Talk of stress testing might lift the fog on the regions’ banks resilience, as well as possible shocks for property markets and the potential recession. A key area that has been highlighted is shipping loans. Reports show exposure to this market has been reduced by over 10% in the last year. This is definitely an area that is teeming with capacity and further loans may have to be written down.
As Draghi has discussed, the ECB is ready to act should conditions deteriorate and the stress-testing results will enable the opportunity for the central bank to recalculate recapitalisations requirements.
On a more bullish note, Eurozone Industrial Production should provide support however this would do well to break through 1.3700 with the uncertainty.
Trading has been subdued and range bound within EUR/USD for the last week with volumes tapering off. This is showing a bit of indecision with the weight of CPI numbers in the US and Eurozone combined with the ECB Monthly Report and Bernanke taking the stage.
Supports are found at 1.3580 and 1.3500 with resistances at 1.3650 and 1.3700.EUR/USD Hour Chart" title="EUR/USD Hour Chart" width="865" height="613">