When Porsche tried in 2008 to take over (much larger) Volkswagen AG using opaque financial derivatives, analysts pejoratively dubbed it a “hedge fund” that also makes sports cars. The bid was unsuccessful. Now Porsche is part of Volkswagen, and the parent could almost be described as a “credit giant” with some car brands attached. This structure, though, is doing wonders ...

  You may not feel it yet, but if you’re an American homeowner you’re probably a good bit richer after the dizzying run-up in housing prices last year. But how do you tap into your newfound wealth? And should you? US homeowners gained an average $55,300 in their home’s value (minus their mortgage) in 2021. In some especially hot cities, ...

  Obamacare gave Americans a lot to argue about before it became law in 2010. One contentious question concerned its eventual economic effect, with supporters saying it would invigorate businesses by freeing them from burdensome healthcare costs and opponents warning of a drag produced by tax increases and government bureaucracy. A decade’s worth of data has now rendered a partial ...