Spanish Crisis Threatens Euro Havoc

Published Thu, May 31st, 2012   Wall Street Daily Research

 

While borrowing costs are nearly 0% for two-year bonds in Germany – and in Austria and France they’re at a 13-year low – borrowing costs on Spain’s 10-year bonds are nearly 7%… an all-time high. Fidel Helmer says the perception that Spain is in a freefall is driving the costs up:

“Spain is in a very precarious situation. They have their highest ever level of unemployment. The gross national product (GNP) is falling and if they now have to get hold of money on the markets at higher interest rates, then this will not necessarily promote the productivity.”

In the end, it’s probable that Spain’s ailing banking system will drive the country to seek help from beyond its own borders. This comes inconveniently as Greece approaches newly held elections that will determine the future of its membership in the eurozone. As these crises loom larger, investors are cowering or seeking refuge in other markets, and the euro may see its biggest fall since September.