Markets were in watchful mood today as eurozone finance ministers gathered in Brussels for their second attempt in three days to seal a debt deal with Greece.
Monday’s Eurogroup meeting broke up after an hour when Athens sent through the wrong documents, but hopes were high that today’s meeting would pave the way for a full agreement at tomorrow’s leaders’ summit on releasing €7.2 billion (£5.1 billion) in bailout funds.
European shares made modest gains although bond yields dipped slightly, suggesting caution in markets. Greek economy minister George Stathakis said “two or three” items were yet to be settled, but the left-wing Syriza leadership could struggle to get an agreement past its own party in an emergency session.
Greece risks defaulting on a €1.6 billion repayment to the International Monetary Fund unless it gets the cash.
