The leading stock platforms across the world began the previous week with a significant fall. Indices of US trading platforms dropped against the background of the continuing decline in petroleum prices. In particular, quotations of companies belonging to the US oil sector collapsed. Europe is seeing the return of the Greece factor again. There are growing concerns that, in the new year, the Government of Greece will make attempts to reject strict budget economy measures.

However, this time, top officials of the leading euro-area countries take this threat more quietly; in particular, they are ready to consider the withdrawal of Greece from the euro-area.

Financial markets survey 12.01.2015