Inside Job (2010)

Trader's Film Library #32 · The 2008 crisis. The Oscar-winning documentary about how the system led to the 2008 crisis.

Original title: Inside Job · Type: documentary · Created by: Charles Ferguson · Usefulness for traders: ★★★★☆

What it's about

A documentary about the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, with interviews with economists, regulators and bankers. Narrated by Matt Damon. Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.

What it has to do with markets

The film shows deregulation, the role of the rating agencies and the conflicts of interest of economists and bankers. It's a strong critique of the system, but also a good lesson in how credit bubbles form.

Lessons for traders

• credit ratings aren't a guarantee
• incentives shape behaviour: look at what someone gets a bonus for
• bubbles grow for years and burst in weeks

What to watch out for

An advocacy documentary with a clear thesis. Worth watching critically.

Discussion

The discussion takes place in Hetman Capital Club (in Polish). Join the discussion in the Club →

Navigation

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The description outlines the plot without revealing the ending where possible (true stories have a known outcome). Educational content, not investment advice.