Texas ratio n.— «In banking, distress can be gauged by comparing the amounts of delinquent loans and other nonperforming assets on the books against capital and loan-loss reserves—a measure known in the industry as a “Texas ratio.” A...
zombie company n.— «A new phrase, “zombie companies,” was coined to describe those companies kept alive by banks even though they were insolvent. Some were property companies the value of whose assets had fallen by more than 30 per...
reverse redlining n.— «In a practice called “reverse redlining,” the lenders placed borrowers in targeted minority communities into loans they could not afford, later forcing them to go into foreclosure.» —“Memphis...
gapping n.— «The practice is called “gapping.” It’s when colleges offer students financial aid packages beneath what they need to attend—often driving them to other revenue sources like a private loan or, if they’re lucky, a...
car czar n.— «The loan program calls for the installation of a government official to monitor the money, and to keep track of whether GM, Chrysler and Ford—if Ford does need to tap into it—stay on track to restructure their business not...
In this week’s installment of “Slang This!” a contestant from the National Puzzlers’ League tries to guess the meaning of the term vigorish. And no, it’s not a Viagra-laced anise liqueur. He also guesses the meaning of...