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Tyler Durden's picture



More from Reuters:

With the ECB not yet ready to take over the technical but highly political responsibility for rating sovereigns, the bank's policymakers will also discuss more immediate ways to help Spain and its banks at their meeting on Thursday, such as further widening the types of collateral Spanish banks can use.






"In the case that the ECB Governing Council decides this, it would reduce the widely criticised influence of Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch," one euro zone central bank source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said.

And the punchline:



There is still some hope:







You laugh, but it's coming.



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Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:48 | 2546518 jimijon
jimijon's picture

Any gaming lawyers here?

Is it possible to create a "real ponzi" game? Like that Russian guy I read about here?

I think it would make for some fun and profitable social apps, phone apps, etc.

We would do full disclosure, etc. 

I can program it if it would be legal.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:50 | 2546529 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture



If we could just get Obama to pardon Madoff....we could fix this crap.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:00 | 2546583 knukles
knukles's picture

Ministry of Truth Rating Agency

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:09 | 2546607 tocointhephrase
tocointhephrase's picture

Just now from that so called news channel bbc 

NatWest and RBS customers hit by technical problems

Barclays has the same issues nearly every month just before pay day!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:13 | 2546639 theMAXILOPEZpsycho
theMAXILOPEZpsycho's picture

I'm again left agast at the ability of these agencies to wreck havoc in world markets. Its no different to a naughty boy in school saying calling the school beauty a slut and spreading nasty rumors around - ultimately leading to her suicide. Thats exactly what the rating agencies are doing with some of our best institutions - and the best of the best, sovereign governments. They are literally playing around with poeoples livelihoods. and even if some of the rumors were true, what good does it to bring it to light. Everyone knows the world economy thrives on confidence; we either thrive together, or we go down together, it really is that simple. Thats why I'm calling for the nationalization of all rating agencies - we can get the best minds from our universities to do the job, selected by the best minds from the government. We'll get the right people that way. The way these cowboys are carrying on at the moment you'd say they let just any unqualified simpleton decide the fate of an entire nation. Imagine how much better the poor old greeks would be today if it wasn't for the rating agencies.  


The fightback starts here...

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:15 | 2546648 Chris Jusset
Chris Jusset's picture

This is a very proud moment for Sir Charles Ponzi ... as it is now beyond question that his thesis has become the ultimate guiding principle for all Eurocrats and Central Bankers.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:29 | 2546699 Comay Mierda
Comay Mierda's picture

And the funny thing is when the SHTF all CNBC/CNN/FOX/MSNBC talking heads will say NO ONE SAW THIS COMING

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:36 | 2546736 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture



Time to call Bagdad Bob.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:09 | 2546910 Stackers
Stackers's picture

Ratings ? We dont need no stink'n ratings ?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:42 | 2547087 Divided States ...
Divided States of America's picture

We also dont need no Basel III requirements either.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:06 | 2546888 TheCanadianAustrian
TheCanadianAustrian's picture

Excellent troll. I thoroughly enjoyed that, thank you.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:15 | 2546642 Chris Jusset
Chris Jusset's picture

The ultimate circle jerk.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:36 | 2546735 semperfi
semperfi's picture

Better yet, make him Secretary of the Treasury - who is better qualified, really?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:50 | 2546532 101 years and c...
101 years and counting's picture

i'm first in (bottom of pyramid gets money back!).

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:56 | 2546564 N. B. Forrest
N. B. Forrest's picture

Just more rearraging deck chairs on the Titanic. 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:11 | 2546623 DeadFred
DeadFred's picture

The list of the deck is getting a mite steep now so it's hard to keep things looking tidy. These measures are unreal. We heard it was coming, we believed it and now we're seeing it and I still am amazed at what I'm watching. How do people with half a brain not see this for what it is? I use Phil Davis for my (somewhat) bullish counterpoint to ZH and this morning he said "GET OUT NOW!" (His caps)

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:49 | 2546521 101 years and c...
101 years and counting's picture

whats next?  Obama will executive privilege 10 trillion in debt down to 6 trillion?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:10 | 2546621 SheepDog-One
SheepDog-One's picture

Declare it so...and why stop there? Just wipe out all corporate/govt debt and transfer it to the peasant taxpayer.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:49 | 2546524 Catullus
Catullus's picture

Monetize everything.

I'm sure those assets will be marked to par and not market, as is traditional for central banks.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:49 | 2546526 battle axe
battle axe's picture

Fucking Joke. Rate themselves, that always works well, will give a lot of confidence to the market...

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:08 | 2546611 lizzy36
lizzy36's picture

What? self-rating doesn't work?

You mean the 10 one see's on their local "please date/shtup me" website is photoshopped. That one needs to read in an extra 50 lbs, 10 years, and perhaps a sex change....unpossible.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:13 | 2546637 DeadFred
DeadFred's picture

And yet another reason why staying married is a happy thing. Thanks

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:49 | 2546527 pods
pods's picture

Why do I see the collateral as being the same suitcase used in Dumb and Dumber?


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:43 | 2546766 adr
adr's picture

What was her name, swisson, swanson?

Look Lloyd it's written on the suitcase.

Bernankonite, man I was way off.


What is that?

Those sir are BOU's, just as good as cash. Everything is accounted for.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:51 | 2546533 Gief Gold Plox
Gief Gold Plox's picture

What's this thing a "deposit" you speak of?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:15 | 2546586 knukles
knukles's picture

EU Collateral and Sperm Bank Deposit Authority

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:53 | 2546536 Cursive
Cursive's picture

Henhouse, meet Fox.  Of course, this could NEVER happen in America with all of our governmental checks and balances among the 3 branches of government.  Oh, and as for that 4th branch that is not mentioned in the sacrosanct "Constitution", I am told by the Fed that it is completely independent of the political process.  So, no, no way this is gonna happen in Amerika.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:00 | 2546825 Boxed Merlot
Boxed Merlot's picture

By fourth estate, you do mean of course your right and privilege to write and post your opinion, right?

The federal reserve is nowhere mentioned as an estate in the original writings. Coining of money was however, and it took nearly 150 years before the insidious private sector script was surreptitiously adopted by the sovereign government of the US as "legal tender". The 100 year old federal reserve has proven itself a most cruel slave-owner and has "legal" claim to US government issued promissory notes whose compound interest bearing accumulations are such that our grandchildren will be unable to pay off, yet alone touch the underlying "principle". Isn't 100 years old the "legal" definition of a life span? I say it's time for its burial.

"Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days." Last days indeed. Time for a new beginning. One with sovereign issued non-interest bearing script redeemable in lawful money coined in legally specified weights and measures as prescribed by law. imo.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:50 | 2546537 Benjamin Glutton
Benjamin Glutton's picture

subprime central banking.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:16 | 2546608 knukles
knukles's picture

Truly the Zimbabweization of a Central Bank Balance Sheet


Knukles Insight of the Day

The Fed's taken in all sorts of MBS and has an UBSO (Unidentified Balance Sheet Object) called Other Assets... which we know of naught... probably funky shit as well, the ECB's now gonna take in everything and anything that walks upright....

How do you say Currency Debasement?

With what do you protect yourself?

I knew you knew the answers.

This is a formal confirmation that fiat is worthless.

The Credibility Trap.
This will, mark my words, come back, standing out as a seminal moment.  Defining the formal destruction of the Euro... of the Current Fiat Regimes.
Gold will be under CB selling pressure in this light.
Cannot let the market confirm the inanity of this decision.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:51 | 2546542 gkumar
gkumar's picture

It means Draghi can now launch LTRO-3 with these toilet papers as collateral?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:55 | 2546562 Gief Gold Plox
Gief Gold Plox's picture

I thought LTRO 1 & 2 already accepted T.P. So I guess for LTRO#3 they'll have to resort to accepting used T.P.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:52 | 2546543 q99x2
q99x2's picture

That'll never work.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:53 | 2546547 miker
miker's picture

The Crouts will screw the whole thing.   They still consider themselves superior to the rest of Europe.  They hate America too for annihalting them in WWII.  The EU is doomed. 

And, most signficantly, most people are starting to undertstand that.......the black swan this time is truth.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546549 Beam Me Up Scotty
Beam Me Up Scotty's picture

We are raising your chocolate ration from 30 grams to 20 grams!! You have earned it!!!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546550 hedgehog9999
hedgehog9999's picture

Whatever rating they choose to give those bonds , it does NOT change the fact they will be acquiring garbage, perhaps at a faster rate which will speed up this slow motion movie!!!!

More popcorn please...



Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:53 | 2546551 lizzy36
lizzy36's picture

WHAT....they klepotocrats are changing the rules mid game to benefit themselves again.....color me NOT shocked.

So far EZ is doing a great job at breaking that whole bank/sovereign, incestuous realtionship thingy.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546552 The Vizier
The Vizier's picture

Why not ? Thats how banks do it and we know how well it worked for them.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546553 tarsubil
tarsubil's picture

It seems we can't get enough morphine anymore so we're going to supplement our diet with LSD.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546556 MarcusLCrassus
MarcusLCrassus's picture

Someone sounds butthurt that their corrupt rating agencies are finally getting kicked to the curb. 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:11 | 2546622 knukles
knukles's picture

When all they had to do was get rated by the agencies more often so as to pay more fees to the ratings agencies....
Sorta in the same vein as heroin, campaign contributions, hearings, etc.

What a clusterfuck.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546557 SeverinSlade
SeverinSlade's picture

LTRO3 coming now that Fed has basically said no QE until 2013?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:54 | 2546559 BliptoP3
BliptoP3's picture

Just one question:

How do I open an account at this ECB?  You see, I am an Nigerian prince ...

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:49 | 2546780 magpie
magpie's picture

Wait, they'll send you an email.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:57 | 2546565 orangedrinkandchips
orangedrinkandchips's picture

"Ratings? We aint got no ratings....we dont need no ratings....we dont have to show you no stinking ratings!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:56 | 2546568 slewie the pi-rat
slewie the pi-rat's picture

ECB is zombie bank

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:06 | 2546603 fuu
fuu's picture

The check is in the mail?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:40 | 2546750 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture



Yes. We sent a blank one......fill it out for whatecer you need.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:53 | 2546795 fuu
fuu's picture

Pay to the Order of: Fuu

Amount: Eleventy Brazillion Dollars and xx/100

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:57 | 2546569 Deuces gone wild
Deuces gone wild's picture

Hopefully the models they use aren't produced by Jamie and his crew.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:57 | 2546570 chubbar
chubbar's picture

Well, at least now we know the mechanism they will use to justify printing the shit out of the Euro.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:58 | 2546574 oleander garch
oleander garch's picture

Finally, the ECB is catching up to the Federal Reserve!  Think how much excess cash the TBTF got by not marking to market and dumping collateral for cash onto the Fed in 2008 and 2009.  Money does not grow on trees but it does appear in cyberspace.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:15 | 2546652 Boxed Merlot
Boxed Merlot's picture

Finally, the ECB is catching up to the Federal Reserve!...


The ultimate irony is this is the main accusation the west has had on China's currency.  These currencies will now be meeting each other on the same road.  The difference being they're headed in opposite directions.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:43 | 2546768 semperfi
semperfi's picture

The lessons learned from the Tim Geithner Lecture Series have finally sunk in.  Europeans, you are a little slow getting on board, but welcome aboard!!  Next stop, over-the-cliff.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:58 | 2546575 BandGap
BandGap's picture

That being said, I would like to inform all of you that I am the best contributing member to Zerohedge, as rated by me. I will, in the near future, be authoring several accredidations and references in this regard, and anything anyone comments about in regards to my most execellent rating will be ignored.

All your comments about me are belong to me.

Thank you and have a great day!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:08 | 2546617 pepperspray
pepperspray's picture

I traded you that priveledge and now your first payment is due.  Would you like to make your payment today or would you prefer creating a new line of credit to help you with your financing? Any collateral?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:59 | 2546577 Oldwood
Oldwood's picture

I wonder if the bank will accept my appraisal to the value of all of my crap when I apply for that one big loan that will save my ass? See, it really is all about how we feel about ourselves, our self image! Why i'm feeling right good about myself today. As a matter of fact i feel like a BILLION dollars! A conservative bank should be willing to loan me at least $800,000,000. on that, right? Just call me collateral...damage!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:59 | 2546578 orkneylad
orkneylad's picture

“Men shall speak with men who hear not; their eyes shall be open and they shall not see; they will speak to them and there shall be no reply; they will ask pardon from one who has ears and does not hear, they will offer light to one who is blind, and to the deaf they will appeal with loud clamour”

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 08:59 | 2546581 orangedrinkandchips
orangedrinkandchips's picture

pick a number! any number!

I agree the rating agencies are FUBAR and worthless as teets on a boar.....BUT didnt we know this on the way up?

Now that it's not fair we chuck em?


Should have chucked them long, long ago!


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:01 | 2546585 Yellowhoard
Yellowhoard's picture

This nothing but fancy shmancy check kiting.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:01 | 2546587 midgetrannyporn
midgetrannyporn's picture

Doin' a heckuva job!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:02 | 2546588 Alejandrito
Alejandrito's picture

I do not know what is studied in faculties of economics, if the only thing they do over and over again is to launch the creation of Carlo Ponzi

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:02 | 2546592 midgetrannyporn
midgetrannyporn's picture

Ponzi didn't have the central banks watching his back or he would still be in business.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:13 | 2546635 knukles
knukles's picture

Maybe then Ponzi coulda Madoff with the money

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:02 | 2546589 Zaydac
Zaydac's picture

"Obviously, once the general public comprehends ..."

Oh come on. No chance. Surely by now it is obvious that they don't comprehend anything that requires any sort of mathematical understanding and an attention span of more than ten seconds. 

The only things in this mess that will get the attention of the general public are (1) switching off the ATMs, or (2) a litre of petrol (gasolene) costs 100 euros. Guess which one is most likely to happen. 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:02 | 2546590 the not so migh...
the not so mighty maximiza's picture

Thanks god... they can make it AAA+ again.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:06 | 2546599 El Hosel
El Hosel's picture

....Bad news for gold apparently, "the Market is talking". Another bullish development accross the pond, sell gold, buy the Ponzi.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:16 | 2546613 El Hosel
El Hosel's picture

.... Not so good for BBBY, Broadening  Island of distribution fully engulfed in one red swoosh.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:10 | 2546619 the not so migh...
the not so mighty maximiza's picture

their madness is showing now, 

What , I have a 620 FICO score, no I don't use that, I have an 820, rating by Me , myself , and I.



Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:03 | 2546593 Coldfire
Coldfire's picture


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:04 | 2546595 aleph0
aleph0's picture



@Tyler(s) .. any chance of getting this report onto the  German MSM TV News tonight ?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:33 | 2546598 fuu
fuu's picture


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:06 | 2546600 Dr. Engali
Dr. Engali's picture

Pardon my ignorance, but isn't this what got us into trouble in the first place. AAA rated junk being leveraged up? Either they are complete idiots or their plan is coming together perfectly. There are no accidents in politics.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:12 | 2546631 BandGap
BandGap's picture

The rating agencies should not be trusted for this very same reason. That is why the ECB should take over rating it's own debt.

Wait, how fucking convoluted is that? The irony is the rating agencies started doing the RIGHT thing, and subsequently got the boot.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:07 | 2546606 bagehot99
bagehot99's picture

This is AWESOME!! The bank tells the appraiser what to value the home at, and then the borrower is loaned money to buy the home at 97.5% LTV that he doesn't qualify for under any objective criteria, as dictated by the whims and wishes of ignorant politicans. What the fuck could go wrong with this plan? It's fucking genius, and you H8Rs need to leave Mario alone - this will end the cycle of boom and bust!! Hooray, martinis and bonuses all round!!!!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:16 | 2546654 BandGap
BandGap's picture

No shit.

"I'm OK, you're OK" OK?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:07 | 2546609 Gief Gold Plox
Gief Gold Plox's picture

In similar news - LOL @ Tyler on Twitter: "The Fed downgrades gold to CCC"

Must be coz it aint backed by anything.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:15 | 2546645 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture



Cue the bimbos......if you can't find one just call Liesman.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:08 | 2546616 newworldorder
newworldorder's picture

The only financial  fascination left is watching how far this ponzi can be pushed without being called on it. Whatever is left of the market, MSM on both sides of the Atlantic, the Accounting Profession, European Sovereigns and US Congress will either intervene or forever stay silent.

Watching human nature at work is very entertaining. Mass denial is a powerfull tool indeed.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:09 | 2546620 No Euros please...
No Euros please we&#039;re British's picture

The ECB just gave andrex a triple A rating. Europe is fixed!


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 12:44 | 2547655 XitSam
XitSam's picture

They should do it for Greek, Spanish, Portugese, Irish, Italian bonds too.  The pen is mightier than the sword.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:11 | 2546626 i_call_you_my_base
i_call_you_my_base's picture

The ratings version of mark to model. Awesome.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:11 | 2546630 SheepDog-One
SheepDog-One's picture

Each sticky candy bar wrapper 'collateral' is worth 1 BILLION doellars!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:12 | 2546633 rsnoble
rsnoble's picture

So since the FED is going to start buying individual stocks, REIT's and who knows what else........does the mean that they will own absolutely everything that they purchased with money created out of thin air?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:14 | 2546643 knukles
knukles's picture


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 11:33 | 2547373 newworldorder
newworldorder's picture

You know this may work - knukles;

Since the FED and other Large Central banks are now the market - we no longer need the "actual market." Marry this with HFT and you have the perfect closed loop for bonds, equities and precious metals. The FED will now determine asset prices and as long as the vig gets funded, everyone is happy.

The only fly in the ointment is the price of consumable natural resources as well as productive commodities necessary for life itself.

Who needs pesky markets? One less thing to worry about - right? Whatever will our learned ecomomists do for a living? Their horror will be endless.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:18 | 2546663 SheepDog-One
SheepDog-One's picture

Well yes this is called 'monetizing the debt'.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:50 | 2546786 semperfi
semperfi's picture

better known as 'back-door imposed state-owned everything' (aka, communism), willfully and voluntarily handed to them by the American sheeple - brilliant plan - brilliant!!! - those dum old Soviet communists got nothin on our Amerikan communists

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:13 | 2546638 RobotTrader
RobotTrader's picture

Hard to say which is sinking faster:


Gold, oil, or sovereign bond prices?

Tough call.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:23 | 2546680 Gief Gold Plox
Gief Gold Plox's picture

Robo! You're back? What the hell happened? I thought you died or something; you just disappeared all of the sudden. What's that? Momo summer camp? Never heard of it.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:26 | 2546698 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture



Be gentle.....or the rehab could backfire.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:26 | 2546702 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

Easy,  fiat.  Just checked on the diesel and PM storage.  Both are fine.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:15 | 2546647 surf0766
surf0766's picture

It is really pathetic to watch isn't it. All these individuals who all read the same leadership manuals can't think for themselves on what the best approach is to fix the problems.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:31 | 2546656 falak pema
falak pema's picture

Its every continent for itself as a transparent and efficient market does not exist in this crazy race to foggy bottom. And those three rating agencies are as much an expression of market corruption as are the PDs who control the even more dubious FED and benefit from ZIRP for all their shady ongoing deals!

Let this financial war play itself out, as it bleeds the people dry on both sides of the pond to save the Oligarchs who got us in this mess in the first place.

I find particularly befuddling to read seemingly partisan statements, in the context of this totally evident and insincerely manipulated financial monopoly game, of the nature printed hereafter : Two days ago we noted with muted disgust that Europe has legislated to scrap the use of rating agencies, who were everyone's best friend during the up-phase in the global ponzi, but now that deleveraging is accelerating and ratings downgrades are coming, are like the drunk guest who refuses to leave the insolvent party at 4 am.... 

I don't condone the opaqueness of markets and the ECB mantra if they apply it, no way, but I do condone that these PROVEN shills, who never saw ANYTHING coming in 2008 and who blow their subservient horn  subsequently in this currency and financial war when asked to by the Banksta cabal who pay their bills,  be thrown out by their necks. Good riddence of these rats who spread the global plague; by their past sins of subservient omission if not of commission. But a new type of independent rating agency is obviously required, one that is nOT at the beck and call of either the PD Oligarchs OR the central banks! 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:16 | 2546658 saturn
saturn's picture

Time travel is possible. Approaching 1984 rapidly.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:18 | 2546665 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

Excellent.  I have also decided to rate my own assets as well and have concluded that I can extend myself some credit.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:19 | 2546667 WineSorbet
WineSorbet's picture

I might fight for Germany in the coming WW.  And I'm a jew!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 21:01 | 2546704 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture



Boy.....that would be ironic.


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:20 | 2546669 green888
green888's picture

ECB Ratings with same prefix as films

G - General, any muppet whatever age

PG- Provisionary General, young muppetes need parental muppet guidance

A- over 18,  for a fictional pension requirement

AA- EXTREME Caution, psycopaths and rioters only

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:21 | 2546675 bugs_
bugs_'s picture

Nationalization of the ratings agencies is a logical step.  Kind of a reverse deep capture!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:21 | 2546676 monopoly
monopoly's picture

This is becoming surreal. I cannot believe this. On second thought, why am I surprised.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:24 | 2546685 Rat King
Rat King's picture

Every morning we wake up to this interminable dross. This will actually be bullish for equity markets short term as the officials continue to show their aptitude for  kicking the can "by any means necessary". 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:26 | 2546692 youngandhealthy
youngandhealthy's picture

This is not a bad thing. Why should Europe rely on US "Banksters" that are setting the ratings? ECB are lending the money so they decide what they think is sufficient rating. The Ratings Institutes should get the F... out of here

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 12:14 | 2547548 viahj
viahj's picture

yeah, but that slope is 890 and covered in olive oil

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:25 | 2546694 semperfi
semperfi's picture

People will still buy that shit cuz 'there's a sucker born everyday'.  The real idiots are the dummm-azzz morons who buy it - hahahahaha!!!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:26 | 2546701 ptoemmes
ptoemmes's picture

So...<inseret your favorite ratings agency here> downgrades banks, bonds, you name it in the EU.

The EU responds:



Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:31 | 2546708 scatterbrains
scatterbrains's picture

I like how Tyler's mind is always thinking 2 or 3 steps ahead and can't wait for the ECB to threaten a German downgrade if they don't pony up their citizens money.  If there was ever a reason for Germany to just walk away from the ponzi this I think would be it no ?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:29 | 2546710 Bansters-in-my-...
Bansters-in-my- feces's picture

This whole financial PONZI makes me puke......
Ps ...Fuck you Ben lying sack of shit.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:34 | 2546723 100pcDredge
100pcDredge's picture


Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:36 | 2546733 AmenRa
AmenRa's picture

Hey did those stress tests work out for you? And you think we're going to believe your debt ratings after that?

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:38 | 2546746 Bansters-in-my-...
Bansters-in-my- feces's picture

And Houdini thought he knew magic.

You ain't seen nothing yet....

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:43 | 2546763 GCT
GCT's picture

Although the ECB and Europe will rate themselves now, that does not mean they will not get ratings from these firms.  this is getting pathetic.   The ECB can rate all they like inthe end the markets will decide.  Of course the ECB will be buying all the bonds like the Fed does. 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:43 | 2546767 toros
toros's picture

Easiest way out of this mess is for the ECB to pump the banks balance sheets back up. 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 09:58 | 2546834 elwu
elwu's picture

"the ECB itself will decide what the collateral value is of pieces of paper it accepts"

This approach the ECB learned from the Greeks, who demand they themselves set the interest rates, terms and conditions under which they want generously accept further loans (which will never be paid back anyway).

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:50 | 2547094 Never One Roach
Never One Roach's picture

There's greater transparency now in the sense we are now 100% sure the collateral is junk.  Clears up any previous confusion.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 10:46 | 2547105 AbbeBrel
AbbeBrel's picture

Whoa. Déjà vu. 

What did you just say? 

Nothing. Just had a little déjà vu. 

What did you see? 

What happened? 


How much like it? Was it the same cat? 

It might have been. I'm not sure. 

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 11:03 | 2547204 dicktator
dicktator's picture

In soviet Russia the goverment rates YOU!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 11:14 | 2547269 Alpacanio
Alpacanio's picture

Wow, what a joke. How can ANYONE trust the EURO now. It's a 100% lie and worthless.

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 11:18 | 2547298 youngandhealthy
youngandhealthy's picture

If you don't want Euro don't buy our stuff, but I tell you we want buy your stuff either

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 13:28 | 2547836 covert
covert's picture

why not short the euro?

