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Auction Rate Securities: Mechanics And Turmoil, Sachin Raval
Auction Rate Securities: Mechanics And Turmoil, Sachin Raval
Sachin R Raval
This study's objective was to understand the origins, mechanics and recent turmoil of the Auction Rate Securities market. Prior to the 2008 collapse, the ARS market had a successful 20-year history. Many investors believed that auction rate securities were cash equivalents with above market yields. Unfortunately, due to the credit crunch, these securities became illiquid, as no buyers were willing to take existing holders' positions. Furthermore, the clearing rate or interest rate of these securities is set through a Dutch auction. In 2006, the SEC conducted a probe of the ARS market. This probe revealed that broker/dealers prevented failed auctions …