But Mr Brown has mainly used a more circuitous method of financing redistribution: taxes on pensions and business.

ECONOMIST: The budget

As unemployment is still high in the U.S., the primary method of financing new consumption is through credit cards.

FORBES: Consumer Credit Rebound Kicks Capital One Up To $61

For one thing, the real cost of any investment is the resources that it uses, which is not changed by the method of financing.

ECONOMIST: Labour and the unions

The good news is that securitization volumes are increasing, though this method of financing still faces some major challenges, including how to unwind loans that turn bad.

FORBES: Credit Availability Forecast: 2012-2014