3. Porsche's Jackpot
Michaela Rehle / Reuters
In a complicated maneuver meant to facilitate a takeover of fellow German automaker Volkswagen, Porsche made $8.8 billion buying and selling VW stock options during its 2008 fiscal year — almost nine times its profit from selling cars. Those caught on the short end of the trade, including some hedge funds, had to scramble to buy VW shares, sending the price soaring to more than $1,000 a share. The only catch: Some analysts think parts of the options bet may drop into reverse in 2009, costing Porsche billions.
A Brief History of White House State Dinners
Airline Bag Fees: As High as the Cost of a Seat?
Reburying Albert Camus: A Political Ploy by Sarkozy?
Junior Eurovision: Schoolyard Crushes with Glitter
Can the A380 Bring the Party Back to the Skies?
Who Will Inherit Joel Stein's Kid?
Cartoons of the Week
The Weekly Acoustic News
Climate Central: Training Pilots to Land on Skis
Asterix at 50: The Comic Hero Conquers the World