Eurozone Debt Crisis: Why Cyprus Needed the Fifth Bailout
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 09:49 AM EDT
U.S. stocks were rattled Monday as two more countries asked for bailout packages in the ongoing Eurozone debt crisis . Shortly after word came that Spain had formally requested a bailout package for its ailing banks, Cyprus chimed in and also asked for aid. The Mediterranean country has become the fifth Eurozone nation to hold out its hand for an international rescue. While the smallest of the bunch to seek relief, Cyprus highlights the European Union's increasingly stressed resources as it wrestles with weakening economic conditions. The aid request followed Fitch's downgrade Monday of the island's stressed banks to "junk" status. The credit cut means the country has lost it investment status with the trio of the largest and most influential rating agencies. Fitch said in a statement, "Cypriot banks will require substantial injections of capital in order to secure confidence in their financial viability." Cyprus, saddled with Greek private sector debt, could need as much as 10 billion euros ($12 billion) in bailout funds. "Classic contagion, " BBC 's chief economics correspondent Hugh Pym said of Cyprus' troubles. To continue reading, please click here...