If they collapse, so may the whole system of finance for American housing, threatening a most unfortunate string of events: First, an already plummeting real estate market might crater.

• 如果他们破产，美国房屋融资的整个系统也许会轰然倒下，这预示着一连串不幸的事件：首先，已经骤然跌落的房地产市场可能会毁于一旦。