Market segmentation in euro area makes the goal of integration elusive

By Walter Kurtz, Sober Look

Some economists continue to argue that the sharp declines in money supply measures in some Eurozone periphery countries (see posts here and here) is meaningless because the measures need to be made vis-à-vis the remaining Eurozone private sector. The argument goes that it’s the equivalent of measuring money supply for one of the states in the US. But evidence is accumulating that this way of thinking about the Eurozone periphery is utter nonsense. Periphery nations are becoming increasingly financially isolated, not just from the Eurozone core but from each other. In particular cross-border financial transactions among banks are dwindling.

The latest ECB data is showing for example that cross-border overnight money market transactions are rapidly declining (both secured and unsecured). That is Spanish banks transact with each other but not with Italian or German banks. Fragmentation is on the rise.

The fragmentation is showing up in banks’ mistrust of other Eurozone nations, severely limiting credit to non-domestic institutions.

ECB: The growing significance of perceived country risk in the money market is also illustrated by the findings of an informal survey conducted among the major euro area banks represented in the ECB Money Market Contact Group in March 2012. It showed that country risk is the most significant consideration when assigning counterparty credit lines. 75% of the respondents said that they apply different haircuts to the assets in repo operations depending on the geographic origin of the counterparty. In addition, more than 60% of the respondents have operational restrictions on the euro area countries that are most affected by the sovereign debt crisis.

Even the collateral posted at the ECB is increasingly domestic. Banks use primarily bonds from the country of domicile as collateral to borrow from the ECB.

Of course cuts in exposure to the periphery banks are particularly extreme.

ECB: – As a further indicator of market segmentation, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) first quarter data showed that cross-border claims of European banks on EU/IMF programme countries and on Spain and Italy have decreased significantly since 2008. Meanwhile, cross-border claims on Germany rose sharply, reflecting safe haven flows.

The goal of stronger Eurozone integration is becoming ever more elusive as trust among institutions of the various nations evaporates. And it’s is not at all clear that a centralized banking regulatory system will help improve the situation.

Read the full report here: ECB – Indicators of market segmentation

This post first appeared here: Drought showing up in steepening of hogs and cattle forward curves

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About Walter Kurtz

Sober Look is a no-hype financial markets/macro blog that typically relies on data analysis, primary sources, and original materials. We keep it concise, to the point, with no self-promoting nonsense, and no long-winded opinions. If you are looking for Armageddon predictions or conspiracy theories, you will be thoroughly disappointed. Topics include financial markets, banking, asset management, risk management, derivatives, global economy, policy, and regulation, with the emphasis on finance education.