[anonymous_ch]

I stopped reading as soon as the author compared Prudential’s liability size to the US GDP. Just because numbers are similarly large does not make them comparable. Its like comparing Bezo’s $147B fortune to the 147B grains of sand on a 100 yard stretch of Rainier beach in Seattle. Not apples to apples.

[JoeAltmaier]

They're both dollars. Not making a good argument here.

[ssivark]

The number refers to annual GDP which is dollars per year. Comparing assets/liabilities to annual GDP makes about as much sense as comparing distance to speed, eg: "The speed of 150 miles per second is tiny compared to the distance of 1000 miles"

I'm not a fan of dismissive & judgmental comments, but the parent HN comment is correct on the technical aspect.

[JoeAltmaier]

It tells you how soon a debt could be paid. The speed of 150mph tells you how quickly you would travel 1000 miles.