This week we learned that the Magnetar Hedge Fund bought risky bonds (CDOs) and bet against them (with a credit-default swap) aiding in the financial meltdown and misleading investors. In addition, Goldman Sachs is being accused by the S.E.C. of defrauding investors in a similar fashion. For great coverage and analysis of these stories, listen to the This American Life episode “Inside Job” and this recent Bill Moyers conversation with Simon Johnson and James Kwak on financial reform. They argue that the financial lobby is only bigger and stronger than it was before the crises and that true financial reform is unlikely.
Tags: CDO's, CDS, Economics, magnetar