The risks of contagion overhang markets .

Keywords: Banks, industry, Greece, Credit Agricole.

The rumors that Spain would require IMF financial assistance overhang the financial markets. In Paris, the CAC lost 3.6%. Elsewhere, Athens lost 6%, 5% Madrid, Lisbon 4%. On the foreign exchange market, the euro reaches a new low last year.

The CAC 40 and European markets have had another dark day on Tuesday: at the close, the index shows a decline Paris of 3.58% and falls below the threshold of 3700 points to 3691 points in a market with business volume of over 4.3 billion. After being closed Monday for a holiday, the London Stock Exchange displays, meanwhile, a decrease of 2.56%. The DAX 30 Frankfurt Stock Exchange fell for his share of 2.6%. The Asian markets are closed in a disorganized, Tuesday. The Tokyo Stock Exchange is closed due to holiday.
The markets are very nervous. They fear a contagion effect to other Greek countries in the euro area. In the crosshairs on Tuesday, Spain. Some traders suggest markets rumors that some rating agencies - Moody's and Fitch - are about to break down the debt rating of Spain, or that the country is about to seek IMF financial assistance.
The market rumors that Spain would be brought quickly to use European solidarity to face the difficult situation of public finances is "crazy" and baseless, "said Spanish Prime Minister. "I was informed of the rumor (of a next request for help). It is baseless, it is madness, "said Jose Luis Zapatero at a news conference. These rumors are "intolerable and will be fought," he added.
Meanwhile, rumors are investors away from the Madrid Stock Exchange has lost more than 5.4%. In its wake, in Athens, the FTSE / ASE 20 also tumbles 6%. In Milan, the index lost 4.70%.
Several statistics follow:
On the macroeconomic front, the producer prices in the euro area in March were supported by energy prices, even if they came out slightly below expectations, according to Eurostat.
In Germany, retail sales fell 2.4% in March, while the first three months of the year, sales fell 0.8% at constant prices compared to last year , according to provisional figures published by the Federal Statistics Office. Sales of new cars in April, in Germany, are also scheduled.
Finally, across the Atlantic, investors to monitor 16 hours industrial orders in March and promises of housing sales in March.
On the foreign exchange market, the euro fell Tuesday to 1.3038 dollars per euro, a new low last year.
To Be Continued .....