Financial quotes of the month

“The biggest headwind the American economy is facing right now is uncertainty about Europe.” Barack Obama, president of the United States “Lebanon will not be affected by a recession in Europe as the Lebanese economy essentially is dollarized.” Riad Salameh, governor of the Lebanese central bank “You want to look for countries with relatively clean balance sheets, with AAA types of ratings and with the ability, importantly, to print money.” Bill Gross, founder of Pacific Investment Management Co (PIMCO), the world’s biggest bond fund “This is the most serious financial crisis at least since the 1930s, if not ever.” Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England “It was a wrong decision.” Khalaf al-Habtoor, chairman of Al Habtoor Group, on their decision to acquire a stake in British lender Barclays in 2008 “We are open to any investment opportunities in all parts of Europe.” Mustapha al-Shamali, Kuwait’s finance minister “Don’t