Oct 09 Watch Market Turmoil Puts Squeeze on Retirement Savings The markets have endured a wild ride in recent weeks, increasing anxieties over the solvency of retirement savings accounts. The director of the Congressional Budget Office discusses how the financial crisis may impact retirement accounts. Continue watching
Oct 09 Watch Government Intervention Does Little to Calm Markets Wall Street saw stocks dive Thursday as reports emerged that the Treasury Department is considering new moves to increase bank stability. Financial experts discuss the latest moves and what comes next for the government and the markets. Continue watching
Oct 09 How could a U.S. domestic problem become a global liquidity crisis? Question/Comment: How could a U.S. domestic problem (the housing bubble) become a global liquidity crisis between banks putting all banks and consequently the economies worldwide in trouble? What needs to be done to prevent a global economic meltdown? Paul Solman:… Continue reading
Oct 09 If banks do not have money to lend, how can they buy up finance firms and other failing banks? Question/Comment: If banks do not have money to lend, how can Citicorp, Wells Fargo, etc. come up with billions to purchase failing banks and finance firms? Paul Solman: They aren’t forking over any cash. “Purchase” means subsume. Wachovia becomes part… Continue reading
Oct 09 Seven-day Slide: GM Drops 30 Percent as U.S. Stocks Continue to Tumble By PBS News Hour U.S stocks tumbled for a seventh straight session Thursday as investors bet recent worldwide efforts to thaw frozen credit markets would not be enough to avert a global recession. Continue reading
Oct 08 Watch Mounting Economic Anxieties Ripple Across the Globe Central banks around the world cut interest rates Wednesday in a joint effort to ease credit and spur growth, but a weak market response signaled the move failed to abet fears. Continue watching
Oct 08 Is there any way to protect the U.S. or world markets? Question/Comment: Your presentation last night was clear and lively. Thanks. My question is: Is there ANY way to protect the U.S. or world markets from individuals and/or huge companies who may be lurking… Continue reading
Oct 08 Are there really $64 trillion of bad mortgages out there? Question/Comment: You mentioned in your report that there are $64 trillion in CD swaps out there. AIG only had a few hundred billion. Who has the rest? Are there really $64 trillion of… Continue reading
Oct 08 Financial Crisis Illustrates Influence of Emotions, Behavior on Markets By PBS News Hour The past month of corporate failures, government rescues and stock market gyrations has visibly shaken the confidence of Wall Street tycoons and ordinary investors alike. Continue reading
Oct 08 How much of investment banks’ portfolios are tied up in the stock market? Question/Comment: What are the connections between investment banks/houses and the stock market? How much of these investment banks’ portfolios are tied up in the stock market, and how much is in other places (like loans to businesses)? Paul Solman: Investment… Continue reading