Euro Slips as Lack of Details on Greek Bailout Disappoints Market

Investor expectations were dashed when the European Union failed to provide concrete details of their rescue package for the heavily debt burdened nation of Greece. 

As a result, the Euro lost ground in Asian trading, trading down .2% to $1.3665 from yesterday’s late New York pricing; yesterday the Euro traded at $1.3595 on the EBS platform, hovering near the more than 8-month trough struck last week.  Since the beginning of this year, the Euro has lost nearly 4% versus the U.S. Dollar.  Versus the Japanese Yen, the Euro slipped .3% to trade at 122.55 Yen.

Market players will likely turn their attention to the meeting next week of European Union finance ministers who will continue the discussion on the Greek debt problem.  Some analysts suggest that it is too soon to expect the E.U. to be forthcoming with details, as they have little experience with the complexity of the issue and so will likely be carefully considering all possible options.  

Today, the markets will await economic news from the Euro-zone, with expected 4th quarter GDP data coming from France, Germany and Italy.  Traders are hoping that the data will be strong, as soft readings will further impact the Euro negatively.