The 10 year government bond yield in Portugal. The following chart shows this stunning move higher:
The dirty secret that again, no one is talking about, is that Portuguese rates (and chart pattern) are exactly where the Greek yields were 1 year ago to begin 2010. As a side note, Italy's rates are exactly where Greek yields were 2 years ago, and Portugal's were last year. Can you spot the trend?
Portugal has stayed quiet, hiding in the shadows, as they wait to hear what kind of bailout package is in store for Greece. Once the details are finalized, their leaders will step up immediately to secure the same (or better) package.
Portugal has a government debt to GDP ratio of 113%, far lower than Greece's horrific 170% and rising. However, when you factor in their private debt, the total picture of Portugal's balance sheet is actually worse than Greece at 360% of GDP. Italy is at 120% of government (not including private) debt to GDP and Japan is over 220% (see the 2012 Outlook: Japan's Debt Crisis for more on their coming debt explosion).
To round out the crisis country list we have the debt to GDP of America, which has just crossed over 100% and is moving rapidly toward the crisis window:
Keep a close eye on Portugal's 10 year government bond. It appears to have already passed the point of no return and is headed directly for the grave yard to join Greece. While the ECB has taken a stand to do everything to protect the Italian yield at the 7% line, it appears to have let Portugal go, like Tom Hanks letting go of Wilson in cast away.
