IF IT’S APRIL, IT MUST BE EUROPE

• 1Q12 GDP growth disappoints

• The European financial situation deteriorates once again as markets focus on Spain

• Electoral shifts in Europe have intensified political risks

• Will Greece be forced out of the euro?

• The data releases stream is mixed, points to a slowing manufacturing sector

• Sluggish labor markets underscore economic slowdown

• The US economy faces stronger headwinds in the second half of the year

In the past two years, April has been marked by eurozone economic and financial shocks, and it seems that this year will be no exception. Ill winds of recession and sovereign debt crisis are blowing once again over the Atlantic, potentially putting a serious damper on the United States fledgling recovery.