Breeding Zombies

"Zombies" are debtors with little hope of recovery that avoid failure thanks to support from lenders or the government. Here are some sectors that may spawn them

FINANCE

The government is propping up weak banks that may never be capable of normal lending.

HOMEOWNERS

Help for homeowners may keep them out of foreclosure but still leave them with enormous debt.

AUTOS

Aid to U.S. carmakers could tie up billions supporting companies unable to compete successfully.

Data: BusinessWeek