1979 Quote by Michael Lewis
““Before Volcker’s speech, bonds had been conservative investments, into which investors put their savings when they didn’t fancy a gamble in the stock market. After Volcker’s speech, bonds became objects of speculation, a means of creating wealth rather than merely storing it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Big Short, 2010
Volcker’s speech shifted bonds from safe storage to speculative assets, changing investor behavior.
In simple terms: Bonds became a way to make money, not just keep it safe.
Recognize how policy can alter market dynamics.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investment strategy
- financial planning
- risk assessment
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do policy shifts affect asset classes?
- What risks arise from treating safe assets as speculative?
Speculation can increase volatility and risk for investors.