"The change is now!" The slogan is that of Francois Hollande, business leaders have clearly in mind. For good reason: the change, it is not their cup of tea. Standards changed according to the news, a tax system that grows with the economy, laws that impose new overnight … "If Francois Hollande is elected, tell us once and for all that it will do to businesses but especially then he takes it for five years, 'says almost begging a boss in the industrial sector. "From small to large group of local CAC 40, the stability is claimed hue and cry for years," says an official of Bercy.

Take five years the same policy is still not easy. Nicolas Sarkozy has learned to its cost, which had to come back, as and as Europe plunged into crisis, and unemployment and deteriorating public finances, on key measures of the beginning of his mandate: tax shield, tax credit on real estate loan interest, windfall tax on bank bonuses …

Windfall

Meanwhile the second round of presidential elections, so businesses take their troubles patiently. Is wait-business show – "they have especially put aside their investments," the economists note. Delay the initiation of social plans, according to unions. Wonder about their future boss, their compensation strategy or dividends, when they state as shareholder. And express their concerns about topics that they feel the winds, without really feeling the direction cheap business cards. The research tax credit (CIR) is one of them.

If Francois Hollande said he does not challenge this device "because it is necessary to support research" in France, the employers have understood that his team was working on a shift. "There is a windfall for big business, where we will end so that the CIR has more to SMEs", explained last week Alain Rousset, in charge of the "pact productive" in the PS candidate's campaign, speaking to redirect up … one billion euros. Enough to significantly modify the decisions of entrepreneurs!

Large and small companies also expect to know how they will be affected by "modulation" of the scheduled corporate tax that must be done "for the benefit of SMEs and companies that reinvest their profits."

Banks, they, stomp whether the Socialist candidate will carry out its threat to introduce what he calls his bill consolidation of banking which provides for "the separation of deposit and speculative activities." They should be fixed quickly, the project is provided, if any, for next summer.

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Now that he has eliminated all its competitors in the Republican nomination for president – has abandoned Santorum, Gingrich and Paul are too far behind – Mitt Romney has a new challenge before him: catch Barack Obama in the race for dollars. In this respect, the Republican can boast of a successful month of March. With nearly 13 million collected, he never raised much money. But the delay is very clear with the outgoing Democrat, who has earned almost $ 35 million over the same period.

Result, at nine months of the election, relations between the two candidates are from one to ten in terms of "cash" available. Barack Obama has $ 104 million when Mitt Romney, who had to spend lavishly to remove tough Santorum, no longer "only" 10 million in the bank. A bad sign, if one remembers that in 2008, with the same period, the ratio was similar between Barack Obama and John McCain, who ended up losing the election.

As in 2008, therefore, spending on U.S. presidential promise this year to reach record highs. Experts even suggest the sum of one billion dollars a camp, which supasserait the record set four years ago to 1.6 billion in all. By contrast, French law allows a maximum ceiling of 20 million per candidate, set in 2007 by Ségolène Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Super PAC: advantage to Romney

The responsaibilté this runaway overseas rests with the change of election financing rules, which were imposed in the game a new player: the super PAC, support committees with permission to spend without limit (provided that it remains formally disconnected from the official campaign). One area where Romney camp knows how effective. Roamed this land, the former governor of Massachusetts has the advantage over Barack Obama in March, "Restore Our Future" raised him to $ 8.5 million, when "Priorities USA" harvested 2.5 million for Democrat. The outgoing president owes his advance as individual contributions.

This imbalance is not without worrying about the Democrats, as the super CAP seem to play a crucial role during the campaign. Indeed, it is up to them to the "dirty work" of producing spots decrying, sometimes extremely virulent opponents of their champions. And Mitt Romney has yet to benefit from the reinforcement of "American Crossroads", probably the most powerful Super PAC Republicans, whose co-founder is none other than Karl Rove, former adviser and electoral strategist for George W. Bush. The committee plans to spend this year $ 300 million, almost exclusively in attacks against the Obama camp.

Another factor to watch: the entry into operation of the National Committees of each party. CNR, for the Republicans, and the CND, for Democrats, allow candidates to receive donations for their respective parties, the amount can legally be much higher than that paid to the official campaign committees. And both have already started to build their war chest.

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SRI is an investment made in companies that meet the criteria of respect for people, environment, values ​​… Socially responsible investment thus favors companies actively engaged in an ecological approach and those who have good social and ethical practices.

Conversely, it excludes those:

-Of which the activity is considered dangerous, as the tobacco, alcohol or weapons,

Who does not respect the environment,

Who does not respect human rights,

Who give undue importance to performance, to the detriment of the overall balance of the company.

An investment in life insurance attached?

Solidarity investment is present in companies that develop an approach for assistance. This is, for example, companies that have employees in situations of exclusion or disability.

All these companies have not necessarily an activity-oriented integration and assistance to people in difficulties. Some are subject to competition, but are choosing to include these employees as part of their general social policy.

Note: These criteria also include the financial profitability.

An investment in life insurance attached?

It is twofold. On the one hand, the investor contributes to the development of an economic base more respectful of people and the environment low interest rate personal loans. Moreover, these areas are probably more long-term carriers.

Indeed, socially responsible companies or mutual aid are not looking for immediate profit. Their approach is a vision where a company is strong because its development is sustainable. In 2010, business leaders have used two times less energy than others and have created twice as many jobs.

Can we invest in these sectors through the life insurance?

Life insurance is particularly suited to this type of investment. In addition, these funds were not to be ashamed of their performances against the euro fund or stock standard. They are especially less sensitive to economic equity, many companies in which they invest are not listed.

As part of a diversified life insurance, investment responsibility and solidarity is one way to go. There are still few in the market, but the comparative life insurance contracts reported providing access thereto.

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SERVICE:

"You want to invest in savings responsibility and solidarity? Seek advice from a broker life insurance. It will select for you Companies that offer these funds.

"Market analysts estimate that the main candidates for future elections continue to show a clear commitment on public finances and reducing deficits. Investors still have confidence in our debt, "assured the FigaroPhilippe Mills, head of Agence France Trésor, the end of January. Debt, however this is a word we have heard since long in the mouth of the two favorites for the 2012 elections, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande.

The gigantic figure announced Friday morning by INSEE – 1.7173 trillion euros, or 85.8% of GDP-has something to put the subject at the heart of the debate. And makes an urgent exercise of teaching on how to control deficits and debt, in a context where electoral promises are multiplying. The French in need, who have a concern, as investors continue to regard France as a country whose debt is reliable. And therefore, to lend to Paris to lower interest rate. For the record, this is partly because she did not see how the Hexagon was able to return to the nails of Maastricht that the rating agency Standard & Poor's had deprived him of his AAA mid-January free 3-in-1 credit report.

The right-wing candidate Nicolas Sarkozy promises "a financial closure to the nearest euro" of its program for the next five years if elected. He will detail next week. His rival from left, Francois Hollande, is vague on how to finance a project already well exposed. Just know that it is more by tax increases that cost savings that the Socialist candidate intends to restore order in the French public accounts.

For that stabilizes the debt, the deficit must be approaching 2% (against 5.2% in 2011). France does not expect that to happen before 2014. And to achieve this, efforts will be very important. It is therefore understandable that candidates avoid stress this enough sobering perspective …

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Since it was set afloat, ten years ago by three friends in Colorado, Crocs has sold more than 150 million pairs of shoes in 90 countries. Right in her funny shoes, this American company shows $ 1 billion in revenue in 2011, up 27%. 112.8 million and net income, against 67 million in 2010. The hilarious crocodile brand has regained its bite.

At the NYSE, the action hovers around $ 20. It was not worth even at a low point in 2009. In 2007, she had already sold 100 million pairs. She posted $ 168.2 million profit. After a flash of sales growth between 2005 and 2008, its accounts have fired that year in the red: it lost 185.1 million in 2008 and 42 million in 2009, before returning in 2010 to profits.

Crocs has been the victim of the crisis on its first market, the United States, which now represent less than half of its sales. Victim, too, its single-product strategy and the strength of his shoe aesthetics controversial. Crocs lost momentum, if not renewed by their fans. "The Crocs shoes are indeed a life of ten years on average," says Mustafa Sadik, head of the brand in France.

But the restructuring, fought on all fronts, product development management through logistics and supply sources, has borne fruit. The Canadian plant closed. Manufacturing has been focused on China.

The Croslite: a lightweight resin

This is taking the offensive on diversification, international and opening stores as she now has more than 169 – that picked up Crocs. Without abandoning his favorite material: colored and perforated, the shoe – called "Clog" – was forged in a patented material, the "Croslite", lightweight resin, antibacterial, waterproof and flexible. Hooves, dominated by the model "Cayman", weigh only 50% in sales volume, but also offers Crocs shoes to more traditional sole "Croslite". Fabric or leather dress patterns for women, men and children, from sneakers to high heels compensated, covered with cork, to sandals, ballet slippers and boots for the whole family. The colors are often flashy, but the forms were assagies. The brand, which also sells shoes filled, at the same time has reduced its dependence on seasonality: the items were accounted for only 65% ​​of sales. Ready-to-wear this summer, with shells and sleeves for smartphones tablets, scheduled for 2013 in France, a slew of new products will accelerate diversification.

If the shoe of Colorado is still nearly half of its sales in the U.S., sales there rose by 19% in 2011, but have surged 34% in Europe and Asia. In Europe, where Crocs aligns 34 stores and 92 franchises, an offensive was launched in France, where the brand has opened two stores, after closing at all its difficulties. Its third store will open its own in France in Nice on March 22. This will be his first major "Crocs Store" in Europe. A new store concept, where 250 models will unfold in both healthy, shelves and large digital displays.

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The Chinese have hit hard. They decided to freeze orders 45 Airbus to protest against the carbon tax that the European Commission imposed from January 1 to all airlines flying over European airspace. Beijing remember vividly that he has very strong case when a trading partner dares challenge him. The Middle Kingdom also knows how to play the national preference. It requires six high-tech sectors to buy Chinese. China is not the only country to use every weapon at its disposal to defend its interests.

Other states willingly play the card of patriotism and protectionism. In the U.S., the Pentagon chose the U.S. in February 2011 at the expense of Airbus Boeing to equip 179 tanker aircraft. The battle, which has experienced tremendous twists, lasted ten years. In France, more than 180 MPs signed a petition in June 2011 calling Air France to equip Airbus, not Boeing.

Broader range of measures

A study by the consulting firm Roland Berger, the use of defensive protectionism is rising sharply. The G20 countries have taken defensive measures 122 between November 2010 and April 2011, against 54 between May 2010 and October 2010. The first concerned imports amounting to $ 77 billion. The second for $ 31 billion. They drew on a wide range of measures ranging from quotas to technical standards, sanitary and environmental, through administrative procedures, restricting access to public procurement, export restrictions. Countries can also go on the offensive by providing support to an industrial sector, export subsidies, antidumping action or increase tariffs.

Europe can be even more tempted to protect themselves, the trade deficit with China rose to 170 billion euros in 2010 and has lost 3.3 million manufacturing jobs between 2003 and 2009 when China created 56 million jobs in the industry during the same period.

Refusing the border closure, Roland Berger experts advocate that Europe plays the opening for several reasons. European countries can not ignore the markets of Brazil, India, China and Russia who represent 40% of global GDP in 2050. They have strong assets (qualified staff, quality of infrastructure) that enabled them to attract in 2009 twice as much foreign investment (216 billion euros) that the United States. Europe can count on champions entered in the top 3 worldwide in their sector, such as GDF Suez, LVMH, EADS, Bayer, Sanofi Aventis, Michelin, BASF, Volkswagen. But it must also be facilitated by the political will to resist threats. The standoff Airbus-carbon tax is a good test.

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Car sales in the U.S. reached their highest level in four years last month. Nearly 1.15 million vehicles were sold, 15.7% higher than February last year, according to figures from Autodata firm. The latter states that annualized seasonally adjusted, this represents 15.1 million vehicles. The most since February 2008!

While gasoline prices rose 10% in February compared with January, the fuel efficient cars are spared Thurs Toyota, for example, recorded better results than expected with sales up 12.4%, with an increase of 52% for the Prius and 60% for all of its hybrid models of all brands. Figures from other Japanese manufacturers are also very well oriented: Honda saw its sales rise 12.3% to 110,157 units and Nissan from 15.5% to 106,731 vehicles.

For his part, General Motors, which has just completed an agreement with the French PSA, recorded 1.1% growth in sales year on year to 209,306 vehicles. This figure exceeds expectations, while leaders of the global market leader company provide a good year in 2012. The Chevrolet brand door activity, while sales of its big Cadillac erode by 27%. Ford sales up 14% year on year, reaching 179,119 units, with a doubling of sales for the Focus. Those of Chrysler, the number three in the U.S. market, even soar by 40%, to 133,521 vehicles. The group controlled by Italy's Fiat said it is the 23rd consecutive month of sales, with a growth rate exceeding 20% ​​for nine consecutive months cash till payday.

Market shares redistributed Chrysler start, GM back

With the surge in sales, the Chrysler brand has seen its U.S. market share grow to 11.3% against 9.6% last year. Conversely, that of General Motors declined to 18.2% against 20.8% a year earlier, as Ford has eroded to 15.5% against 15.7%, while Toyota was down to 13 , 9% against 14.3%, while Honda was down 9.6% against 9.9% and Nissan remained stable at 9.3%, according to data from Autodata.

Common to all manufacturers: their optimism for the coming year. Besides the economic upturn, they emphasize the need for replacement of vehicles in which the average age is high.

"If gasoline prices continue to rise, people will perhaps reduce their discretionary spending, but if employment improves, they will need to buy cars to work," noted Jenny Lin, Ford economist. For his part, Don Johnson, GM, concludes: "We do not believe that short-term fluctuations in gasoline prices will stop rising sales of GM and the industry in a better position that three years ago. "

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Lefigaro.fr is the first news site in France in January. The study Médiamétrie / NetRatings, it was viewed by over 8.8 million unique visitors a month. A hearing is always the historic site of Figaro to a million users of the follower.

Development, the second place, occupied by Orange in December, was conquered by the Nouvel Observateur. High of 7.7 million unique monthly visitors, the site of the weekly benefits from the integration of "pure player" Rue89, bought in December.

Launched in late January, the site of the Huffington Post has also brought new visitors to the World, which brought together a total of 7.3 million Internet users in January. The web offers daily evening was nevertheless made the steal third place from the site of Le Parisien / Today in France, with nearly 7.5 million unique visitors.

January has generally drawn the hearings of the press line up. Portals and aggregators of articles edited by tech giants have, themselves, not take advantage of the French appetite for news. Orange News was relegated to sixth place in the ranking with 6.7 million unique visitors, Yahoo! News is eighth with 5.4 million visitors, MSN News and Google News are respectively the 11th and 13th.

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