The $2 billion loss at JPMorgan Chase (JPM) has reopened debate on the Volcker rule. The proponents of the rule have seized on the story as proof that the Volcker rule is necessary and should be quickly put into effect by regulation. In reality, however, if the facts are as thus far reported, what happened at JPMorgan is proof that the Volcker rule is unworkable and should be repealed. 

The government is currently considering alternative means of assisting banks: buying assets (including the creation of an aggregator bank) and offering various forms of downside guarantee against loss on some assets.

Inspired by President Obama’s cheap election-year politicking, Congress has launched into a frenzied, bipartisan panderfest over the Stafford loan program. Late last week, an emotional House speaker John Boehner led House Republicans to vote for an Obama-proposed giveaway he’d denounced just a few days previously.For those who don’t...

The federal government has taken over large swaths of consumer lending, most notably the $10 trillion home mortgage and $1 trillion student lending markets. The government's share of new loans for each now approaches 100%.Government monopolies in financial services pose risks to taxpayers as well as borrowers

Only by ensuring mortgage quality and fostering the accumulation of adequate capital behind housing risk can a robust housing investment market be created without government guarantees.

The Federal Reserve's proposed mortgage disclosures correctly focus on presenting key information to borrowers, but the information presented should be more oriented around whether the borrower can afford the loan in question.

Borrowers should be better educated and better equipped when signing on a mortgage loan.

Alex J. Pollock explains the need for and the essential elements of a clear, one-page mortgage disclosure form.