While German Chancellor Merkel has indicated a willingness to help, the German finance minister and other politicians are suggesting German cooperation will either not be forthcoming or only be there at a very high price.

Ask yourself if you have a culture of trading?  Do you have a set of ritualized rules that contain and control your behavior to protect your capital?

Professional system trader Art Collins shares his daily biases in the financial futures markets for February 12.

The inflation numbers are coming in higher than expected. At some point, Mr. Bernanke will have to raise rates to stop inflation. But we suspect that that will not happen any time soon. We have a depression to live through first.

What type of reaction has the euro had to the Greek bailout?

The Greeks are in a jam. They spent too much money in the bubble years. Then, they saw their tax revenues disappear in the bust.

A credit swap is like an insurance contract.

Professional system trader Art Collins shares his daily biases in the financial futures markets for February 10.

Both California and Greece borrow long-term at about the same rate -- around 6%. Lenders know that when their backs are to the wall, both governments will have only two choices, not three. They can cut spending. Or, they can default.

Professional system trader Art Collins shares his daily biases in the financial futures markets for February 9.