World Bank chief warns of ‘Lehman’s moment’ for Europe — RT

World Bank chief warns of ‘Lehman’s moment’ for Europe — RT


Europe runs the risk of sparking a Lehman-style global crisis with dire consequences for developing nations, outgoing World Bank chief Robert Zoellick said an interview to British newspaper The Observer.


"Europe may be able to muddle through but the risk is rising," he added: "There could be a Lehman’s moment if things are not properly handled."

In 2008, the fourth-largest US investment bank and financial services firm Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy after unprecedented losses on the American housing market and devaluation of its assets by credit rating agencies. The insolvency is thought to have played a major role in the unfolding of the global financial panic and subsequent worldwide financial slump. 

Now the World Bank head warns of a similar effect for developing nations should the eurozone fail to cope with its current problems. 

Zoellick urges emerging countries to "prepare for the uncertainty coming out of the eurozone and the wider financial markets."

"The ripple effects are making everybody's life harder,” he said.

"It will be better if they can avoid piling up short-term debts that can come due in volatile periods and look to the fundamentals of future growth – infrastructure and human capital," the outgoing chief advised. 

Read More: World Bank chief warns of ‘Lehman’s moment’ for Europe — RT