Despite hefty bailouts and infinitesimal interest rates, Citi, Ally Financial, MetLife and SunTrust were not able to pass the latest round of stress tests designed and measured by the Federal Reserve.

The BBC describes the criteria:

The Fed tested the banks’ ability to withstand a crisis that triggered a rise in unemployment to 13%, a 50% fall in share prices and a 21% drop in house prices from current levels.

Their strength is assessed by the amount of “buffer” best-quality assets, known as Tier 1 capital, they would hold if such conditions occurred.

The banks with the highest rating, reports the Beeb, were American Express, Bank of New York Mellon, and State Street.

The Fed released the results early after JP Morgan Chase started bragging that it had passed despite gobbling up the remains of some of the financial crisis’ most troubled institutions, including Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual. — PZS

Your support is crucial...

As we navigate an uncertain 2025, with a new administration questioning press freedoms, the risks are clear: our ability to report freely is under threat.

Your tax-deductible donation enables us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes the reality beneath the headlines — without compromise.

Now is the time to take action. Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and uncover the stories that need to be told.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG