Greece is the word, sending sharemarkets tumbling, again

U.S. stocks have slumped to their biggest two-day fall in a month as fears of more problems in Europe gripped markets. What gives with the sudden market downturn?

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

U.S. stocks have slumped to their biggest two-day fall in a month as fears of more problems in Europe gripped markets. What gives with the sudden market downturn?

It all started when Greece Prime Minister George Papandreou decided that instead of simply letting his government decide whether to accept the terms of the most recent bailout, he was going to put the entire measure up for a referendum to be voted on by Greek citizens.

Greece 101
It seems like we've been hearing about Greece for a long time, right? Well, here's a very (very) simplistic timeline that's led us to this point.

  • January 2001: Greece is admitted into the European Union.
  • November 2004: The truth comes out! One of the requirements for joining the EU is that a country's deficit cannot exceed 3% of its GDP. The government admits that for five years, it has not met this mandate.
  • December 2009: Papandreou announces the first of many austerity measures, cutting back on workers' pay and bonuses while raising taxes.
  • April 2010: EU finance ministers agree to a bailout package of 30 billion euros.
  • May 2010: After realizing that 30 billion euros might not be enough, the triumvirate of the EU, the European Commission, and the IMF agree to a bailout package of 110 billion euros.
  • July 2011: The EU approves another bailout, this time for 109 billion euros.
  • October 2011: Banks agree to write down 50% of their loans to Greece, and Greece is due another 100 billion euros in early 2012.

The decade — and especially the last two years — has wreaked absolute havoc on companies inside the country.

The scene inside the country
All along the way, there has been tremendous pressure on politicians, as the austerity measures enacted by international lenders have been wildly unpopular. Many protesters inside the country believe anything — including Greece defaulting on its debt — is better than the austerity measures they are facing.

Just last week, it looked as though eurozone leaders had finally cut a deal that would stop the bleeding. But in a bold move, Papandreou may very well give protesters what they want. The prime minister has flatly stated that the decision on whether or not to accept more bailout money — and the further austerity measures that will accompany it — should be put to a vote by his country's people.

It's impossible to tell whether the issue will ever even get to a vote, but one thing is for sure: Most investors don't like the move.

Why should we care?
It's not as if this is the first country to default on its debts. Here are some notable defaults from the past.

Country

Year(s) of Default

England Three times before 1600
France Eight times before 1788
China 1929, 1939
Nigeria Five times since 1960
Russia 1998
Argentina 2001

Source: Globalpost.com.

Most recently, the world didn't end when Russia and Argentina defaulted. So why is everyone up in arms?

The Washington Post recently tried to spell out the worst-case scenario for a Greek default. It goes something like this:

  1. Investors will lose faith in Greek banks, leading to a run on the banks and a fall of the government.
  2. Those with money invested in fellow euro-backed countries experiencing trouble (Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and Italy) will transfer their savings to safer havens, creating a massive shift of money away from countries that need it the most.
  3. Leaders of stronger euro countries will leave the EU, leaving smaller nations to fend for themselves.
  4. Stock markets the world over will plunge. With depressed demand from European countries, the global economy enters a two-year recession.

Time to stock up on canned goods?
Will it happen that way? There's absolutely no way to know. Whatever happens, things will likely turn out in a way that few are able to predict until the moment actually arrives. In the meantime, all we can do is wait.

Do you want to know what to do if the market crashes again? Request a new free Motley Fool report titled Read This Before The Next Market Crash. Click here for instant access.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »