The head of credit research at Société Générale is zinging politicians on the super committee for failing to reach a deal on the America’s runaway debt. In short, the indication is that the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction blew a huge opportunity to accomplish something so much stronger than anyone may realize. In a note to investors, Soc Gen’s Roger Horn said U.S. credit markets already had little good news to be thankful for over the last week, “as spreads have traded 7.5% wider on investment grade corporate CDS and 9.8% on high yield CDS.” Horn also laments the lack of political power in the U.S. I complained about the lack of political power to solve Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. With Horn’s note, it now seems endemic: Washington lacks the ability to exact fundamental change. “With the failure of the debt super committee, American politicians succeeded in their apparent plan to improve the image of their European counterparts in the eyes of global investors,” Horn said. ZING! “Our economist Rudy Narvas notes that the failure reduces the probability that we will see a fiscal stimulus package in 2012 and therefore increases the risk of recession,” he added. “The Democrats had been trying to tie in some stimulus as part of the deficit talks, while the Republicans seemed reluctant to support any stimulus measures.” So it seems as if America’s politicians may, in the end, be very similar to those in Europe when it comes to solving fiscal crises. It’s an instance where imitation is not a form of flattery. Write to Jacob Gaffney. Follow him on Twitter @jacobgaffney.
Jacob Gaffney is formerly Editor-in-Chief of HousingWire and HousingWire.com. He previously covered securitization for Reuters and Source Media in London before returning to the United States in 2009. While in Europe for nearly a decade, he covered bank loans and the high yield market, in addition to commercial paper, student loan, auto and credit card space(s).see full bio
Most Popular Articles
Kelley Blue Book launches home valuation platform
Kelley Blue Book Homes launches in 10 states with valuations for consumers, agent subscriptions, and leads starting August 1.
Jul 07, 2026
-
Why aren’t mortgage rates lower?
Jul 07, 2026 -
The American Dream is not dead, it moved to markets that still build
Jul 02, 2026 -
America 250 is a turning point for American homeownership
Jul 02, 2026 -
Better mortgage spreads are still keeping home sales positive
Jul 04, 2026 -
Could a $475 Compass fee spark the next wave of real estate lawsuits?
Jul 06, 2026
Latest Articles
Reggora receives GSE verification for UAD 3.6 appraisal forms platform
Reggora can now be used during the government-sponsored enterprises’ Broad Production Period ahead of a looming compliance deadline.
-
Brands by Integra expands in Georgia
-
Now’s the time: Market forces and AI align to make property management an appealing option for brokers
-
The other half of the lake: Why lifecycle lending is becoming mortgages’ next growth strategy
-
AI is changing mortgage lending. Business intelligence is making it possible.
-
The AI edge for builders: Why institutional knowledge is becoming the industry’s most valuable asset
Jacob Gaffney is formerly Editor-in-Chief of HousingWire and HousingWire.com. He previously covered securitization for Reuters and Source Media in London before returning to the United States in 2009. While in Europe for nearly a decade, he covered bank loans and the high yield market, in addition to commercial paper, student loan, auto and credit card space(s).see full bio