Europe Economics Focus What are the lessons of historical devaluations for Greece? The experience of economies which have undergone major currency depreciations in the past suggests that a return to the drachma would kick start a Greek economic recovery. Provided that Greece adopted... 25th September 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Will the ECB provide a "third bail-out" for Greece? The ECB’s willingness to make “unlimited” government bond purchases in order to calm the situation in Spain could potentially have large positive repercussions for Greece too. But on balance, we doubt... 10th September 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Pressure on Greece continues to grow The Greek Government’s inability to agree on how to cut public spending highlights the ongoing fragility of the situation there. And with euro-zone policymakers still unwilling to concede any ground... 8th August 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Is Greece about to move back into the spotlight? The formation of a ‘pro bail-out’ government may have recently shifted the markets’ spotlight away from Greece. But the Troika’s visit to Athens, which begins tomorrow, looks set to prompt renewed... 23rd July 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Could Greece finance itself after a euro-zone exit? We have long argued that it may be in the best interests of Greece to leave the euro-zone. And while some commentators have suggested that Greece would benefit from waiting until it can fully cover... 3rd July 2012 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Emerging European dollar bonds likely to lose their shine Despite the escalation of the crisis in the euro-zone, which has taken a heavy toll on bonds issued by troubled governments within the region, the dollar-denominated sovereign debt of emerging market... 27th June 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (Jun.) The latest fiscal data provide further support to the view that recessions in the southern euro-zone economies are causing the governments there to fall behind their fiscal targets. 27th June 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Bail-out talks are the next key hurdle for Greece The formation of a coalition Government headed by New Democracy has reduced the chances of Greece exiting the euro-zone imminently. But the political situation remains precarious and the Government’s... 25th June 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Greek election results do not eliminate exit risks New Democracy’s narrow victory in Sunday’s general election will ease concerns of an imminent and disorderly Greek exit from the euro-zone. But it remains unlikely that euro-zone policymakers will... 18th June 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Banking union is only part of the answer Talk of an EU banking union provides some hope that policymakers are starting to address one of the potential triggers for a euro-zone break-up. But the prospect of a full-blown banking union seems as... 12th June 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Monetary Indicators Monitor (Apr.) The latest monetary data confirm that the ECB’s generous liquidity measures are not prompting banks to lend more to the rest of the economy. 30th May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone EC Survey (May) May’s EC business and consumer survey underlined the enormity of the task facing euro-zone policymakers if they are going to convert the growing “consensus” on the need for stronger growth across the... 30th May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Euro-zone Fiscal Monitor (May) Recent fiscal data suggest that Greece and Spain will struggle to meet their existing budget deficit forecasts for 2012 without implementing further austerity measures. But for now at least, the... 29th May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Problems mount for the next Greek Government Markets have reacted positively to some signs of growing support for the pro-bail-out parties amongst Greek voters. But the formation of a government headed by New Democracy is unlikely to end deposit... 28th May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Can Greece survive outside the euro-zone? Many commentators argue that even though Greece might benefit from leaving the euro-zone in the long run, an immediate exit would result in the Government running out of money with potentially... 24th May 2012 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update What more can the ECB do to help? The renewed escalation of the euro-zone crisis has prompted calls for the European Central Bank to take more action. But whilst the ECB has scope to provide more support without taking unacceptable... 23rd May 2012 · 1 min read