Breaking Buck: A Guide to Its History and Impact

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Cowboy on a Bucking Horse on the Background of an Herd of Horses on a Pasture
Credit: pexels.com, Cowboy on a Bucking Horse on the Background of an Herd of Horses on a Pasture

Breaking buck is a term that originated in the 19th century in the American West, where cowboys would intentionally break a wild mustang to make it more manageable.

The process of breaking buck involved several stages, including halter breaking, where the horse was trained to wear a halter and respond to basic commands.

Breaking buck was a labor-intensive and often brutal process that required patience, skill, and a deep understanding of horse behavior.

Recommended read: Break Buddy Sour Horse

Causes and History

Money market funds have a history of helping investors become aware of the benefits of mutual funds, but they've also had their share of challenges. The first money market mutual fund, the Reserve Fund, was established in the 1970s and set the standard for a $1 net asset value (NAV).

The first case of a money market fund breaking the buck occurred in 1994, when Community Bankers U.S. Government Money Market Fund was liquidated at 96 cents due to large losses in derivatives. Breaking the buck is a rare occurrence, but it can happen when a money market fund's investment income fails to cover its operating costs or investment losses.

Cowboy on Bull in Rodeo
Credit: pexels.com, Cowboy on Bull in Rodeo

The 2008 financial crisis had a significant impact on money market funds, with the Reserve Fund's price falling below $1 due to assets held with Lehman Brothers. This led to a government response with new Rule 2a-7 legislation, making money market funds much safer by restricting their holdings to more conservative investments with better credit ratings.

Money Market Fund History

Money market funds were first introduced in the 1970s, helping to increase awareness of mutual funds and boost demand for them.

The first money market mutual fund was the Reserve Fund, which established the standard $1 Net Asset Value (NAV).

The first case of a money market fund breaking the buck occurred in 1994, when Community Bankers U.S. Government Money Market Fund was liquidated at 96 cents due to large losses in derivatives.

In 2008, the Reserve Fund's price fell below $1 due to assets held with Lehman Brothers, causing investors to flee the fund and sparking panic in the money market mutual fund industry.

Following the 2008 financial crisis, the government responded with new Rule 2a-7 legislation, which made money market funds much safer by introducing provisions such as a 60-day average portfolio maturity limit and restrictions on asset investments.

Why Does It Happen?

Business People taking a Coffee Break and Talking
Credit: pexels.com, Business People taking a Coffee Break and Talking

Breaking the buck is a rare occurrence, but it can happen when a money market fund's investment income fails to cover its operating costs or investment losses. This is often due to low interest rates, which can make it difficult for the fund to generate enough income to meet its expenses.

Low interest rates can be particularly problematic during economic recessions, when investors are already nervous and looking for safe havens. In these situations, the fund may struggle to attract enough new investors to cover its losses.

Breaking the buck is not a frequent occurrence, with money market funds generally seen as some of the safest, most reliable investments available.

Understanding

Breaking the buck is a rare occurrence, but it can happen when the net asset value (NAV) of a money market fund falls below $1. This happens when the investment income doesn't cover operating expenses or investment losses.

Typically, breaking the buck occurs because the money market fund's investment income fails to cover its operating costs or investment losses. It's often a response to a broader economic issue, such as very low interest rates amid an economic recession.

Close-up of adult hands breaking a piece of bread, highlighting texture and detail.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of adult hands breaking a piece of bread, highlighting texture and detail.

Money market funds are considered to be nearly risk-free, but breaking the buck generally signals economic distress. They are like open-end mutual funds that invest in short-term debt securities, offering a higher rate of return than standard-interest checking and savings accounts.

Breaking the buck normally occurs when interest rates drop to very low levels, or the fund uses leverage to create capital risk. This means investors may lose part of the principal value on their investments.

Impact and Frequency

Breaking the buck can have significant economic implications. It generally signals economic distress because money market funds are considered to be nearly risk-free.

Breaking the buck occurs when a money market fund's investment income doesn't cover operating expenses or investment losses, causing its net asset value to fall below $1. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen.

The rarity of breaking the buck is due in part to the fact that money market funds are designed to maintain a stable net asset value of $1 per share. However, economic downturns or unexpected investment losses can still cause a fund to break the buck.

Does It Happen Often?

Stirrups and Saddle on Horse
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Breaking the buck in money market funds is a rare occurrence, but it can have significant implications. It's a sign of economic distress when a fund's investment income can't cover its operating expenses or investment losses.

In fact, breaking the buck is a relatively rare event, but it can happen when a money market fund's investment income is not enough to cover its expenses.

Here are some examples of what can lead to breaking the buck:

  • Insufficient investment income to cover operating expenses.
  • Investment losses that exceed the fund's income.

These events can have a ripple effect on the economy, making it essential to understand the risks involved with money market funds.

Record Seized by Ohio Game Wardens

A massive buck was seized by Ohio game wardens due to trespassing allegations. The buck's owner, Christopher J. Anderson, claimed he shot the deer on his sister's 30-acre property in Clinton County, Ohio.

The buck's green gross score was a preliminary 235 7/8, which would have put it in contention for the Ohio state record. However, the investigation is ongoing, and the official score may never be confirmed.

Buck on Meadow
Credit: pexels.com, Buck on Meadow

Ohio wildlife officers seized the antlers, cape, and hunting equipment associated with the alleged unlawful taking of the deer. The ODNR did not respond to requests for additional information when contacted by Field & Stream.

If the deer is confirmed as being illegally killed, a score will need to be obtained as a stipulation of an Ohio legal code, which calculates restitution fines for trophy bucks over 125 inches based on final gross score.

Key Information

Breaking the buck is a serious situation for money market funds. It occurs when the net asset value falls below $1.

This can happen when the fund's investment income doesn't cover its operating expenses or investment losses. It's a sign of economic distress because money market funds are generally considered risk-free.

Here are the key factors that contribute to breaking the buck:

  • Net asset value (NAV) falls below $1
  • Investment income doesn't cover operating expenses or investment losses

Breaking the buck generally signals economic distress, and it's essential to understand the risks involved with money market funds.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

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