Report
Patrick Artus

Understanding economic policy issues in the euro zone

When a currency area is formed, each country loses the possibility of using a national monetary or exchange-rate policy. These two policies are normally replaced by: A more pro-active national fiscal policy; Internal devaluations (reduction in labour costs) to restore competitiveness. The problem in the euro zone is that: Internal devaluations are increasingly rejected because they are too costly (in terms of demand and jobs ); Fiscal policies then bear the full burden of the required economic policy adjustment, but there is a risk of crowding-out (rising long-term interest rates) and a debt crisis. This means that in the end, since highly active fiscal policies must nevertheless be allowed: Either fiscal solidarity appears between the member countries (euro-zone budget ); Or the ECB is doomed to permanent monetisation of fiscal deficits, i.e. fiscal dominance .
Provider
Natixis
Natixis

Based across the world’s leading financial centers, Natixis CIB Research offers an integrated view of the markets. The team provides support to inform Natixis clients’ investment and hedging decisions across all asset classes.

 

Analysts
Patrick Artus

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Benito Berber
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