that economic activity has probably reached its maximum rate during the quarter just s' complete and that interest rates should be maintained at low levels until next year.

"In many Western countries, we will see the pace of economic growth slowed in the second half of the year.This is the path that one takes, "said Mark Miller, economist at Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets in London.

"In continental Europe, exports remain an engine of economic growth but I do not know how long this can continue."

In France, growth in manufacturing activity slowed for the second consecutive month the sector has continued to destroy jobs.By dipping to 55.8 in June, the PMI Markit / FASC has reached its lowest level since December 2009.

Similarly, the UK manufacturing activity slowed to its lowest level in 10 months when she had reached a high of 15 in May

In contrast, activity in Germany has kept pace in June than in May, with an index that has emerged even slightly higher than the first estimate published two weeks ago.

The slowdown in manufacturing activity is not unique to Europe and key emerging countries as well as India and especially China are also involved.

While economists do not expect a recurrence of the global economy into recession, some warn that most developed countries could face a protracted period of sluggish growth.

Atos Origin announced a backlog of up to date

Atos Origin will display an order book to date higher than the corresponding period of 2009, which supports the software houses in anticipation of a resumption of growth in coming quarters, said Tuesday its chief executive Thierry Breton.

He said Atos was in line with annual targets to increase by half a point to point margin at 6.2 to 6.7% from year-end debt reduction and cash generation flow of the same order as that of 117 million euros posted in 2009.

"We have a backlog that is higher than last year and which is constructed dynamically," said Thierry Breton in an interview with Reuters.

Atos, which counts among its customers Renault, EDF, KPN and Dexia, had earned in the first half of 2009 a backlog of 7.5 billion euros.

"What we had anticipated in the model of re-growth is consistent with what we see," added Thierry Breton.

He confirmed the expectation of a negative organic growth in the first half of the same order of magnitude as the 3.7% decline throughout 2009 and then a resumption of growth in coming quarters.

Atos, whose main competitors are the American Accenture and Capgemini, is well equipped to face the situation in Europe, where it generates most of its sales, since two thirds of its activities are recurring, "he stressed.

CONSOLIDATION IN THE AREA OF THE DECADE

Thierry Breton, 55, has led Thomson (now Technicolor), and France Telecom, before becoming Minister of Economy and Finance between February 2005 and May 2007.

He arrived at the head of Atos Origin in November 2008, replacing Philippe Germond, the strategy which had opposed the funds Pardus and Centaurus activists.

PAI Partners is the largest shareholder with 25% of Atos's capital, with 8.5% to Pardus.

Thierry Breton said he expected in the decade to a consolidation of the sector, still "fairly fragmented" worldwide.

Atos, which continues to look "systematically" all targets of acquisition talks with Royal Bank of Scotland and its partners for an industrial partnership with its subsidiary WorldPay electronic payments, he said.

"On this asset, we are positioned somewhat industrial partner rather than private equity funds.Is discussed with all partners and also with RBS, "said Thierry Breton.

Atos, which has issued 250 million euros Oceane in October 2009, had been in the running to acquire Italian SIA-SSB, which the British group Xchanging Outsourcing announced last week the takeover a 51% stake.

Atos should announce the end of July to finalize its new division Atos WorldGrid specializing in technology management Intelligent Energy, also said Thierry Breton.

The objective with this division, whose goal is to adapt the energy demand to the available power among producers and distributors, is to achieve a turnover of 150 million euros in 2010 and have doubled end of 2014.

Atos, which employs 49,000 people worldwide, has to hire 4.000-4500 this year, including 500-600 engineers in France, said Thierry Breton.

The staffing offshore Atos amounted to 5,000 in late 2009, over 70% in India where the group account increase from 800 to 1,000 people this year.

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