"That seemingly impossible amount would now buy:"

An interesting comparison from EconomPic Data and The Big Picture:

Bank Valuations --> Then and Now

Source: The Big Picture

Consider that one year ago Royal Bank of Scotland paid US$100 billion for ABN Amro. That seemingly impossible amount would now buy:

Citibank $22,5 billion (74% down)
Morgan Stanley $10,5 billion (-72%)
Goldman Sachs $21 billion (-67%)
Merril Lynch $12,3 billion (-77%)
Deutsche Bank $13 billion (-71%)
Barclays $12,7 billion (-71%)
And still leave $8 billion change - with which you would be able to pick up General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and the Honda F1 team.

Not too shabby!

Hat tip: Prieur, Investment Postcards"