The true effects of the events of the last few days have yet to be seen. With the mainstream political parties acting like participants in a ‘Compose a Greek Tragedy’ competition, a government unlikely to exercise any meaningful executive functions until autumn (at least), the currency and financial markets in turmoil and the future uncertain on a range of factors, it is tempting to succumb to a condition of inaction whilst waiting to see how the cards fall.

Yesterday, Dexia S.A., a European bank that was rescued by the French and Belgian governments in September 2008, announced that it would no longer rely on state guarantees for future funding. All debt instruments issued prior to June 30, 2010 will remain guaranteed by the government pursuant to their terms.

Yesterday, Dubai World, the struggling investment branch of the emirate of Dubai, announced that it had tentatively reached an agreement with a group of banks to restructure $23.5 billion in debt. The tentative agreement was reached with the Coordinating Committee, which represents approximately 60% of Dubai World's creditors. Dubai World needs the approval of all of its creditors to finalize the agreement.

Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit of the House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing entitled “The Condition of Financial Institutions: Examining the Failure and Seizure of an American Bank.” Participants in the hearing examined the current state of U.S.