The Financial Times was among press outlets this weekend reporting remarks by German finance minister Peer Steinbrück after the recently-concluded G7 meeting, who said the world’s financial leaders now believe write-offs linked to subprime mortgage-backed securities could reach as high as $400 billion. That number trumps most previous industry estimates of the impact of the mortgage crisis, which pegged losses at $120 billion, and suggests that more trouble may be ahead for many of Wall Street’s largest banks. Bloomberg TV provided in-depth coverage of the G7, below: (if you receive HW via email, please visit the Web site to view the video)
Germany’s Steinbrück: $400 Billion in Subprime Losses Possible
February 11, 2008, 9:07am
Paul Jackson is the former publisher and CEO at HousingWire.see full bio
Most Popular Articles
HUD tests a new Operation Breakthrough for today’s housing crisis
“Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres.” All Gaul is divided into three parts. Julius Caesar used those words more than 2,000 years ago to begin an account of military conquest. America’s housing affordability challenge might be described similarly. Like Gaul of yore, it divides into three parts: talk, action, and outcomes. Identifying the three […]
Jun 23, 2026
-
Builders planned for undersupply, now demand is the swing factor
Jun 23, 2026 -
Why we can’t get more housing construction in the US
Jun 24, 2026 -
Fannie Mae to expand title pilot program, Pulte says
Jun 24, 2026 -
Housing demand holds steady as regional inventory trends reshape the market
Jun 25, 2026 -
FHFA pushes GSEs to embrace chattel loans in Duty to Serve proposal
Jun 24, 2026
Latest Articles
How the housing market survived the Iran conflict
Mortgage spreads improved in 2026, keeping rates below 7% and helping demand hold up, even as oil spiked and inflation stayed hot.
-
VA loan fee hike proposal advances in Congress, drawing industry pushback
-
Homebuilding scale emerges as a fiduciary priority for boards
-
Decade-long accessibility push earns Seattle agent fair housing honor
-
Don’t give away your future: Why servicing is becoming a strategic asset
-
Florida homebuyers sue Compass over $475 transaction fee
Paul Jackson is the former publisher and CEO at HousingWire.see full bio