Markets Are Off To A Dynamite Start In 2012

[ via Business Insider ] 2 Jan

US markets start the year Tuesday, but Europe wasn't bothered by the fact that New Year's Day fell on a Sunday, thus depriving the people of a proper day off.

The big gainer? Germany's DAX index, which gained over 3%. A strong German manufacturing number helped out.

On the debt side of things, the Italian 10-year moved below 7% again, which is nice.

Short-term rates continue to fall in Europe as well.

Read more: Business Insider

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RightMinds's predictions for 2012

[ via Mail Online ] 

As we enter in year 2012, there have been many speculations made for this year earlier in the last days of 2011. Here is an interesting 'forecast' of how many see 2012 in the political plain of Europe.

Herein under are just some excerpts:

"In political terms, 2012 is all about women. David Cameron is desperate to win back the affections of 'let down ladies' who, as guardians of family budgets, part-time workers and far more likely to be working in the public sector, are feeling the brunt of austerity measures," predicts JAMES CHAPMAN, Daily Mail Political Editor

DOMINIQUE JACKSON talking of Social Media says:"Social Media, or the open web as I prefer to call it, will become more and more prevalent and increasingly important – whether in news breaking, news gathering, riot-organising or in new, communal forms of entertainment."

DONAL BLANEY, Young Britons Foundation on EU predicts:"The New Year will finally see the economic slaughter by the markets of the EU states known by the charming acronym of PIGS. Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain (and maybe Ireland) will cease to remain members of the Eurozone as Germany's Chancellor fails to do what needs to be done."

Read Mail Online fro more interesting predictions and even more details on above. 

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Europe leaders warn of difficult 2012

[ via BBC Europe ] 1 Jan 2012

European leaders have warned of a difficult year ahead, as many economists predict recession in 2012.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was experiencing its "most severe test in decades" but that Europe was growing closer in the debt crisis.

France's President Sarkozy said the crisis was not finished, while Italy's president called for more sacrifices.

The leaders' new year messages came as leading economists polled by the BBC said they expected a return to recession in Europe in the first half of 2012.

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