Magazine Archive
Financial History, Fall 2009
"For Us or For Them? Bailouts Then and Now" (PDF, 368.61 K)
Should the U.S. government, or any government for that matter, use public money to stabilize a disintegrating financial system? Theory backed by historical experience suggests that it should, but only if it does so in just the right way.
"For Us or For Them? Bailouts Then and Now" (PDF, 368.61 K)
Should the U.S. government, or any government for that matter, use public money to stabilize a disintegrating financial system? Theory backed by historical experience suggests that it should, but only if it does so in just the right way.
Financial History, Winter 2009
Probability, Gambling and the Origins of Risk Management (PDF, 143.26 K)
The Chevalier de Méré, a 17th century gambler and dabbler in mathematics, once asked Blaise Pascal a question that began a revolution in the way people think about the future. Many historians trace the origins of modern risk management back to de Méré’s question. De Méré probably had no intention of starting a revolution; his interest in mathematics sprang primarily from the realization that it could make him a better gambler. The question, which he evidently posed to several mathematicians, had to do with solving “The Problem of Points.”
Probability, Gambling and the Origins of Risk Management (PDF, 143.26 K)
The Chevalier de Méré, a 17th century gambler and dabbler in mathematics, once asked Blaise Pascal a question that began a revolution in the way people think about the future. Many historians trace the origins of modern risk management back to de Méré’s question. De Méré probably had no intention of starting a revolution; his interest in mathematics sprang primarily from the realization that it could make him a better gambler. The question, which he evidently posed to several mathematicians, had to do with solving “The Problem of Points.”
Financial History, Fall 2008
Another Financial Hurricane (PDF, 832.41 K)
While we have all heard the phrase "history repeats itself," very few people properly apply long-term history to investing. Worse yet, the default assumption of most investors is to think it's different this time and find themselves buying into financial bubbles or cashing out near a bear market low. Clearly, investors need to spend more time studying investment history. A good place to start is by studying past market corrections and what happened during the years that followed.
Another Financial Hurricane (PDF, 832.41 K)
While we have all heard the phrase "history repeats itself," very few people properly apply long-term history to investing. Worse yet, the default assumption of most investors is to think it's different this time and find themselves buying into financial bubbles or cashing out near a bear market low. Clearly, investors need to spend more time studying investment history. A good place to start is by studying past market corrections and what happened during the years that followed.
Financial History, Summer 2008
The Housing Market Meltdown and the Credit Crisis (PDF, 259.33 K)
When the U.S. housing bubble fully burst in 2007 and home prices dropped, 1.25 million subprime mortgages foreclosed, up 80% from 2006. Projections of 2.5 million foreclosures for 2008 seem likely. Over $1 trillion in subprime mortgages will likely be revalued at 60-80% of their original value before the home mortgage crisis and subsequent, but related, credit crisis is worked through.
The Housing Market Meltdown and the Credit Crisis (PDF, 259.33 K)
When the U.S. housing bubble fully burst in 2007 and home prices dropped, 1.25 million subprime mortgages foreclosed, up 80% from 2006. Projections of 2.5 million foreclosures for 2008 seem likely. Over $1 trillion in subprime mortgages will likely be revalued at 60-80% of their original value before the home mortgage crisis and subsequent, but related, credit crisis is worked through.
Financial History, Spring 2008
A Nation of Counterfeiters (PDF, 2.29 M)
Few of us question the little slips of green paper that come and go in our wallets, purses and pockets. While we may obsess over how much we have at any one time, we do not subject the notes themselves to close scrutiny: most of us cannot remember (without looking) which scene goes with what denomination, or even the secular saints whose portraits adorn the front. Our ignorance is a testament to just how secure we feel about the currency and how little we need to question the underlying value of these scraps of paper. The money is in our hands, it is green, and it has a number on it: that is all we need to know. It was not always so. In the years between the Revolution and the Civil War, money inspired not faith, but nagging doubt and scrutiny.
A Nation of Counterfeiters (PDF, 2.29 M)
Few of us question the little slips of green paper that come and go in our wallets, purses and pockets. While we may obsess over how much we have at any one time, we do not subject the notes themselves to close scrutiny: most of us cannot remember (without looking) which scene goes with what denomination, or even the secular saints whose portraits adorn the front. Our ignorance is a testament to just how secure we feel about the currency and how little we need to question the underlying value of these scraps of paper. The money is in our hands, it is green, and it has a number on it: that is all we need to know. It was not always so. In the years between the Revolution and the Civil War, money inspired not faith, but nagging doubt and scrutiny.
Financial History, Fall 2007
The Panic of 1907 (PDF, 991.34 K)
To understand fully the Crash and Panic of 1907, one must consider its context: it was a time somewhat like the present. A Republican moralist was in the White House. War was fresh in mind. Immigration was fueling dramatic changes in society. New technologies were changing people's everyday lives. Business consolidators and their Wall Street advisers were creating large, new combinations through mergers and acquisitions, while the government was investigating and prosecuting prominent executives -- led by an aggressive young prosecutor from New York. The public's attitude toward business leaders, fueled by a muckraking press, was largely negative. The government itself was becoming increasingly interventionist in society and, in some ways, more intrusive in individual life. Much of this was stimulated by a postwar economic expansion that, with brief interruptons, had lasted about 50 years, although in recent months a major natural disaster had disturbed the equilibrium of the nation's fragile financial system. As Mark Twain supposedly said, "History may not repeat itself, but it occasionally rhymes."
The Panic of 1907 (PDF, 991.34 K)
To understand fully the Crash and Panic of 1907, one must consider its context: it was a time somewhat like the present. A Republican moralist was in the White House. War was fresh in mind. Immigration was fueling dramatic changes in society. New technologies were changing people's everyday lives. Business consolidators and their Wall Street advisers were creating large, new combinations through mergers and acquisitions, while the government was investigating and prosecuting prominent executives -- led by an aggressive young prosecutor from New York. The public's attitude toward business leaders, fueled by a muckraking press, was largely negative. The government itself was becoming increasingly interventionist in society and, in some ways, more intrusive in individual life. Much of this was stimulated by a postwar economic expansion that, with brief interruptons, had lasted about 50 years, although in recent months a major natural disaster had disturbed the equilibrium of the nation's fragile financial system. As Mark Twain supposedly said, "History may not repeat itself, but it occasionally rhymes."
Financial History, Spring 2007
Attention Shoppers (PDF, 571.73 K)
Since its inception in 1886, Sears has issued many glossy publications filled with numbers and descriptions. Most of those have been catalogues, with dazzling copy written by Richard Sears himself. But exactly 100 years ago the firm issued a different publication filled with numbers and descriptions: its first annual report.
Attention Shoppers (PDF, 571.73 K)
Since its inception in 1886, Sears has issued many glossy publications filled with numbers and descriptions. Most of those have been catalogues, with dazzling copy written by Richard Sears himself. But exactly 100 years ago the firm issued a different publication filled with numbers and descriptions: its first annual report.
Financial History, Winter 2007
Alexander Hamilton Central Banker and Financial Crisis Manager (PDF, 1.97 M)
Wall Street suffered its first crash in March 1792. In a matter of weeks, U.S. government securities comprising the national debt lost a quarter of their value. Shares of the Bank of the United States, founded in 1791, fell 30 percent. Shares of the new Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures fell 45 percent. A more seasoned issue, Bank of New York shares, declined just under 20 percent. Defaults and bankruptcies were numerous. As confidence and trust collapsed, a pall fell over New York and, to a lesser extent, the Philadelphia and Boston securities markets. But potentially damaging economic consequences of the panic were avoided, it is now quite clear, by very modern central-bank-like interventions orchestrated by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton.
Alexander Hamilton Central Banker and Financial Crisis Manager (PDF, 1.97 M)
Wall Street suffered its first crash in March 1792. In a matter of weeks, U.S. government securities comprising the national debt lost a quarter of their value. Shares of the Bank of the United States, founded in 1791, fell 30 percent. Shares of the new Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures fell 45 percent. A more seasoned issue, Bank of New York shares, declined just under 20 percent. Defaults and bankruptcies were numerous. As confidence and trust collapsed, a pall fell over New York and, to a lesser extent, the Philadelphia and Boston securities markets. But potentially damaging economic consequences of the panic were avoided, it is now quite clear, by very modern central-bank-like interventions orchestrated by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton.
Financial History, Summer 2006
Graham In Perspective (PDF, 437.90 K)
Historical analysis reveals that Graham's contributions to investment "theory" were less significant for their originality than for their synthesizing quality. His actual contribution was to bring together and focus currents in investment thought already in existence. To appreciate that vital contribution and place his legacy in perspective, we must examine how conceptions of investing changed during the early 1900s.
Graham In Perspective (PDF, 437.90 K)
Historical analysis reveals that Graham's contributions to investment "theory" were less significant for their originality than for their synthesizing quality. His actual contribution was to bring together and focus currents in investment thought already in existence. To appreciate that vital contribution and place his legacy in perspective, we must examine how conceptions of investing changed during the early 1900s.
Financial History, Winter 2006
War Rooms within War Zones (PDF, 294.26 K)
Cutthroat deals, take no prisoners, war rooms; the language of combat is often used to describe the world of business. But throughout history, the cliched comparison has been no mere metaphor for many stock exchanges. The crippling or disruption of exchanges by wars is nothing new, from the New York Stock & Exchange Board (today's NYSE) suspending trading in seceding states in 1861, to the arduous history of the Belgrade Stock Exchange, to the 1983 suspension of the Beirut Stock Exchange after nearly a decade of civil war in Lebanon. It reopened in 1995.
War Rooms within War Zones (PDF, 294.26 K)
Cutthroat deals, take no prisoners, war rooms; the language of combat is often used to describe the world of business. But throughout history, the cliched comparison has been no mere metaphor for many stock exchanges. The crippling or disruption of exchanges by wars is nothing new, from the New York Stock & Exchange Board (today's NYSE) suspending trading in seceding states in 1861, to the arduous history of the Belgrade Stock Exchange, to the 1983 suspension of the Beirut Stock Exchange after nearly a decade of civil war in Lebanon. It reopened in 1995.
Financial History, Fall 2005
The Revenue Act of 1936 (PDF, 400.78 K)
The Revenue Act of 1936 was the most important event in the history of the mutual fund industry: It accorded special tax treatment to mutual funds, putting fund shareholders on a par with direct investors in securities.
The Revenue Act of 1936 (PDF, 400.78 K)
The Revenue Act of 1936 was the most important event in the history of the mutual fund industry: It accorded special tax treatment to mutual funds, putting fund shareholders on a par with direct investors in securities.
Financial History, Spring 2005
Alexander Hamilton and the Birth of a Captial Market (PDF, 413.35 K)
Capital markets are wondrous things. No nation with a good one is poor; no nation without one is rich, unless one counts as wealth the income reaped by the temporary exploitation of oil and gold, blood and bone. Alas, institutions as complex as capital markets do not usually arise of their own accord. To flourish, as they have in America, they typically require, at a minimum, political stability and a helpful hand from on high. Alexander Hamilton provided both.
Alexander Hamilton and the Birth of a Captial Market (PDF, 413.35 K)
Capital markets are wondrous things. No nation with a good one is poor; no nation without one is rich, unless one counts as wealth the income reaped by the temporary exploitation of oil and gold, blood and bone. Alas, institutions as complex as capital markets do not usually arise of their own accord. To flourish, as they have in America, they typically require, at a minimum, political stability and a helpful hand from on high. Alexander Hamilton provided both.
Financial History, Fall 2004
The Great Crash of 1929 At Seventy-Five (PDF, 546.54 K)
In 2004, Americans celebrate, if that is the right word, the 75th anniversary of the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929. There had been market crashes before 1929. And there were crashes after 1929. But 1929 is still considered "The Big One." How did the Great Crash develop in 1929? What did we think of it as its 25th and 50th anniversaries in 1954 and 1979? And how might we view it now, at its 75th? Exploring these questions, I conclude that we need to forget some of what "everyone knows" about the Crash of '29.
The Great Crash of 1929 At Seventy-Five (PDF, 546.54 K)
In 2004, Americans celebrate, if that is the right word, the 75th anniversary of the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929. There had been market crashes before 1929. And there were crashes after 1929. But 1929 is still considered "The Big One." How did the Great Crash develop in 1929? What did we think of it as its 25th and 50th anniversaries in 1954 and 1979? And how might we view it now, at its 75th? Exploring these questions, I conclude that we need to forget some of what "everyone knows" about the Crash of '29.
Financial History, Fall 2004
The Role of the Town Bank in the Agrarian United States (PDF, 567.85 K)
Back when the United States was primarily a primarily an agrarian society, the banker, the doctor, the preacher, the lawyer and, in a way, the bar owner, were the enduring pillars of each town. It was the town banker, however, who enabled the farm-centric communities to survive and thrive.
The Role of the Town Bank in the Agrarian United States (PDF, 567.85 K)
Back when the United States was primarily a primarily an agrarian society, the banker, the doctor, the preacher, the lawyer and, in a way, the bar owner, were the enduring pillars of each town. It was the town banker, however, who enabled the farm-centric communities to survive and thrive.
Financial History, Spring 2004
Rings of Power (PDF, 349.52 K)
On August 12, 1984, Peter Ueberroth stood in the Los Angeles Coliseum during the Olympic closing ceremonies, tears escaping his usually tight control as the 93,000-member audience stood and cheered. Other honors would follow, including recognition from "Time" as the magazine's Man of the Year, over President Ronald Reagan. Neither an athlete nor a statesman nor a celebrity, Ueberroth was a middle-aged entrepreneur from Southern California, a self-made man who had, in large part, made the Games of the 23rd Olympiad happen -- and not only happen, but succeed on a spectacular level. In doing so, he changed many of the financial rules by which the Olympics had been played.
Rings of Power (PDF, 349.52 K)
On August 12, 1984, Peter Ueberroth stood in the Los Angeles Coliseum during the Olympic closing ceremonies, tears escaping his usually tight control as the 93,000-member audience stood and cheered. Other honors would follow, including recognition from "Time" as the magazine's Man of the Year, over President Ronald Reagan. Neither an athlete nor a statesman nor a celebrity, Ueberroth was a middle-aged entrepreneur from Southern California, a self-made man who had, in large part, made the Games of the 23rd Olympiad happen -- and not only happen, but succeed on a spectacular level. In doing so, he changed many of the financial rules by which the Olympics had been played.
Financial History, Winter 2004
Still They Ride (PDF, 875.99 K)
Now that the fossil record clearly shows that some dinosaurs evolved into birds, it should not be such a surprise that almost all of the first 12 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are still around. Their names reek of turn-of-the-century incipient industrialism: Tennessee Coal & Iron, American Cotton Oil, Distilling & Cattle Feeding. But well into the Information Age, only one on the debut list of May 26, 1896 is entirely gone. The U.S. Leather trust, the only preferred issue of the first Dow Dozen, was dropped in 1905. The trust was dissolved in 1911, and hardly a trace of the company or the industry remains in this country.
Still They Ride (PDF, 875.99 K)
Now that the fossil record clearly shows that some dinosaurs evolved into birds, it should not be such a surprise that almost all of the first 12 companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) are still around. Their names reek of turn-of-the-century incipient industrialism: Tennessee Coal & Iron, American Cotton Oil, Distilling & Cattle Feeding. But well into the Information Age, only one on the debut list of May 26, 1896 is entirely gone. The U.S. Leather trust, the only preferred issue of the first Dow Dozen, was dropped in 1905. The trust was dissolved in 1911, and hardly a trace of the company or the industry remains in this country.
Financial History, Fall 2003
Women on Wall Street: An Historical Perspective (JPG, 7.11 K)
In Martin Fridson's book, "It Was a Very Good Year: Extraordinary Moments in Stock Market History," 1954 ranks as the second best year of the 20th century for market returns as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (52.62 percent). It was also the year that the Dow finally regained its pre-1929 high of 381.37 and soared past the 400 mark for the first time. Fridson also notes the arrival of Muriel Siebert on Wall Street in 1954. Siebert, who established a successful career in a male-dominated industry, is probably best known as the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Siebert was not the typical career woman of the 1950s, but her struggle to overcome prejudice and discrimination on Wall Street caused us to wonder: What does it take for a woman to achieve prominence and respect on Wall Street?
Women on Wall Street: An Historical Perspective (JPG, 7.11 K)
In Martin Fridson's book, "It Was a Very Good Year: Extraordinary Moments in Stock Market History," 1954 ranks as the second best year of the 20th century for market returns as measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (52.62 percent). It was also the year that the Dow finally regained its pre-1929 high of 381.37 and soared past the 400 mark for the first time. Fridson also notes the arrival of Muriel Siebert on Wall Street in 1954. Siebert, who established a successful career in a male-dominated industry, is probably best known as the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Siebert was not the typical career woman of the 1950s, but her struggle to overcome prejudice and discrimination on Wall Street caused us to wonder: What does it take for a woman to achieve prominence and respect on Wall Street?
Financial History, Spring 2003
Emerging Stock Markets in the People's Republic of China (PDF, 911.84 K)
2004 marked the 20th anniversary of the re-emergence of securities trading in the People's Republic of China. In 1984, the government approved the issuance of the first publicly issued stock since 1949. The issuing company was the state-owned Beijing Tian-Quio Department Store, which issued a three-year fixed interest rate stock that resembled a three-year bond in Western financial markets. Beginning in 1990, China also permitted the establishment of 24 regional stock exchanges to trade the slowly expanding number of new shares. In late 1990, China formally re-established two fully functioning national stock exchanges, one in Shanghai and one in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. All Chinese share trading was gradually moved to these two exchanges, beginning in late 1990. After 12 years of rapid growth, China again became a major stock market in the Far East, third in size after Japan and Hong Kong.
Emerging Stock Markets in the People's Republic of China (PDF, 911.84 K)
2004 marked the 20th anniversary of the re-emergence of securities trading in the People's Republic of China. In 1984, the government approved the issuance of the first publicly issued stock since 1949. The issuing company was the state-owned Beijing Tian-Quio Department Store, which issued a three-year fixed interest rate stock that resembled a three-year bond in Western financial markets. Beginning in 1990, China also permitted the establishment of 24 regional stock exchanges to trade the slowly expanding number of new shares. In late 1990, China formally re-established two fully functioning national stock exchanges, one in Shanghai and one in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. All Chinese share trading was gradually moved to these two exchanges, beginning in late 1990. After 12 years of rapid growth, China again became a major stock market in the Far East, third in size after Japan and Hong Kong.
Financial History, Winter 2002
From Soap Suds to Beer Suds (PDF, 613.01 K)
One out of every two beers sold in the U.S. is brewed by Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis, MO. The family-run company traces its origins to the 1860s, but 2002 marks the first time in the company's 142-year history that its president and chief executive will be a non-family member.
From Soap Suds to Beer Suds (PDF, 613.01 K)
One out of every two beers sold in the U.S. is brewed by Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis, MO. The family-run company traces its origins to the 1860s, but 2002 marks the first time in the company's 142-year history that its president and chief executive will be a non-family member.
Financial History, Summer 2002
Big Bucks for Big Business (JPG, 5.76 K)
The development of underwriting syndicates is a phenomenon of late 19th century America arising out of the need for investment banks to pool their own capital to underwrite the new issue securities being sold to fund the growth of American industry. The railroad, steel, mining and utility industries all had significant capital requirements.
Big Bucks for Big Business (JPG, 5.76 K)
The development of underwriting syndicates is a phenomenon of late 19th century America arising out of the need for investment banks to pool their own capital to underwrite the new issue securities being sold to fund the growth of American industry. The railroad, steel, mining and utility industries all had significant capital requirements.
Financial History, Spring 2002
The Men Who Would be King (PDF, 513.66 K)
Long before Enron, Samuel Insull, Richard Whitney and Charles Keating were bilking investors out of millions, infuriating investigators, embarrassing politicians and forever endearing themselves to headline-hungry journalists.
The Men Who Would be King (PDF, 513.66 K)
Long before Enron, Samuel Insull, Richard Whitney and Charles Keating were bilking investors out of millions, infuriating investigators, embarrassing politicians and forever endearing themselves to headline-hungry journalists.
Financial History, Spring/Summer 2009
Enron 101 (PDF, 306.21 K)
How a Group of Business Students Sold Enron
a Year Before the Collapse
Enron 101 (PDF, 306.21 K)
How a Group of Business Students Sold Enron
a Year Before the Collapse
It is Wall Street lore that no one saw the collapse of Enron coming. Chairman Kenneth Lay, CFO Andrew Fastow, COO Jeffrey Skilling and their band of brigands had done such a good job of fooling accountants, auditors, investors and regulators that the implosion was a shock to all. Like much received wisdom on Wall Street, this is not entirely true.
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