There’s nothing like the long Christmas break for calming things down. Back in early December, it looked as if the euro was on its last legs. Then everyone went on holiday, and by the time they got back, seemed quite to have forgotten what they were originally panicking about.
No one honestly believes the eurozone crisis has been vanquished, but since early January there has been a lull in the storm and even a sense of beginning to get on top of things. The European Central Bank’s promise of unlimited liquidity for the stricken banking system seems to be turning things around. Successful resolution of the Greek debt talks yesterday has added to the impression of a crisis in retreat.