The meltdown of the credit and mortage markets will inflict damaging effects upon our economic future that we may not anticipate -- much like the fallout from a nuclear explosion. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains why Marketplace is using the term in its coverage.

Some of the rapid drops we've seen in the financial markets in recent weeks have been fueled by margin calls. How do margin calls work? Marketplace Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Marketplace Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains how banks have gotten frozen in their tracks, awaiting a rescue.