Spain and The Runaway Euro Bailout Train

Interest-Rates / Credit Crisis Bailouts Jun 11, 2012 - 05:16 AM GMT

Best Financial Markets Analysis Article Spain finally bowed to the rising interest rates and the billions of euros worth of bad loans at Spain's regional governments to ask for a loan. After emergency talks between Euro Zone finance ministers on Saturday, Spain will get up to $125 billion from the European Union (EU) to bail out out its banking system.

The move came three weeks after Bankia, the nation's fourth largest bank, asked the government for a $24 billion bailout. Spain's economy and financial system are still reeling from the collapse of a massive real estate bubble (house prices have dropped by 25% since 2008) and the subsequent Great Recession. Bank bad loans as a percentage of total lending jumped to 8.4% in March, the highest since August 1994, and a majority of Spain's financial institutions are saddled with debts much greater than their assets.

The $125-billion aid sought by Spain is about 270% of the amount estimated by an IMF study released June 8, but close to the $126 billion projected by a report from Fitch Ratings released on Friday. The aid money will come from two funds - the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

This bailout may give investors and markets some calming effect, but will not resolve the fundamental debt, deficit and economic problems of Spain. Spain has the highest unemployment rate in the EU at 24.3% (its youth unemployment is at a staggering 51.5%), even worse than Greece, whole GDP is set to shrink 1.8% this year, according to IMF estimates.

So the odds are very good that Spain may need more bailout down the road. Spain marks the fourth bailout during this Euro Zone debt crisis saga, after Ireland, Portugal and Greece, and may need more aid money, while Italy is looking good to be the fifth bailout candidate. According to BusinessWeek, the bank bailout could add up to 10 percentage points to Spain's debt ratio, which should peak at about 100% of GDP in 2015. But that's still a lot less than Italy, whose debt is over 120% of GDP. Although Italy runs a lower deficit to GDP ratio than Spain, Italy is also facing soaring borrowing costs, and relying on ECB for funds (See 2 Charts Below).

Even with the Spain bailout, there are still many moving parts in this euro debt crisis. Greece might choose to exit of the Euro depending the outcome of the election on June 17, which could have catastrophic contagion effect on global markets. And if you take a look at Euro Zone debt to GDP numbers, there's a good chance the sovereign debt crisis probably would not stop at Italy either.

The situation has become critical that European leaders reportedly are working on the issuance of joint euro bonds to rescue euro. That might save the euro, but here's one scary question for all--How long can this bailout train and money printing press keep on running?

Disclosure: No Positions

By EconMatters

http://www.econmatters.com/

The theory of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of relativity (E=mc2) have taught us that matter (yin) and energy (yang) are inter-related and interdependent. This interconnectness of all things is the essense of the concept “yin-yang”, and Einstein’s fundamental equation: matter equals energy. The same theories may be applied to equities and commodity markets.

All things within the markets and macro-economy undergo constant change and transformation, and everything is interconnected. That’s why here at Economic Forecasts & Opinions, we focus on identifying the fundamental theories of cause and effect in the markets to help you achieve a great continuum of portfolio yin-yang equilibrium.

That's why, with a team of analysts, we at EconMatters focus on identifying the fundamental theories of cause and effect in the financial markets that matters to your portfolio.

© 2012 Copyright EconMatters - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

Only logged in users are allowed to post comments. Register/ Log in

The Market Oracle is a FREE Financial Markets Forecasting & Analysis web-site.
(c) 2005-2024 MarketOracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd) - Market Oracle Ltd asserts copyright on all articles authored by our editorial team and all comments posted. Any and all information provided within the web-site, is for general information purposes only and Market Oracle Ltd do not warrant the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of any information provided on this site. nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or any other advice or recommendation by us. and are also not meant to be investment advice or solicitation or recommendation to establish market positions. We do not give investment advice and our comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to enter into a market position either stock, option, futures contract, bonds, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you make any investment or trading decisions. By using this site you agree to this sites Terms of Use. From time to time we promote or endorse certain products / services that we believe are worthy of your time and attention. In return for that endorsement and only in the cases where you purchase directly though us may we be compensated by the producers of those products.