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February 27, 2026 

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DISINTERMEDIATION: A general deterioration in the profitability of a bank because it pays high interest rates on short-term borrowing, but earns relatively low interest rates on long-term lending. This was a big, BIG problem for savings and loans (S&Ls) during the 1970s and ultimately caused many of them to fail in the 1980s. S&Ls were designed (by law) to make long-term (30-year) home loans to consumers, but to get the funds for these loans using standard savings accounts. When inflation and interest rates shot up in the 1970s, S&Ls found it necessary to pay savers higher rates to get the funds. But, they still had a bunch of home loans--with low interest rates--that were 15, 20, or 25 years from being repaid. For several years, S&Ls received 6 percent on many of their loans, but paid out something like 12 percent. This gradually eroded their profitability until many were forced to close their doors.

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SECOND ESTATE

Another term for the business sector. This is one of four divisions of society based on economic function. The other three are government as the first estate, consumers as the third estate, and journalists as the fourth estate.

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GRAY SKITTERY
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time watching infomercials seeking to buy either a computer that can play music and burn CDs or a T-shirt commemorating last Friday (you know why). Be on the lookout for pencil sharpeners with an attitude.
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This isn't me! What am I?

The portrait on the quarter is a more accurate likeness of George Washington than that on the dollar bill.
"Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail."

-- Charles F. Kettering

IJIO
International Journal of Industrial Organization
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