Marcus Bensasson

Euro-Area Inflation at 1.2% Increases Pressure for ECB Rate Cut

bloomberg.com — Euro-area inflation slowed more than economists forecast in April, adding to pressure on the European Central Bank to cut interest rates later this week to spur lending and growth. The annual inflation rate dipped to 1.2 percent, the lowest since February 2010, from 1.7 percent in March, the European Union's statistics office in Luxembourg said today.

Healing banks� health key to Greek crisis progress

english.capital.gr — Greek banks are approaching judgment day after more than a year of delay and doubts about how to restore their health after 2012's sovereign debt restructuring trashed their solvency. According to Bloomberg, the nation's four systemically important lenders are poised to raise 27.5 billion euros ($36 billion) of capital by the end of this month.

Healing banks� health key to Greek crisis progress

english.capital.gr — Greek banks are approaching judgment day after more than a year of delay and doubts about how to restore their health after 2012's sovereign debt restructuring trashed their solvency. According to Bloomberg, the nation's four systemically important lenders are poised to raise 27.5 billion euros ($36 billion) of capital by the end of this month.

Bloomberg View: Straightening Out Cyprus

businessweek.com — The March 25 Cyprus bailout deal is a big improvement over the first botched attempt. It doesn't repeat the error of breaching the guarantee on bank deposits up to €100,000 ($127,830). Instead, it restructures the two biggest banks and forces their creditors, including large depositors, to take huge

Cypriot Bank Controls Curb Capital Flight as EU Urges Quick End

bloomberg.com — Cypriots face a second day of bank controls over their use of the euro as officials in Europe urged the country to move quickly to lift the restrictions, the first time they have been imposed on the common currency.