ECONOMETER

A deal between Cyprus and the Troika has been reached “in principle”, an outcome that will be met with relief across markets, with the EUR and risk assets rallying. Most details have yet to emerge but it appears that only depositors above EUR 100k will be hit by a levy while the country’s second largest bank will be closed. However, the levy is likely to be fairly hefty.

The bailout deal will mean that the risks of Cyprus defaulting and leaving the Eurozone will have significantly diminished. Nonetheless, the deal will still involve a huge amount of work on Cyprus’ part to find the USD 5.8 billion needed to supplement the EUR 10 billion bailout and subsequently a lot of economic pain involved. The current risk rally is likely to fade quickly as markets begin to focus on the task at hand.

Elsewhere Italy begins the formal process of forming a government this week but the prospects of a quick resolution to the political impasse in the country looks very limited, with fresh elections still a very possible outcome. Reflecting the uncertainty both around Cyprus and Italy, economic sentiment gauges in Europe will likely decline in March.

Meanwhile in the US data releases will look more impressive, with Durable goods orders set to record an impressive gain in February and Q4 GDP likely to be revised sharply higher. Although consumer confidence and new home sales will slip, this will take place from healthy levels.

EUR/USD broke through 1.3000 following the Cyprus deal but will run into resistance around 1.3135 and we expect gains to fade in the short term as markets look past the headlines. Downside risks to EUR will remain in place due to relatively unfavourable data releases and ongoing political uncertainty in Italy.