“The worst-case scenario goes something like this: With banks unwilling to refinance, a shopping centre goes into foreclosure. Nobody can buy the mall because banks won't write mortgages as long as investors won't purchase them.”
“ One hope was that the U.S. would use some of the $700-billion financial bailout to buy shaky investments from banks and insurance companies. That was the original plan. But Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has issued a stunning turnabout, saying the U.S. no longer planned to buy troubled securities. For those watching the wave of commercial defaults about to crest, the announcement was poorly received.
“He's created havoc in the marketplace by changing the rules,” Mr. Rosen said. “It was the stupidest statement on Earth.”” |