Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

Obsidian

What Happens if Greece Defaults?

Recommended Posts

Greece is an easy target right now, and I understand the impetus to treat it as a punching bag. But the indignation and self-righteousness seems a little disingenuous. I mean, the US is the biggest debtor nation at this point, and it's not as if Americans don't look for ways to get out of paying their taxes, while also approving the funding of expensive wars, expecting the infrastructure to be in tip-top shape, demanding the continuation of the social services they've grown accustomed to, etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With practice, the Greek's are becoming more efficient, with their elections anyway. The May 6th elections cost €50m and the new one is scheduled to cost only €35. The savings comes as the interior minister will now accept voting results by fax, rather than the more expensive telegrams. This may be the only good news coming from Greece.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So, what are the world’s biggest debtor nations? See below to find out.

 

20. United States - 101.1%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 101.1%

Gross external debt: $14.825 trillion

2009 GDP (est): $14.66 trillion

External debt per capita: $48,258

 

19. Hungary - 120.1%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 120.1%

 

Gross external debt: $225.24 billion

 

2009 GDP (est): $187.6 billion

 

External debt per capita: $22,739

 

18. Australia – 138.9%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 138.9%

 

Gross external debt: $1.23 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $882.4 billion

 

External debt per capita: $57,641

 

17. Italy – 146.6%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 146.6%

 

Gross external debt: $2.602 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $1.77 trillion

 

External debt per capita: $44,760

 

16. Spain – 179.4%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 179.4%

 

Gross external debt: $2.46 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $1.37 trillion

 

External debt per capita: $60,614

 

15. Greece – 182.2%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 182.2%

 

Gross external debt: $579.7 billion

2010 GDP (est): $318.1 billion

 

External debt per capita: $53,984

 

14. Germany – 185.1%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 185.1%

 

Gross external debt: $5.44 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $2.94 trillion

 

External debt per capita: $51,572

 

13. Portugal - 223.6%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 223.6%

 

Gross external debt: $552.23 billion

2010 GDP (est): $247 billion

 

External debt per capita: $51,572

 

12. France – 250%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 250%

 

Gross external debt: $5.37 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $2.15 trillion

 

External debt per capita: $83,781

 

11. Hong Kong – 250.4%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 250.4%

 

Gross external debt: $815.65 billion

2010 GDP (est): $325.8 billion

 

External debt per capita: $115,612

 

10. Norway – 251%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 251%

 

Gross external debt: $640.7 billion

2010 GDP (est): $255.3 billion

 

External debt per capita: $137,476

 

9. Austria – 261.1%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 261.1%

 

Gross external debt: $867.14 billion

2010 GDP (est): $332 billion

 

External debt per capita: $105,616

 

8. Finland – 271.5%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 271.5%

 

Gross external debt: $505.06 billion

2010 GDP (est): $186 billion

 

External debt per capita: $96,197

 

7. Sweden – 282.2%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 282.2%

 

Gross external debt: $1.001 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $354.7 billion

 

External debt per capita: $110,479

 

6. Denmark – 310.4%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 310.4%

 

Gross external debt: $626.1 billion

2010 GDP (est): $201.7 billion

External debt per capita: $113,826

 

5. Belgium – 335.9%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 335.9%

 

Gross external debt: $1.324 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $394.3 billion

External debt per capita: $127,197

 

4. Netherlands – 376.3%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 376.3%

Gross external debt: $2.55 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $676.9 billion

External debt per capita: $152,380

 

3. Switzerland – 401.9%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 401.9%

 

Gross external debt: $1.304 trillion

 

2010 GDP (est): $324.5 billion

External debt per capita: $171,528

 

2. United Kingdom – 413.3%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 413.3%

 

Gross external debt: $8.981 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $2.173 trillion

External debt per capita: $146,953

 

1. Ireland – 1,382%

 

External debt (as % of GDP): 1,382%

Gross external debt: $2.38 trillion

2010 GDP (est): $172.3 billion

External debt per capita: $566,756

 

The World’s Biggest Debtor Nations was provided by CNBC.com

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, if it all goes pear shaped, they can sit on the beach, sunning themselves, drinking Uzo

And eating olives.

 

Oh, isn't that what they do now? No change for them then.. Lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Read an oped today, forgot to copy link, that made the point Germany should leave the Euro - not Greece.

 

They are the one's with the strong economy and benefiting from the weaker common currency with most of the other economies in deep trouble. If they left the currency would weaken further allowing those countries to have a competitive advantage to possible grow their exports.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If Germany leaves, would euro still exist?

Guess they don't want to abandon their dream.

 

And for the elections on Sunday: I don't think it will be a big surprise...whoever wins, they will not exit the eurozone...politicians lie without hesitation to get elected...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The second Greek election, coming Sunday the 17th of June, has been portrayed as a referendum on the Greek membership in the euro. The election results will remain unknown until after the polls close on Sunday, and even polls of the anticipated results are now illegal. The parties who were signatories to the bail out memorandum, the New Democracy, and the Pasok Parties have been under attack from the Syriza Party. Alexis Tsipras, leader of the Syriza's, though he slams the bail out, now vows to stay in the euro.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In or out of the EZ, Greece is a problem. In the EZ, Greece is a non productive EZ member that is going to have to be carried. Sort of like our Mississippi. Out of the EZ, They are unproductive and will have to print their way out of trouble. Borrowing costs will be high.

 

Banks either way are going to have to be supported since a default or restructuring is going to erase capital.

 

Govt borrowing, in the long run, devalues a currency. In the short run, a govt promising to borrow its way out of a problem is cause for a party.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On Seeking Alpha yesterday:

 

"10:00 AM The next time some pezzonovante talks about cutting off aid to Greece, find him and give him a smack. Of the €410B in "aid" to Greece over the past 2 years, JPMorgan estimates only about €15B has gone into the economy, the rest doing a 180 and going to creditors. German and French banks were the main beneficiaries of the first bailouts, now it's the ECB and the IMF."

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With 99.83% of votes counted, here are the results so far:

 

New Democracy: 29.66% (129 seats)

Syriza: 26.89% (71)

Pasok: 12.28% (33)

Anel: 7.51% (20)

Communists: 4.5% (12)

Golden Dawn: 6.92% (18)

Others: 12.24%

 

Total seats: 300 (the biggest party gets 50 seats bonus)

That means New Democracy and Pasok can form a coalition

 

what if they can not? :rofl:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • META stock watch, local support and resistance areas at 507.48, 557.84 at https://stockconsultant.com/?META
    • TMUS T-Mobile stock, watch for a top of range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?TMUS
    • KULR KULR Technology stock watch, pullback to 1.25 triple support area with bullish indicators at https://stockconsultant.com/?KULR
    • PM Philip Morris stock, nice bull flag breakout with volume +91% at https://stockconsultant.com/?PM
    • Date: 4th April 2025.   USDJPY Falls to 25-Week Low as Safe Havens Surge and Markets Eye NFP Data.   Safe haven currencies and the traditional alternative to the US Dollar continue to increase in value while the Dollar declines. Investors traditionally opt to invest in the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc at times of uncertainty and when they wish to avoid the Dollar. The Japanese Yen continues to be the best-performing currency of the week and of the day. Will this continue to be the case after today’s US employment figures?   USDJPY - NFP Data And Trade Negotiations The USDJPY is currently trading at a 25-week low and is witnessing one of its strongest declines this week. The exchange rate is no longer obtaining indications from the RSI that the price is oversold. The current bullish swing is obtaining indications of divergence as the price fails to form a higher high. Therefore, short-term momentum is in favour of the US Dollar, but there are still signs the Japanese Yen can regain momentum quickly.       USDJPY 1-Hour Chart     The price movement of the exchange rate in both the short and long term will depend on 3 factors. Today’s US employment data, next week’s inflation rate and most importantly the progress of negotiations between the US and trade partners. If today’s Unemployment Rate increases above 4.1%, the reading will be the highest seen so far in 2025. Currently, the market expects the Unemployment Rate to remain at 4.1% and the Non-Farm Payroll Change to add 137,000 jobs. The average NFP reading this year so far has been 194,000.   If data does not meet expectations, US investors may continue to increase exposure away from the Dollar and to other safe-haven assets. Previously investors were expecting only 2 rate cuts this year from the Federal Reserve, however, most investors now expect up to 4. If today’s employment data deteriorates, economists advise the Federal Reserve may opt to cut interest rates sooner.   Therefore, it is important to note that today’s NFP will influence the USDJPY to a large extent. Whereas in the longer-term, trade negotiations will steal the spotlight. If trade partners are able to negotiate the US Dollar can correct back upwards. Whereas, if other countries retaliate and do not negotiate the US Dollar will remain weak.   USDJPY - The Yen and the Bank of Japan The Japanese Yen is the best-performing currency in 2025 increasing by 6.70% so far. Risk indicators such as the VIX and High-Low Indexes continue to worsen which is positive for the JPY as a safe haven currency.   Yesterday Japan released March business activity data that came in weaker than expected: the Services PMI dropped from 53.7 to 50.0, while the Composite PMI fell from 52.0 to 48.9. The data is the lowest in two years. These figures could hinder further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. However, most economists still expect the Bank Of Japan to hike at least once more. It's also important to note, that even if the BOJ opts for a prolonged pause, a cut is not likely.   Additionally, a 24% tariff was imposed on Japanese exports to the US yesterday. Prime Minister Mr Ishiba expressed disappointment over Japan's failure to secure a tariff exemption and pledged support measures to help domestic industries manage the impact.   Key Takeaway Points: US Dollar Weakens, Safe Havens Rise: The Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc continue to gain as investors shift away from the US Dollar. USDJPY Under Pressure: USDJPY trades at a 25-week low, with short-term momentum favouring the Dollar but long-term trends pointing to potential Yen strength. NFP and Unemployment Crucial: Today’s Non-Farm Payrolls and unemployment figures will heavily influence short-term USDJPY. On the other hand, trade negotiations will dictate longer-term trends. Japan Faces Mixed Signals: Despite weak PMI data and new US tariffs, the Japanese Yen remains strong. Economists expect at least one more rate hike from the Bank of Japan, but no cuts are in sight. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.