This sharp increase in the number of cars in circulation may pose problems for the environment and energy security, said Sunday Fuchang Wang, Vice-Minister in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology at an automotive conference.

The Chinese automotive market is one of the mainstays in the global automotive industry is still recovering from the slowdown experienced last year.

Sales have shown signs of slowing from the start of the second quarter but rebounded sharply in August, thanks to government subsidies for the purchase of clean vehicles.

The world's third largest advertising has also said he was still expecting a revenue organic growth above 3.5% for 2010.

In late July, when presenting the results of the first half, the number three global advertising had revised upwards its objective of raising revenue, now anticipating growth of over 3.5% against 3% previously.

"For now, the things we have in hand let me suggest that the proportion of T3 should be good," said Maurice Levy, chief executive of Publicis, the fringes of the MEDEF Summer University, about the trend in terms of income growth for the third quarter.

In the first six months of the year, the group saw its revenues increase by 5.3% in organic growth, 2.5 billion euros.

Maurice Levy has also held that the figures from Europe, North America and emerging markets were "robust".

"For now, what we saw on July and August is that the numbers are quite robust, as well as in emerging markets that are now in the jargon of Publicis, the high growth markets "said the chairman of advertising group.

Asked about the objective of revenue growth for this year, he gave no precise figure.

"We did not give any precise indication at this time. It's a bit early, it should be known about how the return will happen. And depending on the return of school, they decide s it or not to revise the figure upwards ", said Maurice Levy.

"In any case, it will be above 3.5%," he added."One has the impression that things that are seen today are a little bit better than the atmosphere.

Asked to say when the group would submit its development plan for China, he replied: "Probably in the fourth quarter."

Maurice Levy did not wish to reveal, however, the outline development plan.

Around 11:40 am, the action abandoned Publicis 0.04% to 34.05 euros.

The number two worldwide in distribution, after Wal-Mart, reported a net profit of 82 million for the first six months of the year against a loss a year earlier.

Its operating profit stood at 1.096 billion euros over the period, according to the prediction of Carrefour in mid-July.

The group at the same time reiterated that it was an ordinary profit of 3.1 billion for all 2010.

"We are on track to achieve our 2010 targets," said Lars Olofsson, Executive Director of Carrefour, at a conference presentation of results.

"We're quite pleased with the sales in July, a little disappointed by sales cons of August, for his part said Pierre Bouchut, the group finance director of distribution, during a conference call. "The trend in emerging markets remains strong."

Around 9:50, after having opened down nearly 2%, the action Carrefour did not yield more than 0.3% to 36.00 euros.She is spending time in positive territory for the sole and increasing value within the CAC 40 index.

Since the beginning of the year, the title was up over 7%.

"The first half is in line with forecasts of July 15, 2010 target is unchanged and our point of view, (Crossroads, Ed) is a title" on hold "with a value greater than in the rest of the industry "said Justin Scarborough, analyst at Royal Bank of Scotland.

NO COMMENTS ON THE ASIAN ASSETS

Over the half, Carrefour has benefited from the dynamism of emerging economies to reach a turnover up 6% to 41.3 billion euros, offsetting a contraction in sales in Europe, mainly France, Belgium, Spain and Italy, as well as in other countries of southern Europe such as Greece or Romania.

Sales fell 0.4% in France and 3.1% in the rest of Europe. At constant exchange rates, they climbed 16% in Latin America and 8.9% in Asia.

The group, which seeks to save 4.5 billion euros over three years to improve its margins, also points to have reduced its costs by 236 million euros in the first half of the year, a target of 500 million euro per 2010.

Asked about the Asian assets of the group, Pierre Bouchut has refused to comment on reports about a possible sale of assets Malaysian, Thai and Singaporean group.

"We do not comment on such rumors," said the CFO.'Our goal is to build on certain markets and, over time, probably, to take the decision to abandon certain other markets. "

"At what point will we take this decision? Will we really?" Everything remains open, "he added.

According to several sources, Carrefour tries to sell its assets in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore to focus its efforts on China and India.

This could generate some 800 million euros in the French distributor.

PTT, Thailand first group in the energy sector, has already expressed interest in taking over the assets in Thailand.

This recommendation is a key support rider for a drug that has so far achieved only modest commercial start.

The Multaq (dronedarone) is intended to replace an older molecule, amiodarone, and has fewer risk factors than the latter, but it has generated to date that relatively weak sales in the U.S. and Europe because several studies have found limited effectiveness.

In its new recommendations on the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), ESC Multaq attributed to a Class 1 recommendation, which means it is a safer treatment option even though it may be less effective.

"Given the superior advantages in terms of safety and potential outcomes, the dronedarone might be preferable as a first option antiarrhythmic" explain the recommendations, published at the ESC congress in Stockholm.

The paper also highlights, for the first time the importance of reducing the duration of hospitalization of patients with atrial fibrillation, a result of Multaq found in a pivotal clinical trial.

The drug is not recommended for patients with severe heart weakness.

"Sanofi-Aventis is pleased with this recommendation Multaq first line in the FA, which constitutes a recognition of the extensive clinical development program of the drug and the innovative results achieved in terms of reduced hospitalizations from cardiovascular causes," said Marc Cluzel, executive vice president in charge of research and development in the pharmaceutical group, in a statement.

The marketing of Multaq was approved in the United States in July 2009 and last September in the European Union.He is considered one of the main growth potential of Sanofi for years to come, which will be marked by the patent expiry of several key products groups, which include cancer Taxotere or anticoagulant Plavix.

The Multaq could generate an annual turnover of 1.2 billion euros in 2014 according to consensus estimates of analysts by Thomson Reuters.

A spokesman for the aircraft manufacturer has also confirmed the expected rise in production rates of the A320, but confirmed the target of 90 A320s and Airbus A330s by 2012 raised by The Tribune.

EADS shares, the parent company of Airbus, accusing one of the strongest declines the CAC 40 on Friday morning in response to information Voices, falling 2.95% to 17.42 euros at 10:20 am.

"This news is not good, although it has yet to be confirmed.But frankly, people use this as an excuse to take profits because the stock has outperformed for a while, "said one trader in Paris.

The date of first delivery of the A350, whose CEO of EADS Louis Welsh was declared in late July that it was still attached to the summer of 2013, remains one of the great questions of the moment.

"The goal of entry into service in 2013 remains," said a spokesman for Airbus. "We have contracts with customers and we work to achieve them."

According to Les Echos, the latest forecasts expect rates on 10 aircraft in 2013, 40 in 2014 and 60 in 2015.Launching the program in 2007, the stated objectives were 18 planes in 2013, 51 in 2014 and 83 in 2015, more than 42 copies in the new forecast.

The daily added that the review of sub-contractors, these forecasts are still overvalued.

For 2016 however, the initial target of 120 aircraft has been maintained, said the daily.

Arnaud Lagardère, general partner of the eponymous group which still owns 7.5% of EADS, said Thursday he wanted to first ensure that the program of the future Airbus A350 was well underway before leaving the group's capital .

Boeing has announced that alongside the delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner was postponed in the first quarter 2011, due to a delay in availability of engines.

RISE IN POWER OF THE A320

The Tribune said his side could produce 90 Airbus A320 medium-haul and long haul Airbus A330s by 2012 for a total additional revenue of nine billion dollars (7.1 billion euros), bringing the rates production levels envisaged in 2008, before the crisis.

These data follow a crop of orders for Airbus at the Farnborough Air Show in June, when air traffic takes off.

Airbus has already announced it would increase its monthly production of A320 34-36 units by the end of 2010, this rate could increase to 38 from mid-2011 and 40 from early 2012, says the newspaper, without citing sources.

This rise of 72 aircraft would increase the annual production of the A320 compared to today, an additional turnover of over 5.6 billion dollars (4.4 billion euros) at list prices.

Airbus plans to build more parallel A330s each month. After announcing the passage of 7.5 to eight aircraft per month in early 2011, the manufacturer could produce nine in 2012, said La Tribune.

This would represent 18 additional aircraft from 2010, worth 3.5 billion dollars.

The manufacturer, who must make decisions about hiring in the fall, also relies on his 21 deliveries of the A380 jumbo jets scheduled for 2010 in line with its goal of at least 20 units, the newspaper said.

The establishment of a deadline for submission of bids by U.S. insurer AIG could finally shows consider introducing its Asian subsidiary of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of the year, but that an outside investor is entering the capital AIA ago.

Some Chinese investors have nevertheless expressed their interest in acquiring a stake in AIA before its IPO, which would allow it to recover about U.S. $ 15 billion (12 billion euros).

Given the short time remaining, it is unlikely that a significant agreement is reached before the start of the procedure prior to an IPO.

"The train ahead of the IPO rather quickly.This means that the possibility to stop it is limited to a strategic investor wishing to report to the Board, examine accounts and negotiate the price, "said one source familiar with the matter.

SEVERAL CHINESE GROUPS INTERESTED

AIG was not immediately available for comment.

Three to four consortia consisting of Chinese investors have approached AIG offering to take stakes in AIA before its IPO, said one source.

Some consortia have expressed interest to take between 10% and 30% stake in AIA, said the sources interviewed.

These have however said AIG is focused solely on an IPO while strategic investors do not constitute a decisive element of the process.

The press had previously cited the names of China Life Insurance, Ping An, Cinda Asset Management Fosun Group, Hony Capital and Alibaba.com among potential suitors for a strategic stake in AIA.

AIG should be mandated Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley as international coordinators of the IPO of its subsidiary, had previously been learned from several sources.

Generally the interests sold before the IPO are priced downgraded which is then used to refer to that of the IPO.

Such a transaction could facilitate the sale of the remaining capital from traditional institutions and funds.

If the proposed IPO of AIA is realized, it could be the largest ever conducted on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and would allow AIG to repay a portion of public funds injected into the U.S. insurer in 2008.

CWB has achieved during the second quarter ended June net profit of 35.6 billion yuan (4 billion euros), against 29.6 billion yuan for the same period a year earlier.

This 20% increase in quarterly earnings of the bank is higher than anticipated by analysts to Reuters, who on average expected a profit up 16% to 34.3 billion yuan.

"The growth is higher than I expected," said Jin Lin, an analyst at Orient Securities."The development of credit will be the main driver of profit growth for banks in the future and the annual growth will average about 15% for the sector."

In contrast, the increase of group profits has slowed from the first quarter, as the period from January to March, CCB has posted a 34% increase in net profit, which presage the challenges ahead for the establishment in the second semester.

"On one side (…) environment for international operations was relaxed, with excellent opportunities to develop new business," said the bank 11% owned by Bank of America, in a statement.

"On the other hand, given the difficult situation of market liquidity and volatility of financial markets, development of sites will be more difficult and the pressures associated with control of regulators and competition will increasing requirements of managerial skills. "

For the first six months of the year, earnings of CCB increased by 27%, far less than the 60% increase recorded for the same period by China Merchants Bank and the doubling of profit Everbright Bank.

Earlier this month, sources familiar with direct knowledge of the case have told Reuters that CCB had accelerated its plans to increase capital by 75 billion yuan in Shanghai and Hong Kong early in the fourth quarter.

The S & P 500 is broader, lost 4.38 points, or 0.39%, to 1121.43.

The Nasdaq Composite fell on his side of 4.75 points (0.21%) to 2288.31.

For the week, took the Dow 1.8%, as the S & P 500 and Nasdaq fell 1.5%.

Around 9:15 am, the CAC 40 rose 0.15% to 3766.18 points.

Lagardère, the largest increase in ACC, after gaining 1.72% RBS increased the purchase on the title.

Michelin, which had already taken more than 8% since the beginning of the week, ahead even of 1.14% to 64.20 euros.S & P Equity Research raised its target price of 62-73 euros with a board of purchase.

EDF, which had climbed 5.5% Wednesday after the announcement of an imminent increase in electricity rates, yields 0.47%.

Out ACC, SSII Sopra is 2.52% after its interim results up and confirmation of its 2010 targets.

Other major European markets are also reluctant: London (-0.04%) and Frankfurt (-0.03%) are almost in balance. As for the European indices, the EuroStoxx 50 is unchanged (-0,01%) and back slightly Eurofirst 300 (-0.08%).

The euro was steady at around 1.3125 dollars after losing a little ground Wednesday. U.S. light crude is practically stable and treated around 82.30 dollars a barrel.

The chief executive, Stefan Jutte said in a statement it expected that the result does not reach the second half than the first, while ensuring that the full year will be positive.

The action took 0.64% to 25.30 euros at 8:05 GMT.

The first German retail bank by number of customers has also abandoned its goal of profitability in the medium term due to uncertainties still hang on the evolution of banking regulation.

Deutsche Postbank posted a pretax profit of 94 million euros in the second quarter, against a loss of 29 million a year earlier.Analysts had expected a profit of 77.9 million.

These results echo those reported by other retail banks such as Societe Generale, BNP Paribas and HSBC, which illustrate the recovery of the banking sector.

Earlier this year, Deutsche Postbank had said it expected a return on equity after tax of 13% over the medium term, a goal well below that of some of its rivals such as Deutsche Bank.

Deutsche Postbank has narrowly passed the stress tests that have imposed the European authorities, showing a Tier 1 ratio by 0.6 percentage point higher than the 6% threshold required under the most brutal scenario imagined by the regulator .

RESERVES INCREASE

Postbank said Wednesday that this ratio showed late June to 7.3%, a level identical to the one she posted late March.

She reiterated that she would continue to undertake the necessary measures to achieve a ratio of 9.5% by end 2012.

The net interest emerged, up 18% to 671 million euros in the second quarter, while provisions for credit losses were recorded at 175 million euros against 120 million a year ago.

Asset write-downs related to subprime mortgages fell to 174 million euros in the second quarter against 431 million a year earlier.

In late July, the group said it had an exposure of 7.9 billion euros in sovereign debt.Postbank had an exhibition of 500 million euros in loans Portuguese, Italian loans to 4.6 billion, 300 million to the Irish debt, $ 1.3 billion to 1.2 billion debt to Greek and Spanish government bonds .