The symbol of the new Italy, Prime Minister Mario Monti, is to meet with President Barack Obama. However, just like in 1992-1993, the window of opportunity in which he is operating will probably soon close if parties let domestic and self-interest considerations take over on a national imperative for permanent change.
Markets expect too much from European policymakers when it comes to plans to solve the euro zone debt crisis, which worsened on Friday when rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded some euro members, a former Bank of England official told CNBC.
The yuan has had a big move against the dollar, and this strategist says there is more to come.