The following is a video which explains:
Our Confusing Economy, Explained
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=4&islist=true&id=13&d=04-03-2008
I yield to another's comments, whose expertise is in the financial market/field:
"The first half is excellent, maybe the best primer for average people that I've heard. Initially he lays the blame right where it belongs: Phil Gramm, the Fed and the culture of deregulation. Unfortunately, later Greenberger supports the BSC deal as "necessary" and indirectly blames speculators for the derivatives mess. Still worth a listen and maybe a forward to friends who are trying to get it but having trouble connecting the dots."
meant to say AUDIO...not video