What's Next?

Here's how the fallout from the Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy will affect investors and the markets.

September 15, 2008

Another week, another shake-up in the financial sector. Actually three shake-ups this time. Investors awoke September 15 to news that Lehman Brothers had filed for bankruptcy, Merrill Lynch had agreed to be sold to Bank of America and American International Group was on the verge of collapse. The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 504.48 points -- its biggest one-day point loss since 9/11.

What does the latest turmoil in the financial sector mean for the market? What about investors who held Lehman mutual funds or had brokerage accounts with the company? What other bombs will drop? Here's our outlook and advice, along with recommended reading from the Kiplinger Business Resource Center.

Hang in There Investors
News of Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy sent the market into a tailspin, but here are three reasons not to give up on U.S. stocks.

What Happens to Lehman's Customers?
Their assets are protected, but there is some risk for those who invested in the company's mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and notes.

The Bright Side of the Financial Fallout
T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation fund's David Giroux is finding companies that will emerge stronger from the current crisis.

Reasons to Cheer Lehman's Demise
The company's bankruptcy may help curb the lousy judgment and ultra risk taking that led to the subprime mortgage disaster and then the broader credit crisis, says economist Robert Morici of the University of Maryland..

Bank Failures Will Spread to Main Street
Hundreds of banks will be closed over the next two years as housing investments go sour -- and regulators start taking a hard look at the books.

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