Posts filed under Finance

FGIC to split

From WSJ

Financial Guaranty Insurance Co., a major bond insurer, has notified the New York State Insurance Department that it will request to be split into two companies.

One of the firms would likely retain much of the business of insuring structured finance bonds such as those backed by mortgages, which have come under severe pressure due to the housing market slowdown, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The other company would likely retain most of the municipal bond insurance business, which is stronger, the person said.

Good move. Likely only chance to save the muni business. the other side is probably doomed.

Posted on February 15, 2008 and filed under Finance.

Impressive Work at Citi

Citigroup has barred investors in one of its hedge funds from withdrawing their money, and a new leveraged fund lost 52 percent in its first three months, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Bolding mine. Full articles here and here.

Posted on February 15, 2008 and filed under Finance.

Paulson

Q for Paulson: Is the worst over? Paulson: The worst is just beginning.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETQj3a221EQ&rel=1&border=1]

Posted on February 13, 2008 and filed under Finance.