US & World News

Wall Street is hesitant to open Thursday, the fears generated by a warning from Moody's on Banks are offset by good U.S. statistics of the day.

In early trade, the Dow Jones gained 0.15% to 12,800.44 points. The Standard & Poor's lost 0.02% to 1,342.91 points while the Nasdaq composite yield 0.06% to 2914.08 points.

Moody's warned on Thursday that it could lower the credit ratings of 17 major global banks and 114 financial institutions in Europe, reflecting the impact of the crisis of European sovereign debt on the financial system.

The KBW bank index lost 0.27%. The S & P financials yields 0.2%.

The weekly jobless claims fell against all odds in the United States during the week to February 11, to 348,000, or a low of nearly four years, 361,000 against revised) the previous week, said Thursday the Labor Department.

The number of housing starts rose more than expected in January, thanks to a sharp rise in rental housing projects, which raised hopes that the real estate sector, there is little time still devastated, finally brings its contribution to growth. 

The producer prices rose 0.1% in January in the U.S., due to lower prices in the food and energy, but the prices of staples have risen twice more than expected, according to figures released Thursday by the Labor Department.

General Motors on Thursday posted a profit below expectations for the fourth quarter of 2011, the positive effect related to the results achieved in North America have been offset by a weaker performance overseas.

The action, however, earns 4.9% to 26.16 dollars.

Relieved by the adoption of the new austerity plan by the Greek parliament in Athens, financial markets have not provided plunged into euphoria, the stock markets Europé ; Ennes reducing their gains in late afternoon while the euro erased some of its progression.

In Paris the CAC 40 index displays a close up 0.34% to 3384.55 points, after peaking at 3413.43 in early trading and a passage in the red in the middle of the afternoon. Elsewhere in Europe, Frankfurt gained 0.68% and 0.91%, while London Athens ended with a gain of 4.65%. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index ended with a gain of 0.71% to 1,071.63 points after rising in early morning to over 1,074.

The European partners of Greece have called to make new pledges its commitment to reform: before the Eurogroup meeting scheduled for Wednesday, the Government Lucas Papademos has yet to find 325 million euros in savings and get a written commitment of political parties to enforce the terms of the agreement.

"See riots and austerity measures to a 'newspaper, it's not good for confidence in the economy. This discourages people from spending in the real economy and it erodes consumer confidence, "said Joe Rundle, head of trading for ETX Capital

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Stoxx financials finished up 0.53%. But several French banks have finished in the red after the decision of French and Belgian market authorities to lift the ban on short selling on banks and companies insurance in force since August: BNP Paribas has sold 2.07% 3.64% Credit Agricole and Societe Generale 2.19%.

Other values ​​for this session generally calm, Cable & Wireless Worldwide jumped 44.51% after Vodafone's statements on his interest in a possible takeover.

Sign that investors are still far from fully reassured that the Greek case, the futures contracts on German government bonds, safe haven par excellence in Europe, are starting to rebound in the afternoon. 

Previously, the vote was nevertheless benefited the Greek borrowing of the States "peripheral" euro zone, such as Italy or Spain. The Italian Treasury shall conduct an auction Tuesday for at least six billion euros of bonds, on Monday after raising 12 billion of short-term paper with yields down.

After approaching the threshold of 1.33 dollar, the euro has given up its gains in the afternoon, passing into the red in fed low volumes, traders noting that Greek parliament's vote is far from appeasing all voltages.

"We believe that Greece will eventually receive the money by March 20 but we still think that the euro will fall," says David Watt, currency strategist at RBC Capital Markets. 

The price of oil continue to rise to the highest in six months hit last week, benefiting from renewed risk appetite encouraged by the vote of the Greek Parliament.

But the persistence of many uncertainties about the debt crisis has, again, limited the increase, especially since the beginning of a thaw in Europe after the cold spell of two weeks elapsed 're promotes profit-taking on Brent.

The three-party coalition government in Greece have agreed on a set of new austerity measures to implement in return for a second international aid plan ; Athens.

This agreement was confirmed by Mario Draghi, the chairman of the European Central Bank (ECB), itself informed by the Prime Minister of Greece Lucas Papademos.

"A few minutes ago, I received a call from the Greek Prime Minister said that agreement had been concluded and approved by the major parties," said Mario Draghi in Frankfurt.

These austerity measures are required by the ECB, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to release a second with at least 130 billion euros to avoid bankruptcy in Greece. 

The negotiations between the socialist PASOK, New Democracy conservatives and the far-right LAOS have been difficult because of the hostility displayed by much of the population, already subjected to a rigorous treatment drastically since 2010.

Al-Jazeera would be poised to strike (still) a great blow. She has acquired the TV rights for Euro 2012 would not count stop there. But what about the games of the France team? Players of the team celebrate their victory against Spain in Euro 2008 final against Germany.

The rumor is increasingly insistent. According Lepoint.fr, Al-Jazeera would have won the TV broadcasting rights of the Euro 2012 football against the duo of TF1 and M6. Interviewed by L'Expansion. Com, Uefa and the Qatari, however, refuse to confirm. Especially since the side of a large French chain, a source very close to the case provides that "nothing is done", and it remains "a third round of betting." Still, since Al Jazeera has gained a lot of the rights of the Champions League and Ligue 1, the rumor lends resources and unlimited ambitions. It is rumored in some newsrooms and this time she would put on the table between 100 to120 million for the next edition of the European championship. A sum again unconfirmed.

A "gift" to France Televisions?

Another victory for Al-Jazeera would not without asking the air broadcasting the matches of the team of France and the final. Qatari chain could therefore turn to organize a tender to determine the granting of this free program minimum. A chance for TF1 and M6 to limit the damage? Not so sure. According to Le Point, it would indeed be considered a "gift" to public service, which devalues ​​the rights. And to soften somewhat the "shock" due to the sensational debut of this new actor. Good image would indeed be surprising from a country that, since his arrival on the French market of football business, do research clearly not economic profitability in the short term.

In fact, the leaders of France Televisions have also met with Qatari counterparts, recognizes Bilalian Daniel, the head of sports department of public television. But "it was nothing to prepare for the Euro 2012. Just to stand as brothers," says he. As for a possible favor, he asserts that "it is absolutely anything. You can not sell off the rights like that, other chains might attack us for that."

The Europa League and Cfoot in addition to the Euro?

Anyway, the ambitions of Al-Jazeera will not stop the bidding for Euro 2012. Al-Jazeera is also still in the race to clinch the match of the Europa League where a third round of betting is also expected. She finally approached to buy back the rights of the League 2 along the chain Cfoot, owned by the Professional Football League (LFP). Because Al Jazeera has yet to find a channel to broadcast the matches she bought. Or just Cfoot must stop broadcasting on pay DTT in June … either at the beginning of the euro. Just a coincidence that some obervateurs to complete a recovery scenario …

The Institute for International Finance (IIF) said Wednesday that the Greek government and its private creditors are close to final agreement on debt restructuring of the country, a conclusion is expected this week. "We are close to finalizing a voluntary debt exchange as part publicly exposed earlier this week by Jean-Claude Juncker in his capacity as President of the Eurogroup," have clared leaders Ifi. "We expect to conclude next week as discussions on other topics continues." Tuesday, bankers and politicians had suggested that the talks between Greece and its private creditors could come Wednesday. The prospect of such an agreement has contributed to the rise in world stock markets.

G20 countries Thursday put the finishing touches on a concerted action plan to try to put the global economy on the path to a sustainable and balanced growth and discussed the possibility of increasing IMF resources to help countries reeling from economic shocks.

According to a draft final statement dated November 2, they should agree at the end of their summit in Cannes on the need for countries with high deficits to put their finances straight and for those who have surplus boost domestic demand.

As part of this plan, Italy, which is in the eye of the storm of the European crisis, promise to reduce debts and deficits (see) to quickly bring in 120% from 2012 in its public debt of national wealth."There is a broad consensus on the need for additional financing (…) We will work on it tonight and tomorrow," she said.

PASSAGES IN WHITE

If the passages devoted to IMF resources and currency remain white, indicating that these issues are still debated, the draft final communique is also no real surprise.

Given the risk of future crises, the G20 leaders are considering a proposal to create a new credit facility in the short term the IMF to help countries that are virtuous face of exogenous shocks ().

European stock markets closed sharply higher Friday driven by hopes for concrete decisions for the euro area. Update on four major issues of the summit on Sunday. The European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel in Brussels.

European stock markets have taken the bull by the horns Friday night, driven by renewed optimism for two days of the EU summit must respond to the crisis in the euro area. Paris ended up 2.8%, Frankfurt 3.5%, London 1.9%, 2.8% and Madrid. The eyes are now fixed on Brussels, which is expected to announce concrete steps Sunday to save Greece, prevent contagion of the crisis in fragile countries in the euro area, and reassure the markets.Update on four major issues in this summit.

The loan to Greece is he paid?

Greece has a positive decision of the creditors (IMF, EU, ECB) after passing the test on Wednesday and Thursday of the street. Parliament passed a new law Thursday austerity which provides further wage cuts and layoffs in the setting of 30,000 employees. But if the payment of this sixth installment of the loan of 110 billion seems to be accepted by Brussels, the IMF's involvement is less. The institution is actually more pessimistic than Europe on the development of public finances of the country.

What level of discount for Greece?

The discussions relate "50%" according to a European source. This level imposed on the country's private creditors would erase 67.5 billion euros of Greek debt that will culminate later this year to 357 billion euros (about 162% of GDP).That's a lot more than what was agreed at the Summit of 21 July, the discount was set at the time to 21% of the commitment of private creditors. If this hypothesis is confirmed, this discount will remove 20% of the debt. The Union of Greek Industrialists (SEV) held Friday consequences "dramatic" if this level should be imposed on private creditors. But this statement should not weigh very heavy in view of the issues … However, the whole question is about the ability of Europe to offer a discount to private creditors 'voluntary' of their claims. For without this principle, the credit event could be delivered, which would open the door to bankruptcy of the country.

How much money to recapitalize the banks?

To allow banks to withstand losses on the country's debt, the EU will reassess the capital ratios of European banks to the tune of 9%.For this, the European Banking Authority (EBA) has assessed the need for recapitalization of banks from 80 to 100 billion euros. The question is whether this amount will be enough to reassure the markets knowing that the IMF rather evoked a level of capitalization to 200 billion euros. In all cases, the major European banks were against a forced recapitalization. And warned that, given the difficulties to obtain financing, this would lead them to reduce the size of their balance sheets. In other words, to reduce their lending activity.

How to strengthen the EFSF?

This is where things get complicated. For Paris and Berlin have not yet found agreement on the issue. For France, it would give the banking license to the European Financial Stability (EFSF) to enable it to refinance with the European Central Bank (ECB).Leverage and the ability to fund intervention limited to 440 billion euros that can lift the markets. Paris also wants the ECB to continue to buy bonds fragile as it has done for over a year. But Berlin and the ECB refuses, and instead want to change the Fund's insurer. It would ensure any losses would have to suffer the investors in the bonds of fragile states up to 20 to 30% in case of difficulty in these states to honor their commitments. This idea has received support Friday from 10 major European banks and insurers. But here, in addition to France, Spain and Italy do not agree. Rome and Madrid, this will create a rate difference between bonds and debentures. "No one in a financial crisis, venture to purchase securities that need a crutch," said EU official.This is mainly because of these disagreements has been decided a second peak of the euro area, next Wednesday.

According to the Minister of Economy, the European Commission proposal to increase the capital adequacy ratio of banks to 9% "can absorb a shock." Budget Minister Baroin regrets the refusal of PS on the constitutional question of the balance of finances

The proposal of the European Commission and its President Jose Manuel Barroso to recapitalize banks is "acceptable", said Friday the French Minister of Finance Baroin. "The position of the Commission Barroso and two days ago is acceptable. A level of 9% of equity" to be achieved by European banks "by the end of the first half of next year, it ' is, "he said on Europe 1 radio.

According to him, "9% in 2012, it can absorb shock." He reiterated that this concerned primarily banks that failed the stress tests at the beginning of summer and those who have passed narrowly.Banks should try to recapitalize "on the basis of their results" by distributing less dividends and less bonus, "warned Baroin, like the European Commission." They should not do so at the expense of economic activity, credit to individuals and business credit, "he said.

"If they can not, they will do in the markets, if markets are not enough they will find partners, and ultimately there will be a limited possibility of a European coordination" for public assistance, the minister added . He again suggested that the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) provides that state aid to schools that need it, as its new statutes in force since Thursday so authorize.Germany believes he can do that for banks in countries which already have an international aid program (Greece, Portugal, Ireland).

Baroin But he reiterated that French banks do not find themselves in the position of having to seek government assistance. On Greece, the Minister confirmed the new position of France, which was resolved Thursday to recognize that the creditor banks would have to erase the country a majority of government debt. The discount provided to date to the private creditors of Athens, in the agreement of July 21, is 21%. "For three months the markets have evolved, they have deteriorated (…) We left at 21% July 21, it will be, it is almost certain," he said. "How high? Is being discussed."

He also felt that the figures circulating going "well beyond 50%" were "fanciful"."Three quarters of the Greek debt is held by private (…) We will not cut the whole," he said. "If it requires a private discount that is not tenable, then that will invest in Greece?" Asked Baroin.

He then said that the Heads of State and Government of the euro zone announce their decision on this issue at the summit in Brussels on 23 October, without specifying whether they would disclose the amount of the new haircut or just the principle. { P}

European authorities began Wednesday to prepare the banks of the continent to a possible failure of Greece.

For the first time since the crisis began, bank supervisors have decided to enhance their market sovereign debt held by banks in the EU as part of the recapitalization process in progress, officials said Wednesday European source.

The EBA, which will retain a definition of bank capital similar to that used in the last series of stress tests in July, will harden further 9% threshold due to equity "hard", reflecting the wishes of Paris and Berlin and by the European Commission on Wednesday in his "roadmap" to end the crisis.

"This is an exercise prudential.It is therefore logical that the ABE values ​​sovereign debt to market value or a value very close to that market, "said a source familiar with the discussions.

Regarding the definition of capital, "it corresponds to that used by the BEA in July.This is harder than the current one but is softer than that provided by the new Basel III standards, "the source said.

Once it receives the data that are currently provided by the banks, the EBA will prepare a proposed recapitalization of institutions of systemic Twenty-September for the meeting of EU finance ministers to be held October 21 , the day before the EU summit.

ROADMAP

This will be adopted simultaneously with the new bailout of Greece, which must reduce the debt of Athens so much greater than had been planned in July and then revise upward contribution "voluntary "the private sector.

According to several European sources, the losses that private investors must accept their obligations in the Greek part of the new plan should be between 30 and 50%, not 21% as expected.

Institute for International Finance (IIF), the discount would represent 39% when using the current market prices to assess the risk profile of the country

The roadmap of the Commission also calls on members of the euro area to complete without delay the ratification of the new European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF).

Last country to have to run, Slovakia will vote by Friday, officials said Wednesday following the agreement between three parties of the government resigned and the main opposition party.

The roadmap, which calls in line with discussions held at the EBA to a building "significant" capital requirements of banks, also advocates a recapitalization through private funds, which will be supplemented by funds public and by loans from the EFSF in case of negative response from the market.

France, who insisted behind the scenes for several days to use the EFSF as an instrument of coordination in the recapitalization of banks, said Wednesday it would not appeal.

"EURO BONDS"

The other two parts of the document from the Commission concerning the acceleration of measures currently being discussed in Brussels, but designed to boost European growth and most importantly, the implementation faster than expected European Stability Mechanism (MES).

The MES, which was to come into force on 1 July 2013, finally begin to operate on 1 July 2012 according to the wishes of the Commission. It includes a device that allows a country to default on its debt in an orderly manner.

"The roadmap traces the path to the exit of the economic crisis for Europe. The partial answers to the various aspects of the crisis are no longer sufficient.We need to take the lead, "said Commission President José Manuel Barroso to the European Parliament.

"We must reach an agreement at the EU summit of 23 October," he said, also urging the leaders of the euro area to release the next tranche of aid to Greece.

He also confirmed that the EU executive would present by the end of the year a proposal to create a framework for joint programming of debt between members of the euro area, also known as "Euro bonds."

Europe should recapitalize its banks on an individual basis and not applied uniformly to all measures in the industry, said Tuesday the German BDB banking association.

"It would be absurd to book the same treatment to all banks," said Michael Kemmer, CEO of the BDB, in an interview on ARD television channel.

If the recapitalization is needed, they must be implemented in the right tempo, he added.

"First, banks themselves must make use of capital markets, although it is very difficult if not impossible, right now," said Michael Kemmer.

"Then, each country must see if we recapitalize banks and only if it is unable to do that EFSF should intervene," he added, referring to the European Stability Financial.

France and Germany have given themselves until the end of October to overcome many obstacles on the recapitalization of banks, the euro and its sickest member, Greece, and on European Governance, at where the sovereign debt crisis has put down the bank Dexia.

German banks, which have increased their level of capital in recent months, are stable and doing well, said Michael Kemmer.

He added that European leaders should stick to the agreement July 21 on Greece, which provides that private creditors pass a discount of 21% on Greek bond holdings.

Many experts believe that this level of discount ("haircut") is insufficient, forcing banks to take further writedowns in the third quarter.

Deutsche Bank, one of the most important members of the BDB with Commerzbank, said late September that the discount that private investors have agreed to take on Greek sovereign debt in the second bailout of Greece could be greater than 21% retained.

Last week, the German IDW auditors are said German banks could follow the example of Deutsche Bank in the third quarter by re-evaluating their market prices Greek bonds.