Financial alchemy

Marketplace Whiteboard

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Many asset-backed securities have been downgraded from AAA recently. But at least one issuer has miraculously repackaged a downgraded deal to make some of its bonds worth a AAA rating again. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Hostile takeovers

We all know what a takeover is. That's when one company agrees to be bought by another. But what happens when companies don't agree and the takeover goes hostile? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Derivatives

Credit default swaps? They're complicated -- and scary! The receipt you get when you pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey? Not so much. But they have a lot in common: They're both derivatives. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Bonds, notes and bills

So much government debt! But what's the difference between the Treasury's bills, notes and bonds? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Inflation

Most economists agree that inflation of about 2% or 3% annually is a natural function of a growing economy. But people are worried government stimulus measures could spark much higher inflation. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains

High-frequency trading

High-frequency trading is creating a ruckus on Wall Street. Marketplace Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what high-frequency trading is and why some people are up in arms about it.

Factoring

Many small businesses get the cash they need to operate and expand from so-called factors. One of the biggest factors in the business is CIT, and with CIT on the ropes, small businesses are worried. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what factoring is, and how it works.

Comments

Comment | Refresh
By Charles Hunsucker

From Hickory, NC, 10/30/2009

First timer on-line..Paddy Hirsch. The world is lucky to even to have someone like you. I don't know how long you've been doing Whiteboard; keep doing this for the world.I'm surprise you don't HAVE your own tv spot.Fan for life

By Sandra Reichel

From Vienna, AK, 07/26/2009

Paddy,

Thank you for educating us on the very complex financial instruments that are out there on the market.
Keep up the good work!
Sandra, Vienna, Austria

By Esteban Castillo

From Atlantic city, 07/25/2009

Could you explain the world of High Frequency Trading?

By Henry Hill

From San Antonio, TX, 07/21/2009

Wow! Great! Fantastic!
I wish I had taken advantage of this long, long ago.
What's up with Municipal Bonds... I could use a Whiteboard on these.
I may have sold some too early...
An advisor I am talking to suggests I
put money back into "munnies."
Thanks,
Henry Hill
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