[mcnees287]

I think the comment is referring to the fact that one can write CDS on top of an underlying instrument. So, if I have $100 million in MBS, other parties, or even myself, can write CDS contracts that reference my $100 million MBS.

What I have just done is to create more exposure than the underlying MBS. The MBS is still only $100 million, but the total outstanding contracts on the pool (MBS + CDS) is now much larger.

What you are talking about is related to offsetting contracts, which is different.

AIG was left holding the bag for most of these. They are one of the few who did not offset like you are saying.

[erichocean]

> They are one of the few who did not offset like you are saying.

Which just goes to show important the offsets actually are in practice.