Quote from scriabinop23:
I am thinking the same.. Here's what I am trying to understand: Lehman has never borrowed directly from the Fed, and the window is open for them. I don't see why they can not start borrowing now to ride out these times. I say who cares if they can not afford to raise capital with risk spreads now - they don't need to. They can borrow from the fed instead.
This short raid is just that ... a self fulfilling prophecy.
Tell me why I'm wrong, and I'll appreciate being corrected.
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2008/09/12/why-hasnt-lehman-come-calling-on-feds-discount-window/
Here's an interesting post here...
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Bob and Kafka⦠I apologize for my tone. It is probably due to the fact that I cannot sell my shares, even though I fully see and understand the momentum trade eroding the value of my familyâs nest egg.
Rather than simply point out what you donât know, Iâd like to help you understand the true HOW and WHY that Lehman could run out of capital (p.s. It is the same issue AIG is facingâ¦)
The rating agencies may downgrade Lehman based on their concern that Lehman is unable to raise long term capital. The rating agenciesâ assessment is due to the precipitous decline in their share price. That share price decline is largely due to (1) unsophicated sellers working off flawed assumptions likes those you presented, and (2)short sellers seeking to achieve this very outcome.
Employees own 30% of the firm, so I really doubt they were the one hitting Tuesdayâs $8 premarket bid when KDB talks fellâ¦
Now, if Lehman was to be downgraded, indentures within market standard derivatives documentation require them
to post increased collateral to their counterparties. While this might only be an incremental .25% on the notional value of those contracts, across billions that starts to add upâ¦
Lehman currently has an estimated liquidity pool of $42 billion. That is far greater than Bear Sterns had, and more than sufficient to fund ongoing operations if they can mitigate the rating agencies on their ability to raise capital (ie by selling Neuberger Berman).
Broker dealers do not fund themselves in the equity markets. As such, share prices are not an accurate measure of short term solvency.
Comment by ex Lehman - September 12, 2008 at 7:56 pm "