Even as they work to fix the solvency issues, the austerity policies continue to work to weaken growth and increase the deficits they are trying to reduce, which sustains the solvency issues.

Euro-Region Manufacturing Output Contracts for Seventh Month

German Machine Orders Fell in January as Domestic Demand Waned

French Unemployment Rate Jumps as Economy Stalls on Euro Crisis

French Consumer Spending Drops as Job Losses, Budget Cuts Bite

Italy’s Jobless Rate Surged in January to Highest Since 2001

Monti Expects Firewall Deal This Month as Crisis Abates