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7
Factoring
Jul 28, 2009
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.
5
Financial alchemy
Jul 20, 2009
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.
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Where's the toxic waste?
Jul 13, 2009
Banks are paying back TARP money and claiming they're the picture of health. So what happened to all those toxic assets that were clogging their arteries a few months back? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
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Dark pools: An explainer
Jul 6, 2009
Dark pools are exchanges where people trade stocks anonymously. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains how they work, and why the SEC is considering regulating them.
4
The 'repo' market
Jun 26, 2009
Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains why the repurchase (or repo) market is a vital part of the financial system, and why the government is considering changes to it.
24
Meet Cap 'n Trade
May 22, 2009
Cap and Trade is the linchpin of the government's effort to curb carbon emissions. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains how the cap and trade model works.
8
Capital structure
May 6, 2009
In stories about the auto companies and the banks, we've been hearing about debt-to-equity swaps and exchanging preferred shares for common stock. To understand how those work, you need to understand a company's capital structure. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.
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Shadow banking: The primer
Apr 13, 2009
The shadow banking system is a key component of the U.S. economy, but the financial crisis has frozen it solid. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what shadow banking is and why it's important enough to warrant its own bailout, called the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility, or TALF.
10
The public-private partnership
Mar 31, 2009
The U.S. Treasury Department plans to recruit private investors to take toxic assets off banks' balance sheets. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains how the plan is supposed to work.
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Collateral calls
Mar 24, 2009
Millions of Americans are wondering why AIG has paid so much taxpayer money to other banks. One reason is because AIG has had to honor "collateral calls" -- demands made by banks on the insurance contracts it's written. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains,
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Financial mysteries explained! Watch the latest video explaining fiat money in Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch's Whiteboard series. Plus, win a chance to get a signed copy of Paddy's new book, "Man vs. Markets."
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