Source:
Independent (UK)The crisis at JP Morgan escalated yesterday as it emerged its trading losses in London could rise to as much as $7bn (£4.5bn) and the US bank cancelled a share buyback. Fears were growing that the losses could spiral from an initial $2bn, which was declared on 10 May, as JP Morgan struggles to unwind the massive bets made by the so-called "London Whale" trader Bruno Iksil.
In a further blow, chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon has suspended plans to use the US bank's own funds to buy back $15bn worth of shares. Buybacks are a popular way for firms to use up cash sitting on the balance sheet and prop up the share price.
JP Morgan shares tumbled 82 cents or 2.45 per cent to a new six month-low of $32.67. The bank's value has fallen by a quarter in a year. Mr Dimon insisted that the decision to cancel the buyback was not linked to fears about a possible increase in losses. "You should not interpret this as anything about the size of the loss," he said.
But as doubts persisted that the crisis has not yet abated, speculation was mounting that Mr Dimon could be forced to give up at least one of his dual boardroom roles. He has previously been regarded as the savviest banker on Wall Street as JP Morgan survived the credit crunch without a bailout.
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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/double-trouble-at-jp-morgan-traders-losses-could-exceed-7bn-7771347.html
These losses will undoubtedly climb higher.
Break these big banks up NOW.