From This Collection

Stress tests aim to reveal banks' weaknesses. More banks will probably have to run them.

Mar 22, 2023
But the probes can't uncover every problem before trouble erupts.
The Federal Reserve may have to modify its stress tests to account for the changing sources of stress on banks.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

"Moral hazard" at banks isn't just a theoretical concern

According to Boston College's Patricia McCoy, data underscore concerns about the government's role in risk-taking at banks.
Data support the claim that too much government backing can incentivize banks to take more risks, says Boston College law professor Patricia McCoy.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

How to get more than $250,000 covered by federal deposit insurance

From creating joint accounts to patronizing multiple banks, there are ways to maximize FDIC coverage, says economics contributor Chris Farrell.
Having too much money to be insured in one account is a good problem to have. Marketplace economics contributor Chris Farrell explains how to solve it.
John Moore/Getty Images

Trying to explain the bank runs? The "takeconomy" might deserve some of the blame.

Mar 21, 2023
Many factors led to Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, but content creator Kyla Scanlon says "social media risk" accelerated the slide.
Credit Suisse Chair Axel Lehmann blamed his bank's failure partly on a "social media storm." Content creator Kyla Scanlon highlights the role of social media in the instability that has jolted global finance.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
According to a recent report from Ipsos, consumers are slightly uncertain about the future of the economy, even though consumer spending hasn't eased in the face of high interest rates and prices.
Patrick T. Fallon/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How the Fed's rate hikes spelled trouble for banks like SVB

Mar 21, 2023
Why bonds lose value when the Fed hikes interest rates and what that has to do with banks.
Silicon Valley Bank was among the financial institutions for which rising interest rates on bonds spelled trouble.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

What does a bank's credit rating really tell us?

Mar 21, 2023
Credit rating agency Moody's had given Silicon Valley Bank a high rating — right up until it failed.
A sign for Moody's rating agencyat the company headquarters. Credit rating firms gave high marks to SBV and Signature Bank before collapsing.
Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

Some Republicans are blaming SVB’s collapse on ESG initiatives

We explore what’s really going on here with Washington Post reporter Julian Mark.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is one of several prominent Republican lawmakers blaming the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on so-called ESG investing.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images