Debt Ceiling Debates

Wall Street Journal, May 29, 2011

Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.): Medicare Overhaul Must Be Part of Debt Ceiling Deal

2012 Election Candidates

Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2011
Prominent Names Dip Toes in 2012 Race

Greece Ends Week in Tough Spot

Speculations in May 2010 projecting that Greek debt obligations would exceed the aid provided by the IMF-EU bailout fund by 2011 are proving true. This week ends a tough week for Greece as the country has rattled markets again with the possibility of bond defaults.

Greece’s greatest ally in its debt crisis has been the IMF, who led the structuring of the bailout agreement for Greece a year ago. Aid under threat from the IMF is a result of a potential debt restructuring which would ask bondholders to wait for their debt payments. Should Greece postpone those debt repayments, those bonds would become ineligible as collateral at the European Central Bank making its loan commitments insufficient for the IMF aid contribution on June 29.

Greece finds itself in a tough spot as it will be difficult for the country to raise additional capital from already distressed Eurozone countries who are weary to provide further investment. Next week’s review of Greece’s fiscal situation by the IMF, ECB, and participating Eurozone countries will determine the remaining aid program payments for the Eurozone country.

Wall Street Journal, May 27, 2011

Greece Aid Is Under Threat, Europe Finance Chief Says

Euro Falls on Debt Concerns in Greece

Debt concerns in Greece caused the euro to fall against most currencies yesterday. Specifically against the dollar, the euro traded at $1.4084 late Wednesday and is expected to continue hovering around the $1.40 mark.

Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2011

Greece Worries Damp Euro

New Phase in Greek Debt Crisis

Wall Street Journal, May 25, 2011
Europe's Split on Debt Crisis Hardens

Eurozone Debt Market Distress

Eurozone debt market distress carried over into equity markets pushing stocks down on Monday.

Wall Street Journal, May 24, 2011
Europe Sinks Markets

Debt Concerns in Italy and Belgium Cause Further Distress in the Eurozone

Wall Street Journal, May 23, 2011
Debt Fears Roil European Markets