>>> Vivarte receives offer from CVC

Vivarte receives offer from CVC 

Vivarte, the French multi-brand fashion retailer with a EUR 2.8bn debt, is understood to have received an offer from the private equity house CVC, French daily Les Echos reported. The report cited several sources as saying that the creditor’s coordination committee of Vivarte (cocom) was expected to meet this week with the three parties that submitted an offer for the business.

According to the report, there are three potential buyers for the group, including a joint offer from minor creditors’ hedge funds Angelo Gordon and Avenue Capital, another from CVC, and a consortium led by Oaktree, a significant Vivarte creditor and including Golden Tree Asset Management, Alcentra, Canyon Capital, and ICG.

The report went on to say that the management of Vivarte is asking creditors to cancel about 1.8bn of debt, as well as injecting EUR 500m of new money. The report noted that the potential buyers would have to get the agreement from the creditors, which number 150.


Source Les Echos

>>> AstraZeneca shares shorted as funds bet on Pfizer bid failing

AstraZeneca shares shorted as funds bet on Pfizer bid failing 

Arbitrage players have been betting against the success of Pfizer’s GBP 63bn (EUR 77.38bn) takeover bid for the FTSE-100 pharmaceuticals group AstraZeneca, The Daily Mail reported on 13 May.

The report cited Karl Loomes of Astec Analytics who said the fact that AstraZeneca’s share price has gained on news of Pfizer’s potential offer suggests two possible scenarios. Either short sellers expect Pfizer’s offer to fail, in which case AstraZeneca shares will fall back, or the shorts believe the deal will proceed but that the shares have been overbought and will therefore eventually fall again.

Hedge funds have increasingly taken short positions in AstraZeneca stock over the past couple of weeks, the item said.

Increased political scrutiny of the proposed deal has led short sellers to believe the prospects of Pfizer’s bid succeeding are growing slimmer, according to the report.

AstraZeneca’s share price closed 32p up at 4642p in London yesterday, 13 May, giving the company a market capitalisation of GBP 58.59bn.


Source Daily Mail

>>> What to look at today - 16/05/2014

US Market Closed mixed, S&P Tested the 1,900 mark but was not able to hold it, good retail numbers push investors to thing that the FED will act sooner rather than later, The four top-weighted sectors were mixed when compared to the S&P 500. Consumer discretionary (-0.3%) and financials (-0.1%) lagged throughout the session, while health care (+0.2%) and technology (+0.1%) registered modest gains after displaying some intraday volatility....for the second day in a rwo volume were well below average @ 600mil shares...VIX @ 12.13 -0,82%...in Asia : Bank of China Plans to Raise Up to $16 Billion in Capital...China property sector has kept a lid on the selloff in Shanghai after a set of disappointing economic data overnight, when Retail Sales, Industrial Production, and Fixed Asset Investment all missed estimates. PBoC held a meeting with 15 local banks that reportedly focused on reducing mortgage lending risks through more timely approval of qualified home loans and also providing credit resources to satisfy first home buyer demand. Top mainland property developers traded up about 2% despite a modest slide in the broader Shanghai Composite...Nikkei-0.31% HS+1.14%...Shanghai+0.03%...

Eur$ 1.3716 S&P Fut +0.10% European Fut. +0.16%

Macro
- Moody's affirms Australia sovereign rating at Aaa; Stable Outlook; Australia budget is positive for deficit, debt
- SocGen’s Bokobza Says CAC 40 Could Hit 7000 at End 2016: Echos
- Goldman Says Appeal of Commodities as An Asset Class Remains

Keep an eye on :
- ABLX BB : Ablynx 1Q Net Loss EU2.8 Mln vs EU6.7 Mln Loss
- ADP FP : ADP 1Q Sales Fall; April Passenger Traffic Increases 6.6%
- AF FP : Air France Crash Report Cites ‘Inappropriate Response’: Sky Link
- AGS BB : Ageas 1Q Net Misses Ests. as U.K. Non-Life Unit Swings to Loss
- AIR FP : Boeing Wins $3.8 Billion 737 Order Amid China Travel Boom
- ALV GY : Allianz Says Well Prepared for Rest of 2014; Sticks to Outloook
- AZN LN : AstraZeneca Plc CEO Soriot: Would recommend bid at the right valuation (After US Close)
- BAF GY : Balda 3Q Sales Declines 18%; Confirms FY14 Outlook
- B5A GY : Bauer 1Q Sales Rise 14%, Loss Narrows; Confirms 2014 Outlook
- BEAR VX : Julius Baer End-April AUM Rise 4% From End 2013 to CHF264b
- BEKB BB : Bekaert 1Q Consolidated Sales Fall 2.1% on Currency Impact
- BLT LN : BHP Considering Selling All Or Part of Nickel West Business
- BKIA SM : Bankia, FCC in Talks to Sell Realia’s French Unit: Expansion
- Beverage : Brazil Postponing Tax Increase on Beverages and Beer: Mantega
- BLT LN : BHP, Rio Top Picks on Div. Potential, Free Cash Flow: Jefferies
- BP IM : Banco Popolare 1Q Net Loss EU19m vs Net EU91.9m Y/y
- CPG LN : Compass to Return GBP1b to Shrholders, Div. Beats Forecast
- DWNI GY : Deutsche Wohnen Confirms 2014 FFO Forecast
- EDP PL : EDP 1Q Net Income EU296m; Analyst Est. EU299m
- FLUX BB : Fluxys Belgium 1Q Turnover Down 6.8%, Transmission Volumes Fall
- GLEN LN : Glencore Holders Advised by PIRC to Oppose Hayward’s Election
- GSK LN : China Accuses GlaxoSmithKline China Unit of Bribery After Probe
- IBAB BB : Ion Beam 1Q Rev. Rises 4% to EU46.3m; Confirms Full-Year Outlook
- SDF GY : K+S 1Q Ebit I Beats Estimates; Confirms 2014 Outlook, Capex, Says Upward Trend Evident in Potash Business
- MEL SM : Melia Hotels 1Q Net EU8.15m Vs EU4.09m a Yr Ago
- MGN GY : Mologen 1Q Net Loss Widens as Co. Prepares Drug Studies
- MS IM : Mediaset 1Q Sales Miss, Says Difficult to Make 2014 Forecast
- NDA GY : Aurubis Posts 2Q Loss, Sales Drop
- NUM FP : Numericable 1Q Sales Rise; Sees 2%-5% Annual Rev. Growth to 2016
- PLCS NO : Polarcus 1Q Ebitda Misses Estimates; Maintains FY Guidance
- PUMA GY : Puma 1Q Ebit EU59m; Estimate EU58.8m, Stock mentionned as a potential target for VF (ISI report)
- RHK GY : Rhoen-Klinikum 1Q Rev. EU630m; Keeps 2015 Forecast
- RWE GY : RWE 1Q Recurrent Net Income Misses; Adjusts 2014 Targets,Cuts 2014 Outlook to Exclude Contributions From Dea
- SFER IM : Ferragamo 1Q Rev EU299m; Est EU296.6m, Ebitda Beats Ests.
- SAN SM : Santander to Sell Part of Asset Custody Business: Expansion
- SAP GY : SAP Planning Job Cuts, Possibly Thousands, WSJ Says
- SAX GY : Stroeer Media 1Q Sales Rise 19%, Posts Loss per Share
- SY1 GY : Symrise Selling 11.15m New Shrs in Accelerated Bookbuild
- RCF FP : Teleperformance 1Q Rev. EU610m vs EU592m Y/y
- TLW LN : Uganda Takes Control of Oil Field From Tullow, Total: WSJ Link
- WG/ LN : Wood Group Confirms 2014 Outlook; 2 Units Ahead of Expectations

>>> Brokers Upgrades & Downgrades

>>> Up
*CAMPARI RAISED TO HOLD AT SOCIETE GENERALE
*HOME RETAIL RAISED TO EQUALWEIGHT VS UNDERWEIGHT AT BARCLAYS
*NLMK RAISED TO EQUALWEIGHT VS UNDERWEIGHT AT BARCLAYS
*NORWEGIAN PROPERTY RAISED TO BUY VS HOLD AT SEB
*OSRAM RAISED TO EQUALWEIGHT AT MORGAN STANLEY
*SCHIBSTED RAISED TO EQUALWEIGHT VS UNDERWEIGHT AT BARCLAYS
*THYSSENKRUPP RAISED TO NEUTRAL VS SELL AT CITI
*TOMTOM RAISED TO EQUALWEIGHT VS UNDERWEIGHT AT MORGAN STANLEY
*ULKER RAISED TO OVERWEIGHT VS NEUTRAL AT JPMORGAN

>>> Down
*AUTOGRILL CUT TO HOLD VS BUY AT KEPLER CHEUVREUX
*BLUE SOLUTIONS CUT TO UNDERWEIGHT VS NEUTRAL AT HSBC
*BOSKALIS CUT TO HOLD VS BUY AT ING
*CEZ CUT TO SELL VS HOLD AT INVESTEC
*KOZA GOLD CUT TO UNDERWEIGHT VS NEUTRAL AT JPMORGAN
*NEDBANK CUT TO NEUTRAL VS BUY AT UBS
*NOVO NORDISK CUT TO NEUTRAL VS BUY AT UBS
*RANDGOLD RESOURCES CUT TO NEUTRAL AT JPMORGAN
*TELEKOM AUSTRIA CUT TO UNDERWEIGHT VS NEUTRAL AT HSBC

>>> PT Changes
*AUTOGRILL PT CUT TO EU5.5 VS EU5.8 AT UBS; KEPT AT SELL
*Mediaset PT Cut to EU5 vs EU5.2 at Goldman
*MEDIASET PT CUT TO EU3.8 VS EU4 AT NOMURA; KEPT AT NEUTRAL
*Monte Paschi PT Raised to EU21 at Credit Suisse; Kept at Neutral

>>> Initiation
*BANCO POPOLARE RESUMED OVERWEIGHT AT HSBC, PT EU17
*JUST EAT RATED NEW CONVICTION BUY AT GOLDMAN, PT 335P

>>> Call
>> Stock
*THYSSENKRUPP REMOVED FROM UBS’S LEAST PREFERRED LIST

(Les Echos) CAC40-7000 points? The study wants to believe in the success of "hol

CAC40-7000 points? The study wants to believe in the success of "hollandenomics"

According to Société Générale, accelerating reforms in France should promote retrofitting of the Paris Bourse.

"I'm not political, I look at the situation from the point of view of the markets. In a country that remains fragile, which is debt, which has large current account deficits, some effort was needed clarification. "By calling" The hollandenomics gain power, "its report to managers of international background, Alain Bokobza, chief strategist at Société Générale, is primarily a statement:" Two years after his election, François Hollande announced radical change of policy in January 2014, opening a new chapter on French economic policy. "
Analysts at Société Générale, the press conference of January 14, supported by the international press, has sent a strong signal to the market with a "simple equation": 30 billion cuts costs for businesses, funded by 50 billion economy. A pact of responsibility that could provide additional growth of around 0.6% in 2017.
"There is an acceleration of reforms with continued fiscal consolidation focused this time on reducing spending, says Alain Bokobza. Emphasis is placed on improving the competitiveness of enterprises and the modernization of the State. "This will reassure investors, refreshed at the beginning of the quinquennium by some program elements François Hollande.
More surprisingly, the analysts of the bank are rather confident in the successful reforms for several reasons. First, the establishment of a clear strategy to reduce unemployment while promoting business competitiveness. Then, a new prime minister, "leader", surrounded by a "team who has experience of power." In addition, the departure of the Greens government paves the way for a "clearer energy policy 'over nuclear. Finally, "the Socialist Party has an absolute majority in Parliament and knows that there is no viable alternative given the high level of indebtedness of France. The new policy is supported by employers (MEDEF) and the approach of the unions is constructive. "A point of view is not necessarily shared rue de Solferino or Assembly ...
CAC 40 to 7,000 dots end of 2016
In Japan, the "abenomics" promoted a surge in stock, thanks in particular to the weaker yen. In France, what about "hollandenomics"? Since January 21, the CAC 40 index gained 4.2% while the German DAX remained virtually unchanged (+ 0.24%). Alain Bokobza "If fiscal reforms must take place in line with the planned agenda, one can imagine a CAC 40 to 7000 points at the end 2016." Either a new record, seventeen years after the point reached in 6922 September 2000. This implies that the index still rose by 55% in less than thirty-two months. Not a stunning top, while the CAC 40 has just gained 62% since its low point in September 2011.

Several markets are at their highest
"I'm not overly optimistic when many markets are at their highs," says Alain Bokobza elsewhere. Especially as the stability pact "comes at a time when Germany is speeding up with a recovery plan (higher wages, creating a minimum wage), very focused on growth, which will favorable to its European partners, including France. Then we are on the eve of monetary easing by the ECB which will also be very favorable to countries in the euro zone. Three factors that make one remains very positive about the potential of rising markets in the euro area, with the CAC 40 should outperform the DAX. "La Bourse does not make policy, but recent history shows that the CAC 40 has often fared better under a leftist government.

French Article :
Le CAC 40 à 7.000 points ? L’étude qui veut croire au succès des « hollandenomics »

Selon la Société Générale, l’accélération des réformes en France devrait favoriser le rattrapage de la Bourse de Paris.
« Je ne fais pas de politique, je regarde la situation du point de vue des marchés. Dans un pays qui reste fragile, qui est endetté, qui a des déficits courants importants, un certain effort de clarification était nécessaire. » En intitulant « Les hollandenomics gagnent en puissance », son rapport à destination des gestionnaires de fond internationaux, Alain Bokobza, stratégiste en chef à la Société Générale, fait avant tout un constat : « Deux ans après son élection, François Hollande a annoncé un changement de politique radical en janvier 2014, ouvrant un nouveau chapitre en matière de politique économique française. »
Pour les analystes de la Société Générale, la conférence de presse du 14 janvier, relayée par la presse internationale, a envoyé un signal fort aux marchés, avec une « équation simple » : 30 milliards de baisses des charges pour les entreprises, financées par 50 milliards d’économie. Un pacte de responsabilité qui pourrait fournir un surplus de croissance de l’ordre de 0,6 % en 2017.
« Il y a une accélération des réformes avec une poursuite de la consolidation fiscale axée cette fois-ci sur la réduction des dépenses, constate Alain Bokobza. L’accent est mis sur l’amélioration de la compétitivité des entreprises et la modernisation de l’Etat. » De quoi rassurer des investisseurs, rafraîchis au début du quinquennat par certains éléments du programme de François Hollande.
Plus étonnant, les analystes de la banque se montrent plutôt confiants dans le bon déroulement des réformes et ce pour plusieurs raisons. D’abord, la mise en place d’une stratégie claire visant à réduire le chômage tout en favorisant la compétitivité des entreprises. Ensuite, un nouveau Premier ministre, « leader », entouré d’une « équipe qui a l’expérience du pouvoir ». Par ailleurs, le départ des Verts du gouvernement ouvre la voie à une « politique énergétique plus claire » autour du nucléaire. Enfin, « le Parti socialiste a la majorité absolue au Parlement et sait qu’il n’y a pas d’alternative viable étant donné le haut niveau d’endettement de la France. La nouvelle politique est soutenue par le patronat (Medef) et l’approche des syndicats est constructive ». Un point de vue qui ne sera pas forcément partagé rue de Solferino ou à l’Assemblée...
Un CAC 40 à 7.000 points fin 2016
Au Japon, les « abenomics » ont favorisé une envolée des actions grâce, notamment, à la baisse du yen. En France, quid des « hollandenomics » ? Depuis le 21 janvier, l’indice CAC 40 a gagné 4,2 % quand le DAX allemand est resté quasi stable (+ 0,24 %). Pour Alain Bokobza : « Si l’exercice des réformes devait se dérouler en ligne avec l’agenda prévu, on peut imaginer un CAC 40 à 7.000 points fin 2016. » Soit un nouveau record, dix-sept ans après les 6.922 points atteints en septembre 2000. Cela suppose que l’indice progresse encore de 55 % en moins de trente-deux mois. Un sommet pas imprenable, alors que le CAC 40 vient de gagner 62 % depuis son plus bas atteint en septembre 2011.
Plusieurs marchés sont à leur plus hauts
« Je ne suis pas exagérément optimiste alors que plusieurs marchés sont à leur plus hauts historiques», rappelle d’ailleurs Alain Bokobza. D’autant que le pacte de stabilité « intervient dans un contexte où l’Allemagne est en train d’accélérer avec un plan de relance (hausse des salaires, création d’un salaire minimum), très focalisé sur la croissance, ce qui sera favorable à ses partenaires européens dont la France. Ensuite nous sommes à la veille d’un assouplissement monétaire de la BCE qui sera aussi très favorable aux pays de la zone euro. Trois facteurs qui font que l’on reste très positif sur le potentiel de hausse des marchés de la zone euro, avec un CAC 40 qui devrait surperformer le DAX ». La Bourse ne fait pas de politique, mais l’histoire récente montre que le CAC 40 s’est souvent mieux comporté sous un gouvernement de gauche.

>>> AstraZeneca Plc CEO Soriot: Would recommend bid at the right

AstraZeneca Plc CEO Soriot: Would recommend bid at the right valuation - financial press cites BBC interview
- If the price that is offered reflects the full value of the company and justifies the risks that are attached to this transaction, then of course we would have to make a positive recommendation. 
- The risk of new drugs being delayed by the merger could be substantial but is manageable.

>>> Asian Update

Asian Market Update: China supported by apparent easing of property curbs by PBoC; Moody's affirms Australia AAA after annual budget

***Economic Data*** - (NZ) NEW ZEALAND Q1 RETAIL SALES EX-INFLATION Q/Q: 0.7% V 0.9%E; CORE Q/Q: 0.8% V 1.0% PRIOR - (JP) JAPAN APR DOMESTIC CGPI M/M: 2.8% V 2.8%E ; Y/Y: 4.1% (5-yr high) V 4.0%E - (JP) JAPAN MAR LOANS & DISCOUNTS CORP: 1.9% V 2.2% PRIOR - (KR) SOUTH KOREA APR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 3.7% V 3.4%E; Number employed +581,000 y/y v 649K; 2nd consecutive slowdown. - (KR) SOUTH KOREA APR EXPORT PRICE INDEX M/M: -2.5% V -0.4% PRIOR; Y/Y: -7.3% V -4.3% PRIOR; IMPORT PRICE INDEX M/M: -2.5% V -0.5% PRIOR; Y/Y: -7.0% V -4.5% PRIOR

Market Snapshot (as of 03:30 GMT): - Nikkei225 -0.3%, S&P/ASX -0.3%, Kospi +0.7%, Shanghai Composite -0.2%, Hang Seng +0.2%, Jun S&P500 +0.1% at 1,895, Jun gold -0.1% at $1,293, Jun crude oil +0.3% at $101.98/brl

***Highlights/Observations/Insights*** - China property sector has kept a lid on the selloff in Shanghai after a set of disappointing economic data overnight, when Retail Sales, Industrial Production, and Fixed Asset Investment all missed estimates. PBoC held a meeting with 15 local banks that reportedly focused on reducing mortgage lending risks through more timely approval of qualified home loans and also providing credit resources to satisfy first home buyer demand. Top mainland property developers traded up about 2% despite a modest slide in the broader Shanghai Composite.

- Australia's budget, also released overnight, delivered tough cuts to entitlements for the elderly and education, as well as tax hikes for the high earners as a means to save A$36B over the next 4 years. Moody's announced it has affirmed Australia sovereign rating at Aaa and Stable Outlook, noting Budget provisions are positive for deficit and debt. - Also of note in Australia, CBA was up nearly 1% after its Q3 trading update. Cash earnings rose to A$2.2B v A$1.9B y/y, CET1 ratio was unchanged at 8.5%, while net interest margin was said to be slightly lower. Other major Australia financials were down slightly, trading ex-dividend.

- New Zealand, which will release its annual budget tomorrow, saw RBNZ release its Financial Stability report. Most notably, RBNZ warned Fonterra 2014/15 forecast payout would likely be materially lower than in current year to reflect the steady decline in dairy prices. RBNZ also expressed concern that a slowdown in China economy would have a significant impact on domestic economy, but cheered a more balanced housing market as a result of its macro-prudential LVR measures.

***Fixed Income/Commodities/Currencies*** - (JP) BOJ offers to buy ¥400B in 5-10yr JGB and ¥170B in JGB with maturity over 10-yr - (AU) Australia MoF (AOFM) sells A$700M in 2.75% 2024 Bonds; avg yield: 3.8081%; bid-to-cover: 4.12x - (US) API PETROLEUM INVENTORIES: CRUDE: +910K v 0e, GASOLINE: -2M v 0e, DISTILLATE: +885K v +0.5Me - USD/CNY: (CN) PBoC sets yuan mid point at 6.1653 v 6.1636 prior setting (Weakest Yuan setting since Sep 6th)

- USD is on the defensive on dollar majors, particularly against AUD and NZD. AUD/USD is up about 40pips approaching $0.94 handle - its 1-month high - while NZD/USD rose 40 pips to $0.8660. USD/JPY is under slight pressure below 102.20.

***Equities*** US markets: - RUBI: Reports Q1 -$0.15 v -$0.52e, R$23M v $20.0Me (1 est); +21.8% afterhours - ARTX: Reports Q1 $0.05 v $0.01e, R$22.4M v $21.3Me; +10.2% afterhours - TTWO: Reports Q4 $0.21 v $0.11e, R$233M v $204Me; -4.0% afterhours - FOSL: Reports Q1 $1.22 v $1.19e, R$776.5M v $776Me; reaffirms FY14 guidance; Guides Q2 $0.90-0.97 v $1.16e; -5.0% afterhours - URS: Reports Q1 $0.60 v $0.67e, R$2.54B v $2.70Be; -6.8% afterhours

Notable movers by sector: - Consumer Discretionary: Jiangsu Phoenix Publishing & Media 601928.CN +1.3% (acquisitions); Dentsu 4324.JP -4.7% (FY13/14 results) - Financials: China Vanke 000002.CN +1.5%, Poly Real Estate Group 600048.CN +2.2%, China Merchants Property Dev 000024.CN +2.2% (PBoC asks commercial banks to support 1st home mortgage); Commonwealth Bank of Australia CBA.AU +0.8% (Q3 results) - Materials: Shandong Kingenta Ecological Engineering 002470.CN -5.0% (private placement plan) - Energy: Cosmo Oil 5007.JP -2.6% (FY13/14 results) - Industrials: Chengdu Road & Bridge Engineering 002628.CN +1.3% (awarded contract); Kubota Corp 6326.JP +4.9% (FY13/14 results); CSR Ltd CSR.AU -5.7% (FY14 results) - Technology: Nikon Corp 7731.JP -4.8% (FY13/15 results)

>>> US After Hours

After Hours Summary: RUBI +17.6%, SUMR +11.5%, NTWK +10.1%, YUME -7.4%, URS -7.2%, IMRS -7%, FOSL -5.1% following earnings/guidance

After Hours Gainers: Companies trading higher in after hours in reaction to earnings: RUBI +17.6%, SUMR +11.5%, NTWK +10.1%, ARTX +9.9%, PSDV +8.5%, FVIN +4.6%, AMBR +2.7%, CYCC +1.3%

Companies trading higher in after hours in reaction to news: LOJN +19.9% (announced dismissal of all arbitration claims filed by Brazilian licensee), PSDV +10.2% (co announced it now plans to seek U.S. approval for its lead development product, Medidur for posterior uveitis; co also reported earnings), BLDP +1.6% (co signed an agreement with CALSTART to deploy a fuel cell hybrid bus in 2015 at the University of California campus in Irvine, together with partners BAE Systems, ElDorado National and the University of California, Irvine)

After Hours Losers:

Companies trading lower in after hours in reaction to earnings: YUME -7.4%, URS -7.2%, IMRS -7%, FOSL -5.1%, AG -4.3%, TTWO -4%, QTWW -2.9%, AMZG -2.1%, CNAT -1.5%, STKL -0.7%, UNTK -0.7%, XXIA -0.2%

Companies trading lower in after hours in reaction to news: HYGS -18.8% (commenced public offering of common shares from treasury and from CommScope of North Carolina, a selling shareholder), SRC -4.0% (announced commencement of concurrent underwritten public offerings of 23 mln shares of common stock and $550 mln aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes), USAC -3.8% (launched public offering of 6.6 mln common units (1 mln by certain selling unitholders) representing limited partner interests in the Partnership), MITL -2.1% (announced $91 mln bought deal secondary offering of common shares), DK -1.9% (announced secondary offering of 9.2 mln shares of common stock by selling stockholders), DRL -1.9% (co filed to delay filing of form 10-Q), BPI -1.6% (co filed to delay filing of form 10-Q), TTGT -1.4% (announced public offering of 5 mln shares of common stock by selling stockholders)

Barron's : The Case for an Extended Bull Market in Stocks

The Case for an Extended Bull Market in Stocks
Several articles and commentaries point to continued easy money around the globe.

While many financial writers are nervous about stock valuations and the length of the current bull market, others see reason to stay committed to this stock market.

One argument that has been gelling lately is the notion that modest economic growth, along with persistently low inflation around the world, will allow central banks from Washington to Asia to keep short-term rates low, which is the gasoline that can keep stocks aloft.

In other words, don't fight just the Yellen-run Federal Reserve but the chorus of accommodative central banks.

"Yesterday we published a two-paragraph bull case from Morgan Stanley [chief economist] Joachim Fels,'' writes Joe Weisenthal, the executive editor of Business Insider. "The argument was basically this: The world's central banks are adopting an easing bias, and that with all this cheap money flowing, there's little reason to be bearish. The argument is especially strong, since there's so little inflation."

Weisenthal says that the evidence for this scenario is building. For example, Germany's Bundesbank will probably "support European Central Bank easing in the near future."

And Reuters reported Tuesday that a regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac laid out new policies that could make it easier for many Americans to obtain mortgages, in part by holding off on any reduction in the size of loans the firms can buy. Easier mortgage money can stimulate a housing industry that many fear will suffer a relapse.

Meanwhile, fund house Pimco came out with a series of market commentaries Tuesday arguing that we're locked in a low-economic growth, low-rate, low-inflation world. But Pimco's chief, Bill Gross, also thinks that these conditions will likely produce muted stock returns, not a roaring bull stock market of any kind.

One has to remember, however, that bond investors butter most of his bread.

The thought of continued low rates will no doubt have many sober-minded investors thinking about dividend stocks, which aren't as reliant on a surging market for returns.

But a piece by David Merkel, a principal at Aleph Investments and the writer of the Aleph Blog, makes some good cautionary points about companies that make attractive cash payouts to shareholders.

One has to consider the enterprise paying the dividends, he writes. "What are the odds that the enterprise might have to scale back or eliminate dividends or distributions?"

Before buying a stock with a rich dividend, Merkel writes, "focus on the health and growth of the enterprises, and not on the dividends (and buybacks). The '70s had many people buying stocks with high yields, dividends often exceeding what earnings could deliver. Some naively say, "Dividends don't lie." Well yes, the money you receive is yours, but is the company as healthy after the dividend? Will they be able to keep it up? Often that is not the case."

I'll close with additional evidence of just how hard it is for Wall Street professionals to pick winner stocks. We all know that most mutual-fund managers don't keep up with their benchmarks, after fees are thrown in. Well sell-side equity analysts are apparently no better, as an article by CNNMoney points out.

CNNMoney's Matt Egan points to research by Bespoke: The 50 stocks in the Standard & Poor's 500 that have the most positive analyst ratings dropped an average of 2.4% in the two months since the Nasdaq peaked on March 5. "During that same span, the 50 stocks saddled with the most negative analyst ratings enjoyed a solid 3.5% gain."

As Egan puts it, "those numbers illustrate how confusing recent market action has been for all investors, even the professionals."

>>> Dahlia Partners acquired by Euro Private Equity

Dahlia Partners acquired by Euro Private Equity

Euro Private Equity announced the acquisition of Dahlia Partners, which has been renamed Euro Private Equity France, and has become one of the major players on the private equity advisory segment in Europe.

Euro Private Equity now manages more than EUR 2bn in assets mainly in the form of dedicated mandates for European institutional and private clients. The team, led by Eric Deram, Benoit de Kerleau and Marc-Antoine Voisard, comprises 14 employees in Paris and Geneva.

Euro Private Equity will continue to capitalize on its experience, knowledge and quality service to focus on a single business line: the customized selection of co-investment and secondary funds and solutions on the small and mid-caps segments.

Natixis Global Asset Management’s backing of Euro Private Equity allows the latter to bolster its control procedures (risk, compliance, legal) and reinforce its structures within a more rigid regulatory context, while accelerating its development capabilities, and maintaining total independence in terms of management and traditional investment products.