Our financial system is crumbling this week.

[Arthur Dent]

My morality says that investment is supposed to be about helping a company build factories or make (good) mortgage loans, even if it's indirect through the resale price of stock. I don't see any of that with short-selling.

My morality says the same thing, but from that perspective, I don't understand huge fractions of finance. In the stock market, for example, most "investment" involves paying a previously shareholder in hopes of selling to someone else at a higher price. Generally, no money actually goes to build factories, homes, etc. Short selling seems like a minor detail here.

[dangerous]

My morality says that investment is supposed to be about helping a company build factories or make (good) mortgage loans, even if it's indirect through the resale price of stock. I don't see any of that with short-selling.

My morality says the same thing, but from that perspective, I don't understand huge fractions of finance. In the stock market, for example, most "investment" involves paying a previously shareholder in hopes of selling to someone else at a higher price. Generally, no money actually goes to build factories, homes, etc. Short selling seems like a minor detail here.

Employee ownership in the company can have a favorable effect on productivity.

[Hungary Jack]

last night a guy on NPR said that ultimately this is China's fault as the "lender" in the relationship with the US.

America: Perfecting the victim mentality.

[heyzeus]

last night a guy on NPR said that ultimately this is China's fault as the "lender" in the relationship with the US.

Yes. Just like if I buy a share of stock in a tobacco company, I'm responsible for everyone who starts smoking.

[Hungary Jack]

The stock market is rallying because Joe the Plumber is getting ready to buy Home Depot.

[heyzeus]

The stock market is rallying today because of the rumor of....wait for it...another economic stimulus.

Jeepers.

[heyzeus]

The stock market is rallying today because of the rumor of....wait for it...another economic stimulus.

Jeepers.

[sighyoung]

The stock market is rallying today because of the rumor of....wait for it...another economic stimulus.

Jeepers.

And whatever stimulus package Congress passes will 1) be placed under a mattress, or 2) not stimulate the economy until the recession is over.

[/cynicism]

[Arthur Dent]

not stimulate the economy until the recession is over.

If that happens, I'll be happy.

[planet planet]

Do economists back this latest stimulus? I mean seriously, with consumer confidence as low as it is, how is this going to help? It seems like another deficit plumper to me.