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While Athens burns
13/02/2012 - THE DEBATE

While Athens burns

For the first time, Europe openly contemplates a Greek euro exit while in Athens rage boils over at the bitter pill swallowed by an unelected government.
Jan Randolph, director of Sovereign Risk, IHS Global Insight
16/01/2012 - THE INTERVIEW

Jan Randolph, director of Sovereign Risk, IHS Global Insight

France has successfully sold 8.59 billion euros in short-term bonds, paying a lower rate of interest than at a previous similar auction. This comes despite the loss of its triple-A credit rating last Friday. Jan Randolph gives us his insight into Standard & Poor’s ratings downgrades and the seemingly paradoxical market reaction.
European markets calm despite eurozone downgrade
16/01/2012 - MARKETS

European markets calm despite eurozone downgrade

European markets fell at the start of trading before levelling off Monday morning, the first day of trading since nine eurozone nations – including France and Austria – were downgraded by Standard and Poor's ratings agency late Friday.
Sarkozy promises more reform in wake of France credit ratings drop
15/01/2012 - DEBT CRISIS

Sarkozy promises more reform in wake of France credit ratings drop

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday tried to assuage French upset over the downgrade of its credit rating from the top-notch AAA, and said that more reform is the key to leading France out of the crisis.
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Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Competition
14/01/2012 - TALKING EUROPE

Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Competition

Joaquin Almunia holds one of the most influential portfolios in the Commission. As the EU’s antitrust regulator, he is responsible for guaranteeing fair competition across the EU. The Spanish Commissioner reacts to the downgrade of France’s sovereign debt rating, the possible merger of Deutsche Boerse with NYSE Euronext, and the rise of protectionism.
France to press on with austerity after ratings blow
14/01/2012 - DEBT CRISIS

France to press on with austerity after ratings blow

France will respond to its credit rating downgrade by pushing through budget cuts, PM François Fillon (pictured) said on Saturday. Earlier, Socialist presidential candidate François Hollande blamed the downgrade on President Sarkozy's policies.
(1) comment
Standard and Poor's downgrades French credit rating
16/01/2012 - EUROZONE

Standard and Poor's downgrades French credit rating

Standard and Poor's ratings agency downgraded France's AAA rating by one notch to AA+, French Finance Minister François Baroin confirmed on Friday. Austria also lost its top credit rating while Italy was downgraded two notches to BBB+.
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Markets fall on rumours of S&P eurozone downgrade
13/01/2012 - EUROZONE

Markets fall on rumours of S&P eurozone downgrade

European stocks fell and the euro dropped to a 16-month low against the dollar Friday on rumours that the Standard & Poor's ratings agency is planning to downgrade several eurozone nations, including France.
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Spain doubles target at first 2012 bond auction
12/01/2012 - MARKETS

Spain doubles target at first 2012 bond auction

The first Spanish bond auction of 2012 raised €10 billion on Thursday – double its initial target – and Italian bond yields fell to their lowest level since June, prompting European markets and the euro to consolidate gains.
Mixed results at crucial French bond auction
05/01/2012 - ECONOMY

Mixed results at crucial French bond auction

France successfully raised 7.963 billion euros ($10.23 billion) when it sold debt Thursday, but was forced to pay higher interest amid fears the country could lose its AAA credit rating.
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