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Sunday, May 13, 2012

Europe Update: Next Greek Election, Euro-area GDP expected to show recession

by Calculated Risk on 5/13/2012 11:44:00 AM

Greece: It is very unlikely that a coalition government will be formed. This means there will be another election on June 17th. The Europeans have said they will fund Greece through the next election, but it is not clear what will happen next. An exit from the euro is very possible.

From the Financial Times: Greek exit from eurozone ‘possible’

Greece’s exit from the eurozone “would be possible,” even if not in Europe’s interest, and countries should have a democratic right to quit, according to ... Luc Coene, the central bank governor of Belgium, in a Financial Times interview ...

Mr Coene’s remarks – echoing similar comments by other eurozone central bankers – hinted at swirling debate within the ECB’s 23-strong council and suggested the ECB now realises such an outcome has become distinctly possible.
Excerpt with permission
And it is appears data this week will confirm the European recession. From Nomura:
An important state election in Germany and a Eurogroup meeting will take center stage amid heightened political uncertainty and GDP data likely to confirm the euro area is in recession. ... Euro-area Q1 GDP first release (Tuesday & Wednesday): The euro area seems to have entered into a technical recession in Q1, albeit with a shallower contraction than in Q4. We expect GDP growth to come in at -0.2% q-o-q in Q1 from -0.3% previously. By country, we think the core should hold up well, while the rest see a less sharp decline in economic output. In Germany and France, we forecast GDP growth of +0.1% q-o-q (vs Q4‟s -0.2%) and 0% q-o-q (vs Q4‟s +0.2%) respectively. ... In Italy, we think GDP growth is likely to print at -0.5% q-o-q in Q4 (vs -0.7% in Q4).
Yesterday:
Summary for Week Ending May 11th
Schedule for Week of May 13th