Archive for debt

Apr
27

Greece Debt Crisis

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Lessons From Greece

Greece, one of the oldest countries on the planet, suffers from one of the oldest problems on the planet: debt. The Greek debt debacle is playing significant havoc on the world’s financial markets. As Carmen M. Reinhart, author of a book on 800 years of world debt crises said on The New York Times Economix blog recently, “Greece casts a long shadow on the European continent because 15 other countries share a common currency with it, the euro.”

What does the euro and Greece’s debt problems have to with the American economy? Far more than we would like, as was indicated by the meltdown in the world financial markets in the first week of May. The “Crash of 2:45″ is what the May 6 market plummet is being called and it was a vivid reminder that the finances of the world are intricately connected.

The week following the market meltdowns, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund are bailing out Greece to the tune of $1 trillion. According to the Associated Press, the huge rescue package was more generous than expected and spurred a rebound in the financial markets. But like America’s bank bailout two years, it has been met with as much skepticism as praise.

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Jan
04

Greece’s Economic Position

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During the past decade, the Greek government borrowed excessively and went on a ridiculous spending spree. Therefore, when the financial downturn hit, Greece was in no way prepared. The outcome of their actions is not very pleasant, considering they are now buried in 300 billion Euros of debt. This does not only affect them, but has a huge impact on many other countries, included United States.

Every country that uses the Euro and trades within the Euro zone will be affected by Greece. Fifteen other countries that use the Euro are immediately hit with Greece’s financial crisis because they offered to lend 30 billion Euros in the next year to help ease Greece out of their debt. As a result, taxes will rise for those countries. If the debt is left untamed, it could spread to other economies that do not have a great history of balancing their debt. These countries are referred to as “PIIGS,” which consist of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain. The possibility of Greece’s downfall along with the rest of the “PIIGS” has struck fear in the open market. Interest rates on government debt have increased making it more expensive to borrow on the open market. This crisis also affects individuals who invested or own shares through pension funds because many major banks invested in the Greek Debt.

The crisis has already taken affect on United States businesses. The debt has caused increased in public protesting. In the early stage of the crisis, the Greek government placed a $250,000 order for body shields that are manufactured by Paulson Manufacturing Corp, a United States business that makes protective gear for riot police and others. Now the Greek government placed a hold on these orders and is waiting to see if anything is resolved. This is only a glimpse of what Greece’s debt can cause to United States. Many American businesses are worried because the Euro just recently touched a one-year low against the dollar. This has a great impact on all businesses because United States exports are now more expensive in Europe. If this continues it can weaken all overseas sales or even make a big impact on revenues for American companies.

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