Great Recession of 2008 · US History

Which financial practice contributed significantly to the 2008 financial crisis?

  1. Balanced budgeting practices across federal and state governments
  2. Renewed global adoption of the classical gold standard
  3. Widespread use of permanently fixed exchange rate agreements
  4. Derivatives and mortgage-backed securities trading by major banks
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Correct answer: Derivatives and mortgage-backed securities trading by major banks

Complex financial instruments like mortgage-backed securities and derivatives spread risk throughout the system. When housing prices fell, these assets lost value and destabilized financial markets.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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