A Bleak Future Is In Store For Europe

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Only time will tell if the Eurozone will overcome this debt crisis. However, Europe faces a near certain reality of economic stagnation. With the amount of austerity that has been put in place, prospects for growth are dire indeed.

Not only is the economy likely to contract this as suggested by the IMF and others, but forward progress in the years following will be very slow as suggested in a recent interview with hedge fund manager George Soros.

In what he calls an impending “lost decade” for the EU, the recent austerity measures by PIIGS members especially, will put a damper on economic growth and likely keep unemployment high while creating deflationary pressures. In a deflationary environment, the real value of debt increases, creating a vicious cycle where the public and private sectors have additional hurdles to pay off debt.

Given Europe’s declining financial condition, it’s critical to understand the potential ramifications this can have for global markets and your portfolio on a short-term and long-term basis.

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Comments 1

  1. Even though this post included “Europe” as the central theme. I can’t help but think that the basic tenets apply to the US as well. Maybe not this month, but someday soon.

    Given the duration and depth of ZIRP, we are virtually guaranteed a “lost decade” of our own. I guess I could be wrong of course.

    Still, when I think of what it would take to return us to our former GDP trajectory I start to think of 1800 sq. ft. 3/2 split-plan houses selling for roughly half-a-million dollars. Most of us could not fathom that. And without it we’re not returning to that former trajectory. Sigh.

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