Credit Crunch

A significant decline in activity across the economy, lasting longer than a few months. It is visible in industrial production, employment, real income and wholesale-retail trade. The ...

The event in which companies or individuals will be unable to make the required payments on their debt obligations. Lenders and investors are exposed to default risk in virtually all ...

A legal proceeding involving a person or business that is unable to repay outstanding debts. The bankruptcy process begins with a petition filed by the debtor (most common) or on behalf ...

A monetary policy program used by the Federal Reserve to help increase liquidity in the U.S. credit markets. TAF allows the Federal Reserve to auction set amounts of collateral-backed ...

A period in Japanese history in which economic growth was virtually flat due to the bursting of an asset bubble. "The Lost Decade" is the term coined to describe the period from ...

A situation in which would-be borrowers find it difficult to obtain funds because lenders are afraid or unable to make loans. A financing squeeze can also occur if credit is available, ...

These shocks cycle through history. Find out what you need to know to avoid the alarm bells.

Find out what America can learn from Japan's liquidity trap and credit crunch.

Take a look at the factors that caused this market to flare up and burn out.

A bankrupt company can provide great opportunities for savvy investors.

Cruise through a slowing economy - even when others are going off the rails.

Despite their reputation, the debt securities known as "junk bonds" may actually reduce risk in your portfolio.

When boom times turned to bust, these trades proved devastating for traders and the broader markets.

Don't be fooled by the name - junk bonds may be for you if you know how to analyze them.

Is the bond you're buying investment grade, or just junk? Find out how check the score.