Emergency Economic Stabilization Act

Many observers trace the root cause of recent instability in financial markets to uncertainty surrounding the value of widely held securities that are based on mortgages and mortgage-related assets. Losses on these securities have led to the unexpected and relatively sudden failure of several large financial institutions. Credit markets have nearly frozen at times as financial institutions demanded very high interest rates on traditionally routine short-term lending. While there is limited evidence that financial turmoil has caused widespread damage in the broader economy, it is feared that significant real economic effects may be forthcoming, particularly if credit markets remain frozen. This book highlights The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA), established as law on October 3rd 2008, in response to these economic fears. The Act The Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), created by this Act, is also analysed. Furthermore, the insurance program contained in the enacted version of the EESA is briefly summarised and analysed. This is an edited, excerpted and augmented edition of various government publications.