Loan Giant Downgraded to 'Sell,' Faces Bankruptcy

(NEWSER) - Troubled mortgage lender Countrywide announced today that it would cut up to 12,000 jobs–or some 20% of its total workforce–over the next three months. The Wall Street Journal reports that, as the subprime debacle rocks the housing market and the lending industry, Countrywide expects to issue 25% fewer loans this year. More»

Talks between bank and troubled mortgage giant well advanced

(NEWSER) - Bank of America is in advanced talks to buy troubled Countrywide, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Charlotte-based bank could be on the brink of acquiring the US' largest mortgage lender, whose market value has plummeted to $3 billion—about 2 months' profit for BofA—as foreclosures continue to dent profits. It's still unclear if the Federal Reserve would approve of an even-more-giant BofA, the second largest bank in the nation. More»

Treasury secretary suggests aid for prime-rate borrowers

(NEWSER) - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson advised the mortgage industry today to give help to millions of financially stressed homeowners whose mortgages are set to rise. His comments signal that the Bush administration is starting to push lenders to expand relief beyond subprime borrowers to homeowners with other adjustable-rate loans, reports the Wall Street Journal. More»

$140B in commercial paper is coming due, and forecast is fuzzy

(NEWSER) - Almost $140 billion in commercial paper has matured and is up for renewal by next week, and banks need to attract buyers to pay it off. The yield on the short-term loans, which are entangled in the subprime mortgage crisis, is skyrocketing. "This could be a pivotal seven to 10 days,'' one credit strategist tells Bloomberg. More»

Fed ready to step in; Wall Street holds out hope for rate cuts

(NEWSER) - In his first comments on the subprime mortgage meltdown, Ben Bernanke today vowed the Federal Reserve “will act as needed” to contain the turmoil, preventing it from weakening the broader economy. The Fed chief pledged the central bank would “take additional actions” if necessary. “It is clear now the Fed is on the ball,” an economist said. More»