Tracing the causes of the recent banking crisis, which of the following organizations' activities is not in the news as having been a contributor to the crisis? The Federal Reserve suppressed interest rates which made it easier for prospective home owners and others to get loans. Congress promoted questionable loans. Banks dealt in MBSs (Mortgage Backed Securities) that were not as safe as assumed. Pension funds invested in risky investments.

An important source of public scrutiny is "watchdogs." these are: the efforts of a firm's competitors, including how often the competitors attack the firm's strategies. taxpayer-supported government agencies that limit a firm's ability to compete in foreign markets. companies designated by the government to only produce products that support the government defense program. socially conscious groups that make it their mission to measure the social responsibility levels of businesses, and provide consumers with their opinions about the level of corporate responsibility of various companies.