Year in review: Bankers, bonds, debt, oil, pop-ups and booze

Debt was at the top of the financial agenda for most of 2012, but there were some positive moments in the year too.

JANUARY

Debt was top of the financial agenda at the start of 2012 as the IMF calculated it might need up to €800bn in its bailout fund. It expected its member states to contribute €400bn, with the eurozone being asked for an extra €200bn added to the €150bn already agreed. It was suggested that the contributions would not be measured according to member states’ size, but in voluntary pledges, which would excuse those already in receipt of bailout funds — Ireland, Greece, Portugal — having to contribute.