Phrasal verbs for talking about finance

Money talk

Phrasal verbs

Add a preposition to a verb to come up with a completely new meaning!

background information

Phrasal verbs are used constantly in English. Remind yourself of how they are used here Then read the text on the next few slides to see examples of phrasal verb usage, paying attention to the phrasal verbs highlighted in yellow.

GFC - A CAUTIONARY TALE ABOUT THE PERILS OF SPECULATION

The 2008 Great Financial Crisis was a cautionary tale of economic speculation gone wrong. It was a period marked by excessive risk-taking, market manipulation, and the pursuit of short-term gains, leading up to a devastating crash that had far-reaching consequences. In this tale, we encounter various players - individuals, companies, and corporations - all driven by the desire for profit and the thrill of speculation. At the heart of economic speculation lies the concept of capital. It is the lifeblood of any venture, whether it be a sole proprietorship, a joint-stock company, or a limited monopoly. These entities rely on capital to finance their operations, take on new projects, expand their businesses, and generate revenue. Speculators, in their quest for quick profits, often bet on the rise or fall of companies' fortunes, buying and selling shares in issue based on their hunches or technical analysis. During the lead up to the crisis, many speculators took on increasingly risky positions, believing that the bull market would continue indefinitely. Bull investors, driven by optimism and a belief in the upward trajectory of the market, ignored warning signs and made speculative bets on potentially overvalued assets. Meanwhile, bear investors bet against the market, predicting a downturn and hoping to profit from a bear market rally. Market manipulation played a significant role in exacerbating the crisis. Some unscrupulous individuals or institutions engaged in practices like short selling the market, where they borrowed and sold assets they did not own in the hope of profiting from their declining value. This predatory behavior further destabilized the market and contributed to the crash.

The bursting of the housing bubble was a pivotal moment in the crisis. Real estate speculation had created a housing market bubble, with skyrocketing prices fueled by excessive lending and the securitization of loans. Financial institutions, enticed by the prospect of short-term gains, bought up mortgage-backed securities without fully understanding the risks. When the bubble burst, many financial institutions found themselves holding devalued assets and running up debts, pushing them to the brink of insolvency. To prevent a complete collapse of the financial system, governments and central banks stepped in to bail out failing institutions. These measures, intended to stabilize the economy and prevent a widespread economic depression, required massive amounts of taxpayer money. Individuals were left footing the bill for the excessive speculation and recklessness of others. However, amidst the cautionary tale, it is important to acknowledge that not all speculators suffered. Some savvy investors were able to profit from the crisis by betting on the bear market, recognizing opportunities for short selling or finding undervalued assets in the aftermath of the crash. While their gains may have come at the expense of others, it highlights the complexity and duality of speculation. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder that speculation, while potentially lucrative, can also lead to financial ruin. It is crucial to approach it with caution, conduct thorough research, and understand the risks involved. The pursuit of quick profits should not come at the expense of long-term stability or ethical practices. Speculation can be a double-edged sword, and the consequences of excessive risk-taking can have far-reaching implications for individuals, companies, and the broader economy.

GFC phrasal verbs

To review and practice the phrasal verbs you just read in the text above, c.omplete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb

more examples of phrasal verbs

Some phrasal verbs can be associated with certain topics, like finance or money. Watch the video about the collapse of Lehman Brothers and complete the expressions which use phrasal verb in a WordWall quiz

WordWall quiz

The exact expressions that you are trying to complete can be heard in the video, so listen carefully...