Global Financial System Faces Worldwide Bank Runs and Failures, Citigroup’s $300 Billion Problem

Three years after the height of the financial crisis, the issue of impaired assets on bank balance sheets remains a major risk to the health of the banking system. Regulators have allowed banks to avoid taking losses on impaired assets by not requiring mark to market accounting.  The extent of overvaluation on bank loans can […]

Downward Spiral Of Bank Stocks Is Predicting An Economic Crisis

After rallying last fall, many of the big bank stocks have seen substantial declines from the beginning of the year. Growing fears about the health of the banking industry are discussed in the latest Economics and Mortgage Market Analysis issued by Fannie Mae.  Fannie Mae cites a very weak housing market and an economic slowdown […]

Citigroup Shareholders Lose $16 Billion After Reverse Stock Split

On March 21st, Citigroup announced a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, effective May 9, 2011. According to Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit, “Citi is a fundamentally different company than it was three years ago.  The reverse stock split and intention to reinstate a dividend are important steps as we anticipate returning capital to shareholders starting next year.” […]

Bailout Funds To Fannie and Freddie Come At High Cost

Despite the public uproar over the bailout of the financial industry, the U.S. Treasury is no pushover when it comes to demanding stiff terms on its loans. The returns on some of the loans made to various banks and financial institutions would make a payday lender blush.  For example, when the U.S. completes  the sale […]