Greece’s troubles enter a new and uncharted phase this morning, as Greek negotiators abandoned talks this weekend with creditors and, instead, called for a July 5 referendum where the Greek people will vote on whether they agree with the latest proposal by creditors (which actually no longer exists). Greece’s creditors rejected Greece’s request for an extension of the current loan program, which means that the Greek government will not have access to a remaining 16 billion Euros of additional funding. Consequently, the Greek government will most likely miss a €1.5 billion Euro payment due to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)…
Macro View A meeting between Euro-area finance ministers, central bankers, and European Commission officials ended abruptly Monday, as a Greek government official said the Euro area’s recommendation to extend bailout conditions was unacceptable. Greece’s current aid package expires February 28, thus necessitating a new round of negotiations between Greece and its creditors. The newly-elected Greek government is seeking a new deal with easier terms. The cost of Greek debt and the cost for bondholders to insure against a Greek default has risen dramatically in recent months, suggesting real concern about the potential for some form of default. Monday’s failed negotiation…