Read the NBR team's thoughts about the bailout and America's financial woes. Then post your comments.

Second Act for GM?

posted by Diane Eastabrook, Chicago bureau chief on June 1, 2009

There is an old saying that in life there are no second acts. But, there is if you file for bankruptcy reorganization. The U.S. steel industry has emerged stronger since many companies filed for Chapter 11. Let's hope... + More

What's Ahead for GM?

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on May 4, 2009

Chrysler is in bankruptcy court. GM may be next. Negotiations are underway to keep the auto giant from Chapter 11. Will they succeed? Here are some numbers to keep in mind as the story unfolds. GM... + More

The Importance of Chrysler's Creditors

posted by Stephanie Dhue, Correspondent on April 30, 2009

President Obama blamed a "small group of speculators" for Chrysler's bankruptcy filing, saying they refused to "sacrifice like everyone else." That group, calling themselves "non-tarp lenders," put out a statement saying... + More

GMAC Tarp Deal Is Not What Treasury Had in Mind

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on December 30, 2008

Leaving politics aside, the Treasury would surely not be rushing to rescue GMAC. The lender poses no known systemic risk to the economy. It is geared to lend to a company that may not even be around in a year or two. The irony here is that lending to GMAC may accomplish some of the economic benefits... + More

The Terms of the Auto Industry's Loan

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on December 19, 2008

For those curious about what a $17.4 billion loan looks like, take a look at the term sheets for Chrysler and GM. (The U.S. Treasury is the author of both documents.) I was interested to note that the companies have to submit a plan by Feb 17 to the "President's Designee." + More

The Net Present Value of GM & Chrysler

posted by Stephanie Dhue, Correspondent on December 19, 2008

One of the conditions on the loans GM and Chrysler received today is that the companies must prove they are "viable." To do this, they have to have a positive "net present value." Basically, this is a business calculation that's done on investments to predict what they will be worth in the future. But as with any calculation,.. + More

The Financial Crisis and the Five Stages of Grief

posted by Susie Gharib, Anchor on December 15, 2008

This financial crisis is a real downer--not just because of all the gloomy headlines, but for something deeper. Recently, I realized that we Americans have been going through the "Five Stages of Grief." I'm referring to the famous Kubler-Ross model that describes the five stages that people go through when dealing with a tragedy... + More

The Faces Tied to the Detroit 3

posted by Diane Eastabrook Chicago Bureau Chief on December 12, 2008

In all of the talk about bankruptcy in the auto industry, the workers tend to be a nameless, faceless group. But, Marv and Lynn Wopat are the faces of the Detroit 3. Marv Wopat left his family's dairy farm 40 years ago to work at General Motor's Janesville, Wisconsin plant... + More

Defending the Automakers

posted by Darren Gersh Washington bureau chief on December 10, 2008

It's not often you hear someone defend the auto makers lately. But Warren Brown knows the industry better than most, so when he steps up to talk, I pay attention. Brown writes the On Wheels column for the Washington Post and has covered the industry for more than a quarter century. I talked with him recently. Here's the video clip... + More

Substance at the Auto Industry Hearing

posted by Stephanie Dhue Correspondent on December 4, 2008

Despite the photo-op of the auto execs arriving by hybrid car; today's hearing was more substance than show. That's probably good news for the auto industry. While I don't think the hearings changed any minds, the discussion was more about how money should be lent to the industry than about whether it was a good idea. + More

How Fast Can Detroit Go Green?

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on December 2, 2008

In return for $34 billion from Congress, the Big Three are pledging to go green faster. Plug-in electric hybrids, all-electric vans are in our future, the car makers say, if only they can get to the future. One problem. Before the future can get here, Detroit will need to sell a lot of cars. + More

What Happens When It Comes Time to Take the Money Back Out...

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on November 26, 2008

The Federal Reserve is on track to pump about $3 trillion into the banking and financial system. Eventually, that money has to come back out of the system. What then? It appears the Fed is already thinking about... + More

Bail Out City Hits $3 Trillion and Counting

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on November 25, 2008

A trillion dollars. Once upon a time that seemed like so much money. Now, it is all in a day's work. Today the Fed committed $800 billion to prop up consumer lending -- mortgages, car loans, student loans... + More

"From Bubble to Trouble:" The Inside Story

posted by Jack Kahn, Director of Program Development on November 24, 2008

In a phrase, how do you sum up an unprecedented event that could cost the U.S. Government $7.76 trillion dollars (not counting billions more in investment losses and corporate... + More

Why Help Citi and Not Help Homeowners, Autos?

posted by Darren Gersh, Washington bureau chief on November 24, 2008

So Citigroup gets more cash from the Treasury. But homeowners and auto makers don't. I understand the systemic risk issues. I understand that banks are like the circulatory system of the economy. If they stop, we all get a financial heart attack. I get it... + More