Chart Of The Day: Euro Headed For A Steep Correction?

 | May 29, 2018 10:02

The theme that dominates financial markets today is the Italian political crisis that erupted on Sunday after President Sergio Mattarella refused to approve Paolo Savona, a euroskeptic economist as the country's finance minister. This development deepens the political divide in Italy—between supporters of the eurozone and populists. It also means that Italy, Europe's third largest economy, still doesn't have a confirmed ruling coalition, a situation that's existed since the country's March 4th election which resulted in a hung parliament.

The current impasse, which could necessitate new elections, has also weighed heavily on the euro, as any change in political positioning within Italy could call into question that country's participation in the eurozone if populist politicians gain additional traction. FX traders are justified in their concern; many remember the 3:1 'No' vote in December 2016 when then-President Renzi wished to reform the country's complicated government structure because he was an EU supporter.

Will Europe now once again go through the same uncertainty it did when the UK voted to disconnect from the European Union? Although there is no such vote on the docket, and markets have been quick to dismiss geopolitical risk of late, Europe has undoubtedly been going through a transformation, as far right parties have been mushrooming across the continent, becoming more visible for the first time since WWII.