Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services said that it downgraded several securities backed by large, higher-quality mortgages, a sign the housing crisis has spread well beyond its subprime origins.

Yes, two Great Depressions linked in a mysterious time-warp: Bank robbers and robber banks. Back in the dark days of the first Great Depression John Dillinger was admired, a dapper Robin Hood. Banks were the real villains.

After gaining notoriety with his bets against the housing market, hedge fund manager’s gold play has yet to pan out as inflation fears appear to have been held at bay.