How a Debt Exchange Could Ease Europe’s Crisis: Luigi Zingales

The political response to the European crisis so far has been denial and temporary patches. But policy makers are facing more than just a liquidity crunch; they also need to tackle a solvency crisis and possibly a structural one. One of the most pressing issues is addressing the over-leverage of the southern European nations.

Economic theory tells us that in situations of over-leverage there are multiple equilibrium points. If all parties expect a sovereign borrower to be able to pay, the market will refinance that creditor at low rates, ensuring it won’t default. Conversely, if lenders expect a default, it will happen. The we are witnessing is the result of the impossibility of knowing which of these outcomes will prevail.