C. D'Adda

This article addresses the origins and development of the present financial and real economic? crisis (2008-2009). It is shown how abundant liquidity and easy credit in the US housing market inflated world financial markets with credit-based bonds whose risk was largely underestimated. When the real risk of these bonds was correctly perceived it was too late. Unprecedented levels of insolvency ravaged the US and to some extent also the EU and Asian economies. Stock markets were much damaged all over the world. The way the real economy is hit by a generalized stock market fall is investigated, as is the related malfunctioning of the banking system. Problems regarding ultimate responsibility for the crisis and the necessary changes to be introduced into financial market regulation are also touched upon. Finally the likely conclusion of the crisis and prospects for the world economy in the coming years are considered. Key words: ABS, CDS, crisis, financial crisis, global crisis, MBS, stock markets, vehicle. JEL Classification: E32, E44, E65, G14.