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With Contagion Risk Back On The Table, Will PIIGS (Spreads) Fly?

Tyler Durden's picture




The chart below, courtesy of CreditTrader, demonstrates that the sovereign credit spread between BRICs and PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain: the Eurozone's weakest legacy links) continues converging. The market is now fully expecting the next risk flaring event to occur deep within the bowels of Europe. And with the ECB's head stuck firmly up its rear end, and in fact threatening it is preparing to raise rates, the Stardust has started a line on the number of months before the break up of the European Union experiment becomes a fact.




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Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:11 | Link to Comment Anton LaVey
Anton LaVey's picture

Break-up of the European Union? Unlikely.

Leaving the Eurozone? Much more likely (though very difficult).

P*ss*ng on that stupid, worthless piece of sh*t that is the Lisbon Treaty? Absolutely.

Adopting extreme protectionism and telling he rest of the world to take a hike? NOW, you are talking!

Taking a cr*p on Trichet, and wiping your *ss with Barroso's neck tie? Baby, save me seat on the front row!

Just another day in European Union history...

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:15 | Link to Comment Tommy
Tommy's picture

A bankrupt state in the Middle East   CHECK

A bankrupt state in Europe  PENDING

A bankrupt state in USA  PENDING

Are these all certainties, will we be adding plural to each?

 

Go Bull, Go

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:43 | Link to Comment Ivanovich
Ivanovich's picture

Think you need to check off that "Bankrupt state in the USA".  California sure won that one!

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:09 | Link to Comment Tommy
Tommy's picture

Though it may be a forgone conclusion, I go by the "if the ref doesn't call it," it's not a bankruptcy.

 

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:36 | Link to Comment THE DORK OF CORK
THE DORK OF CORK's picture

Believe it or not the Irish are a extremely conservative nation (Ireland has never defaulted on its debt) -  We would be willing to sacrifice our first born on the alter of the bond markets , indeed we have numerous budding King Herod types willing to do their masters bidding.

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:41 | Link to Comment thewhigs
thewhigs's picture

The fact Europe might be raising interest rates at least ostensibly goes to show that unlike the our corrupt govt., the FOMC and "Turbo-Tax" Timmy, they care about the valuation of their currency.......

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:44 | Link to Comment Ivanovich
Ivanovich's picture

Perhaps, but they whine a lot about it's strength.

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:51 | Link to Comment Anton LaVey
Anton LaVey's picture

Because the Germans (and many others) have an export-oriented economy.

Spain, for instance, used to make tons of cheap stuff. Strong € = a lot less exports and a lot more economic pain.

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:00 | Link to Comment nonclaim
nonclaim's picture

Rising rates will make it even stronger (dollar carry trade).

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:51 | Link to Comment m.g. turner
m.g. turner's picture

Italy is so desperate for tax revenues that it is offering a tax amnesty for tax evaders, money launderers and other scoundrels. If one repatriates, there will be no questions asked, no fines and immunity from prosecution for tax evasion, all while maintaining anonymity. Yours, for the low low price of 5% tax on the repatriated sums. 

Non male!

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:08 | Link to Comment just.a.guy
just.a.guy's picture

All wandering maverick cattle are requested to return to their pens and will only be subject to a stick with the prod.

Nevermind the upcoming trip to the abattoir...

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:12 | Link to Comment Tommy
Tommy's picture

Driving through Virginia I heard the state hawking tax amnesty.  Doesn't that leave you wide open for the IRS to get a bite?

 

Virginia may not prosecute, but can't they just forward your info on to the IRS and let them send you to jail?

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 13:58 | Link to Comment jimmyjames
jimmyjames's picture

Wonder about all the loans that German banks have outstanding in those eastern block country's,that are bankrupt?

The CDS risk spread is extreme,compared to the US-

 

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 20:43 | Link to Comment Assetman
Assetman's picture

True... but you should compare those German banks to the poor Austrian banks.  Ouch...

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:11 | Link to Comment m.g. turner
m.g. turner's picture

romania, hungary, turkey, ukraine,  austria, italy....not necessarily in that order...just thinkin'

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:19 | Link to Comment Miles Kendig
Miles Kendig's picture

Please do not forget Greece.

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 14:23 | Link to Comment Miles Kendig
Miles Kendig's picture

I note that the conditions reflected here are attenuated and enhanced by the massive ongoing efforts at reflation.  The sovereign CDS markets at key points continue to reflect a growing expectation within the markets that regional choke points will once again assert themselves.  The trend appears to be focused upon the European non primary financial hubs and intermediate finished goods producers.  I suspect that this trend will continue to emerge in Asia as well over the next weeks and months although the Asian dynamics are different due to its proximity to the Sino-American love fest.

Interesting chart. 

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 16:39 | Link to Comment Anonymous
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