On March 14th, Bear Stearns, the fifth-largest investment bank in the United States, entered a period of insolvency. As growing lack of confidence in the firm’s subprime exposure grew, other banks eventually refused to lend to the stricken company, which has existed for over 85 years.
Were Bear Stearns a commercial bank, (i.e. institutions that […]
Over recent weeks the words ‘credit crunch’ have been all over the financial headlines, and the effects of the turmoil that has hit the financial markets have been reflected in a number of ways, affecting both financial institutions and consumers.
The credit crunch was sparked as a result of the housing slump, rising interest rates, and […]
The recent government-sponsored bailout of Bear Stearns, one of the top five lenders in the United States, has shocked traders and left investors cold. Despite the chilly reaction on Wall Street, secretly many are breathing a sigh of relief. While Bear Stearns was mismanaged from its upper echelons, its subprime exposure grew until their recent […]
What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time Bear Stearns had a high flying stock price of $150 a share and a market valuation of 20 Billion. Having been founded in 1923 they were considered one of Wall Streets most venerable investment houses.
Going back to 2005 Bear Stearns […]
More commonly known for its ancient civilization history of the Mayan Empire, Guatemala has more recently become the focus of the worlds wealthy, who are beginning to look beyond the European tax havens of Switzerland, Andorra and Monaco following recent political debates at the European Parliament in the Brussels.
Problems are brewing between the tax havens, […]
It reads like an espionage tale from Len Deighton. Government conspiracy, illegal payments for stolen information and statements by royalty outwardly rebuking foreign powers. I am talking, of course, about the Liechtenstein bank scandal which has rocked the offshore tax havens that neighbor the European Union and could cause an outflow of billions to the […]
When starting your business a vital concern is the business account you choose, there are many factors to consider such as the costs involved in transactions and borrowing, the facilities that your bank provides and the relationship you will be able to foster with your account manager. All of these factors will affect your business […]
Opening a business account can be a troubling and stressful experience. The marketplace today is currently saturated with so many deals and offers that it is enough to make your head spin as you trawl through the reams and reams of associated literature. But what should you consider before taking the plunge and signing up […]
Northern Rock has been a cloud over the UK financial sector since it ran out of cash in August 2007. This was due to the fact that most of its funds were being raised in the wholesale market, that is from other financial institutions rather than deposits from retail customers. The problems of the US […]
A bank account is a very important financial tool and facility to most people, and it is important that you ensure that your bank account offers everything that you need to conduct your day to day finances with ease and convenience. There are a number of bank accounts available to consumers these days. However, you […]
