NEW YORK (Reuters) - News that Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) might quickly pay back taxpayer money could pressure able rivals to do the same.
The Treasury Department's $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program was intended to provide lenders with more capital to spur lending and improve the economy.
Hundreds of companies have taken TARP money, ranging from $45 billion accepted by both Citigroup Inc (C.N) and Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) to $541,000 by The Victory Bank of Limerick, Pennsylvania.
But with TARP now seen more as an albatross, expectations are growing that more banks will repay their money as soon as they can. That would also free banks from dividend payouts, typically 5 percent a year. as well as Congress' demonstrated willingness to change the rules of engagement.
Goldman Sachs' speed to repay TARP may spur others | Special Coverage | Reuters
The Treasury Department's $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program was intended to provide lenders with more capital to spur lending and improve the economy.
Hundreds of companies have taken TARP money, ranging from $45 billion accepted by both Citigroup Inc (C.N) and Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) to $541,000 by The Victory Bank of Limerick, Pennsylvania.
But with TARP now seen more as an albatross, expectations are growing that more banks will repay their money as soon as they can. That would also free banks from dividend payouts, typically 5 percent a year. as well as Congress' demonstrated willingness to change the rules of engagement.
Goldman Sachs' speed to repay TARP may spur others | Special Coverage | Reuters