Commentaries

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: August 16, 2011 |

From Anesthetization to Repression: On Market Balkanization, Part III

It seems that we are on a ship, that has lost its anchor, left the port for a journey in uncharted waters, and we suddenly discovered that the gorilla we […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: August 8, 2011 |

On the Balkanization of the Markets: Part II

Last Friday’s evening downgrade by the S&P was ill-timed and ill-advised. We wrote a week ago that we would not be surprised if it took place. We will reiterate our […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: August 1, 2011 |

The Balkanization of the Debt Markets: Devolution in Uncharted Waters

As we are drafting this commentary, the news is that a deal for the US debt limit is very close to be completed, that will involve the raising of the […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: July 21, 2011 |

Anchoring Optimism in an Era of Anxiety: Reflections on Debt & Financial Stability

As an opening statement allow us to paraphrase David Liss’ claim in his novel A Conspiracy of Paper, where he claims that finance is an animal, and the government needs […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: July 11, 2011 |

An Italian Twist in the Eurozone Crisis: Ave Europa Nostra Vera Patria

The old anthem of imperial Europe cried out, “Hail, Europe, our true Fatherland”, and Italy nowadays enters its own phase of the Eurozone crisis. Italian bonds’ spreads over Germany’s Bunds […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: July 5, 2011 |

On Risks, Currencies, and Asset Classes: Mispricing, Imbalances, and Credit Extensions

As of yesterday (July 4th), it seems that the European debt crisis is entering into a new phase, with the expected new downgrades of Greek paper by the major rating […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: June 17, 2011 |

Market Turmoil: Signs of Tremors and Nuggets of Gold

The storm we have been writing about in the last three weeks seems to be gaining speed. The Greek debt crisis can open Pandora’s box and unleash sovereign debt, banking, […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: June 12, 2011 |

On Glorious Co-determination: Potential Scenarios in the Midst of Debt Concerns

The war of words was in high gear this past week. German officials demanded participation of the private sector in a new Greek bailout package that is estimated to be […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: June 3, 2011 |

Assessing the Risks of an Economic & Financial Storm: Implications for Portfolio Holdings

Last Wednesday the employment and production news had significant negative effects for equities. Major indexes dropped by close to 2.3%, the worst drop this year. Private sector payrolls increased insignificantly, […]

By: John E. Charalambakis | On: May 29, 2011 |

The Chain Reaction of a Feared Credit Event: The Roots, the Symptoms of Global Contagion, and a Possible Solution

In the last several days, the markets’ focus has been back on the Euro-zone crisis. In a nutshell this is the chain reaction that the markets are afraid of: Greece […]