Euro-Tarp

 

 

by Larry Levin

Because the 6th or 7th Greek bailout was about to unravel yet again, the Euro-snobs got together for a power meeting.  In this meeting they decided on not only a Greek bailout but what sounds like a full fledged Euro-TARP and their very own Plunge Protection Team (PPT).
 
Partial draft statement.

Since the beginning of the sovereign debt crisis in the euro area, important measures to stabilize the euro area, reform the rules and develop new stabilization tools have been taken. The recovery in the euro area is well on track and the euro is based on sound economic fundamentals. But the challenges at hand have shown the need for more far reaching measures. We reaffirm our commitment to the euro and to do whatever is needed to ensure the financial stability of the euro area as a whole. We also reaffirm our determination to reinforce convergence, competitiveness and governance of the euro area.

Today, we agreed on the following measures:

Greece

1.    We welcome the measures undertaken by the Greek government to stabilize public finances and reform the economy as well as the new package of measures recently adopted by the Greek Parliament. These are unprecedented, but necessary efforts to bring the Greek economy back on a sustainable growth path.

2.    We agree to support a new program for Greece and to provide an additional amount of up to [xx] euros. This program will be designed, notably through lower interest rates and extended maturities, to decisively improve the debt sustainability and refinancing profile of Greece. We call on the IMF to contribute to the financing of the new Greek program in line with current practices.

3.    We have decided to lengthen the maturity of the EFSF loans to Greece to the maximum extent possible from the current 7.5 years to a minimum of 15 years. In this context, we will ensure adequate post program monitoring. We will provide EFSF loans at lending rates equivalent to those of the Balance of Payment facility (currently approx. 3.5 percent) without going below the EFSF funding cost. This will be accompanied by a mechanism which ensures appropriate incentives to implement the program, including through collateral arrangements where appropriate.

4.    We call for a comprehensive strategy for growth and investment in Greece. Structural funds should be re-allocated for competitiveness and growth under a European "Marshall Plan". Member States and the Commission will mobilize all resources necessary in order to provide exceptional technical assistance to help Greece implement its reforms.

5.    Greece is in a uniquely grave situation in the Euro area. This is the reason why it requires an exceptional solution. The financial sector has indicated its willingness to support Greece on a voluntary basis through a menu of options (bond exchange, roll-over, and buyback) at lending conditions comparable to public support with credit enhancement.

6.    All other Euro countries solemnly reaffirm their inflexible determination to honor fully their own individual sovereign signature and all their commitments to sustainable fiscal conditions and structural reforms. The Euro area Heads of Statesor Government fully support this determination as the credibility of all their sovereign signatures is a decisive element for ensuring financial stability in the Euro area as a whole.

Stabilization tools:

7.    To improve the effectiveness of the EFSF and address contagion, we agree to increase the flexibility of the EFSF, allowing it to:

    - intervene on the basis of a precautionary program, with adequate conditionality;

    - finance recapitalization of financial institutions through loans to governments including in non program countries;

    -  intervene in the secondary markets on the basis of an ECB analysis recognizing the existence of exceptional circumstances and a unanimous decision of the EFSF Member States.

Fiscal consolidation and growth in the euro area:

8.    We welcome the progress made on the implementation of the programs in Ireland and Portugal and reiterate our strong commitment to the success of these programs. The EFSF lending conditions we agreed upon for Greece will be applied also for Portugal and Ireland. In this context, we note Ireland’s willingness to participate constructively in the discussions on the Consolidated Common Tax Base draft directive (CCTB) and in the structured discussions on tax policy issues in the framework of the Euro+ pact framework.

9.    All euro area Member States will adhere strictly to the agreed fiscal targets, improve competitiveness and address macro-economic imbalances. Deficits in all countries except those under a program will be brought below 3 percent by 2013 at the latest. In this context, we welcome the budgetary package recently presented by the Italian government which will enable it to bring the deficit below 3 percent in 2012 and to achieve balance budget in 2014. We also welcome the ambitious reforms undertaken by Spain in the fiscal, financial and structural area. As a follow up to the results of bank stress tests, Member States will provide backstops to banks as appropriate.

10.    We will implement the recommendations adopted in June for reforms that will enhance our growth. We invite the Commission to enhance the synergies between loan programs and EU funds in all countries under EU/IMF assistance. We support all efforts to improve their capacity to absorb EU funds in order to stimulate growth andemployment.
 
In case you missed it, the PPT section was #7 above...

 
To improve the effectiveness of the EFSF and address contagion, we agree to increase the flexibility of the EFSF, allowing it to:
    - intervene on the basis of a precautionary program, with adequate conditionality;
    - finance recapitalization of financial institutions (read: banksters) through loans to governments including in non program countries;
    -  intervene in the secondary markets on the basis of an ECB analysis recognizing the existence of exceptional circumstances and a unanimous decision of the EFSF Member States.

What’s next, a European QE program?  Umm, yeah I’m sure it’s on the way.
 

 

 

Trade Date: 7/21/11

E-Mini S&P Trades*

(before fees and commissions):

1. Pivot sell @ 8:56am at 1333.75 = +1.00 & b/e (2 lots)

2. FT buy @ 8:56am at 1339.25 = -0.50 & b/e (2 lots)

3. Algorithm positions (2)

4. "Reading the Tape" positions (6) ...combined Secret's, Algo, & "Reading the Tape" total...-0.50

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