Societe Generale fell 1.92 euros, or 4.6 percent, to 40.08 euros by 9:55 a.m., bringing the decline this year to 18 percent. The Paris-based bank cut its dividend to 25 cents a share for 2009 from 1.2 euros a year earlier, it said an e- mailed statement today.
“They continue to disappoint with negative charges each quarter,” said Jonathan Tyce, a London-based analyst at FBR Capital Markets International Ltd. who has an “outperform” rating on the stock. “Other top investment banks are talking about a good start - - - - >

The eurozones largest banking group said it earned a net profit of euro1.37 billion ($1.87 billion) having lost an identical amount a year earlier. Profits increased 4.6 percent from the third quarter.
Shares rose 2.2 percent to euro50.30 in Paris morning trade.
In a statement, CEO Baudouin Prot pleaded in favor of BNP Paribas business model, which combines retail banking with investment banking.
The mix, he said, is “an essential component of the service offering necessary to meet customers needs.”
In the United States, President Barack Obama is looking to restore some of the separation of commercial banks from investment banks to lessen risk, - - - - >

The company is “cautiously participating” in the stock market, Cheung said in a May 16 interview in Shanghai. The insurer sees a lot of opportunities for property investment in smaller Chinese cities such as Hangzhou that neighbors Shanghai, and southwestern Sichuans Chengdu, he added.
Ping Ans first-quarter profit fell 72 percent as lower bond yields, following five interest rates cuts since September, and higher expenses tempered investment returns. The Shenzhen- based company reported its first decline in annual profit last year after writing off 22.8 billion yuan - - - - >