The Downward Spiral of the Eurozone

Townhall.com ^ | February 3, 2015 | Mike Shedlock

[Kaslin]

In 2014 there were six eurozone countries whose debt-to-GDP ratio went over the 100% threshold. Two additional countries will pass that barrier in 2015.

The Maastricht Treaty on which the euro was founded was designed to keep "sound fiscal policies", with debt limited to 60% of GDP (not 100%), and annual deficits no greater than 3% of GDP."

Every country in the eurozone, including Germany, has been in violation of those rules. Let's take a look at the biggest violators as reported by El Economista. Data is from second quarter of 2014 (undoubtedly worse now).

100% Debt-to-GDP List

1. Italy 133%
2. Portugal 129.4%
3. Ireland 116.7%
4. Cyprus 112.2%
5. Belgium 105.1%
6. Greece 174.9%
7. Spain 100.3% (2015 estimate)
8. France 100% (2015 estimate)

In regards to France, Laurent Bigorgne, director of the Institut Montaigne, predict that French liabilities will not stabilize, but will continue to progress."

That certainly seems like a very safe prediction.

Wild Blue Yonder

And as debts soar off into the wild blue yonder, the need to keep interest rates at 0% to perpetually mask the problem increases.

I offer this musical tribute to celebrate the Keynesian policies that perpetuate wild blue yonder government spending and absurd central bank policies.
Wild Blue Yonder (AF song)

[T Ruth]