金融史最疯豪赌！握1.2万亿AIG差点毁全球经济，美联储850亿救市

Core Viewpoint - The collapse of AIG in 2008 was a significant event that triggered global financial panic, highlighting the interconnectedness of major financial institutions and the potential systemic risks they pose [1][3][10]. Group 1: AIG's Background and Significance - AIG was once considered a "healthy benchmark" in the financial industry, with operations in 140 countries and total assets of $1.2 trillion, making it one of the largest insurance companies globally [3][5][16]. - The company had a 3A credit rating, which allowed it to secure favorable lending terms and attract business without actively seeking it [23][25]. - AIG's involvement in the insurance of over 80 million life insurance policies, with a total face value of $1.9 trillion, positioned it as a critical player in the financial system [23][31]. Group 2: The Crisis Trigger - The financial crisis began on September 15, 2008, when Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, leading to a 60% drop in AIG's stock price and a downgrade in its financial rating [10][12]. - AIG faced a liquidity crisis, prompting it to seek a $30 billion emergency loan from the New York Federal Reserve [12][16]. - The U.S. government, under President Bush, initially resisted the idea of bailing out Wall Street firms, reflecting public sentiment against using taxpayer money to rescue failing corporations [12][14]. Group 3: The Decision to Rescue AIG - Timothy Geithner, then President of the New York Federal Reserve, argued for a government bailout, emphasizing AIG's systemic importance due to its extensive connections with global financial institutions [20][21]. - AIG's risk exposure was estimated at $3 trillion, significantly higher than that of Lehman Brothers, indicating the potential for widespread financial fallout if AIG failed [21][31]. - Ultimately, the Federal Reserve approved an $85 billion bailout, which included a significant restructuring of AIG's management and a substantial equity stake for the government [39][42]. Group 4: Aftermath and Lessons Learned - The bailout successfully prevented a broader financial collapse, reinforcing the idea that the government must sometimes intervene to maintain market confidence [46][51]. - The U.S. government later profited from the bailout, recouping $22.7 billion four years after the initial investment [53]. - The AIG crisis serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of financial products like credit default swaps (CDS) and the importance of understanding systemic risk in the financial sector [55][57].