Why do the banks need a bail-out?

Last Modified: 22 Apr 2008
By: Katie Razzall

Katie Razzall's graphic explains why the banks need a £50bn bail-out from the Bank of England and how they reached such a desperate point.

After the collapse of the US sub-prime mortgage market, the global economy is in the throes of a credit crunch.

US Election 2008 »

The battle to become the 44th president of the United States.
Watch again »

There's now an easier way to watch Channel 4 News when you want to.
FactCheck »

Impartial, empirical, reliable and dispassionate, FactCheck tests the claims of the powerful.
Sign up to Snowmail »

The day's news from Jon Snow and the team direct to your inbox.
Week in pictures »

The biggest stories and the best pictures.
Fan of Channel 4 News? »

Join us on Facebook here.
World of Hack »

Topical animated cartoons from artist in residence, Hack.
Beau Bo D'Or »

Political commentary from our blog artist Beau Bo D'Or.