US Banks Face a Looming $620 Billion Crisis
The Banking Industry Struggles with Unrealized Losses Amid Rising Interest Rates
According to recent reports, banks across the United States are grappling with $620 billion in unrealized losses - assets that have lost value but have not yet been sold.
The head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has cautioned that this looming crisis could significantly impact the banking industry. The situation has arisen due to US banks purchasing Treasuries and bonds when interest rates were low.
However, with interest rates now rising, newly issued bonds are paying higher rates to investors, making older bonds with lower rates less attractive and less valuable. This has led to a worrying shortfall in assets for banks and pension funds across the country, reducing reported equity capital.
The revelation raises concerns about the long-term stability of the banking industry in the United States.