Markets Reflect Weak-Kneed Politicians

Bond prices are reflecting the lack of discipline by politicians. What a surprise. As Martin Feldstein points out in The Financial Times:

The eurozone periphery is on a risky path to end fiscal austerity and accept larger budget deficits. Portugal is the most recent dramatic shift in that direction; Italy, Spain and even France are also abandoning plans to cut spending and raise taxes.

This move away from budget discipline reflects a combination of popular political pressure, more accommodating bond markets and encouragement from the International Monetary Fund.