Most investors and readers are aware of the subprime mortgage-driven credit market slump. Lending to potential customers has declined substantially, from typical homebuyers to large corporations.
To be sure, the credit markets are not frozen, as they appeared to be during the August 2007 credit crunch and accompanying equity market sell-off, but lending requirements are much more rigorous today, following large subprime investment losses.
Speculative deals -- be it a large debt offering backed by mortgages, or a mortgage for a condominium project -- are not being approved. Two years or so ago, flush with cash and eager to take advantage of the yield spread, these type of deals undoubtedly would have received multiple funding offers from banks, mortgage companies, and other investment firms.
To be sure, the credit markets are not frozen, as they appeared to be during the August 2007 credit crunch and accompanying equity market sell-off, but lending requirements are much more rigorous today, following large subprime investment losses.
Speculative deals -- be it a large debt offering backed by mortgages, or a mortgage for a condominium project -- are not being approved. Two years or so ago, flush with cash and eager to take advantage of the yield spread, these type of deals undoubtedly would have received multiple funding offers from banks, mortgage companies, and other investment firms.
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