Banks need to continue to lend to creditworthy borrowers to earn a profit and remain strong.

I think policy is currently quite accommodative. I think it can remain quite accommodative for a while to come.

Only a strong economy can create higher asset values and sustainably good returns for savers.

No one will lend at a negative interest rate; potential creditors will simply choose to hold cash, which pays zero nominal interest.

The decline in home equity makes it more difficult for struggling homeowners to refinance and reduces the financial incentive of stressed borrowers to remain in their homes.

Given the extent of the exposures of major banks around the world to A.I.G., and in light of the extreme fragility of the system, there was a significant risk that A.I.G.'s failure could have sparked a global banking panic.