derivatives

The Real Impact of JPMorgan Chase Halting Its Share Buybacks

As a result of the bank's recent $2 billion trading loss, JPMorgan Chase announced it would suspend its $15 billion share-buyback program. Here's a primer on the damaging trades, what the buyback program was about, and what its cancellation means for investors.

Another Ex-Goldman Banker Confesses: Firm Is 'Toxic'

The fallout is still evolving from Greg Smith's public resignation from Goldman Sachs, a firm he called "toxic and destructive," where clients were mocked and their interests sidelined. In a DailyFinance exclusive, we have a response from another ex-employee who backs his claims -- and defends her former colleagues.

NYSE Merger with Deutsche Boerse Blocked by EU

The EU has blocked the Deutsche Boerse's planned merger with NYSE Euronext, a deal that would have created the world's largest financial exchange operator, because the venture would have had a near-monopoly in the trading of European derivatives.

Does It Matter That a German Exchange May Control the NYSE?

The fabled New York Stock Exchange isn't what it used to be. Today's NYSE Euronext has lost a huge volume of trading to upstart computerized exchanges in recent years, and scandals have tarnished its luster. Now, Germany's Deutsche Boerse wants to buy control of it. I say: "Sell!"

At Little Signature Bank, Back to Basics Is Paying Off Big

The pint-size Manhattan bank's market cap of $2 billion is dwarfed by JPMorgan's $161.5 billion and BofA's $126.4 billion. Still, Signature has done far better for investors this year. By steering clear of risky derivatives and sticking with basic banking, Signature is thriving.

Would Rating Downgrades Clip Bank Profits?

Moody's is reviewing 10 large regional banks for possible downgrades because it thinks financial reform means total government support is now less likely. That's setting off a debate about whether those banks will actually take a hit to profitability.

A Wall Street Lawyer's Take on Financial Reform

Winthrop Brown, a Washington lawyer who lobbies on behalf of financial services firms, says the new regulations should get "a pretty good grade" from Wall Street -- and from Main Street. But will they prevent another economic meltdown?

The Biggest Winners in Financial Reform

The effects of the Dodd-Frank financial regulation reform bill will clearly be sweeping, even if not all quite predictable. At this early point, here's a rundown of some of the biggest likely winners from the now-passed legislation.

Wall Street's Cantor Fitzgerald Becomes a Las Vegas Bookie

The bond-trading specialist is taking bets and setting odds for the new M Resort Spa & Casino. But instead of simply handicapping games and accepting wagers, Cantor's tech-savvy braintrust has turned betting into something more akin to trading.

Derivatives Played "No Role" in Financial Crisis?

At the Financial Services Inquiry Commission hearing, former Wall Street derivatives executive Steven Kohlhagen claimed derivatives generally played "no role" in causing the financial crisis. This puzzling argument doesn't pass the straight-face test.

The Case for Buying Bank Shares Now

Some pros are aiming straight at the eye of the financial hurricane, buying into the besieged banks. Here's why: The uncertainty threatening them has dissipated, and banks will now start looking for new ways to profit from the new rules.