Moral Hazard Speech

Here is a link to an October 20 speech given by Mervyn King.  The speech speaks of the concept of Moral Hazard:

http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/speeches/2009/speech406.pdf

Although there are various notable passages, I found this line perhaps most interesting:

 

 “The massive support extended to the banking sector around the world, while necessary to avert economic disaster, has created possibly the biggest moral hazard in history.”

I have commented on Moral Hazard previously on this blog.  As I have noted, there has been very little (especially relative to the size of the issue) commentary or attention given to the issue.  I believe the Moral Hazard issue is of the greatest importance. 

Moral hazard should have been addressed via credible policy many years ago.  I am certain that by neglecting this issue we will see immense damage.

 

SPX at 1098.22 as this post is written