by IanC » Tue 04 Dec 2007, 16:55:53
My understanding is that individual holders of crappy, subprime loans are only a very small part of the bigger problems. The bulk of the bad debt was made into funds which institutions and individuals all over the world invested in. These funds are contaminated by the bad mortgage debt and essentially worthless because no one wants them.
The bailout for individuals will look good on the news, but the major banks, municipal investment funds and brokerages going under is what will really hurt the economy,
Ian
Portland, OR.