banks

I have come down on the side of sweeping change when it comes to the banking system in the United States. Basically, I fear a further downward spiral due to the fear and panic that the banking crisis has unleashed. In my view, this…

It looks like we have a solution to Citi's crisis. The U.S. Government agreed to bailout Citigroup, backing $306 billion of debt in exchange for preferred equity and warrants plus a host of other details I will enumerate below. On the whole…

Citigroup is in serious trouble. The storied institution with $2 trillion in assets has seen its shares collapse and its reputation is in tatters as it goes cap in hand to the U.S. government for a bailout. Indeed, a solution must be…

Reuters is reporting that persons familiar with the matter have indicated that Citigroup began talks with the U.S. Government as contingency planning. With Citigroup's share price having plunged dramatically in recent days, rumors have…

Another Friday and another three FDIC Friday Night Specials. This time, the notables were Downey Savings and Loan Association and PFF Bank & Trust which were seized by the FDIC. Downey is especially notable as it has been in the news…

Citibank has to be the worst run of the major banks. The result of ridiculous mergers of Citicorp, Travelers, Smith Barney, Salomon Brothers, this unwieldly mess was a disaster that should never have happened. Now, Citigroup has a market…

Just a few moments ago I caught a very interesting post on Alice Cook's site UK Bubble. The gist of the post was that things are falling apart in Ireland very quickly. Given what we saw with Iceland, I have to ask: is Ireland next? I…

A reader has recently corrected a claim I made on a recent blog entry regarding GE Capital. I would like to bring this error to your attention and make a few comments. The first statement is actually not correct. Looking at the FDIC…

Hank Paulson knows he has two months left until he leaves Washington. Therefore, he must feel he needs to pass out as much free cash to his friends in banking and finance before he leaves town. Or, at least so it seems. The latest story I…

The latest news in bailouts involves GE Capital. Apparently, the company has gone begging to the FDIC for a bailout. In fact, the FDIC has offered to back $139 billion in GE Capital debt. I have serious reservations about this move by…