Questions: Which of the following did not contribute to the financial crisis? Solid credit ratings from the ratings agencies The merger of JPMorgan Chase and Bear Stearns The extension of credit to high-risk borrowers All of the options contributed to the financial crisis.

The answer is "Solid credit ratings from the ratings agencies."

Solid credit ratings from the ratings agencies did contribute to the financial crisis. Many financial products, including mortgage-backed securities, were given high ratings, which did not accurately reflect their risk. This misrepresentation led investors to believe these products were safer than they actually were, contributing to the crisis.

The merger of JPMorgan Chase and Bear Stearns was a result of the financial crisis rather than a contributing factor. Bear Stearns faced significant financial difficulties due to its exposure to subprime mortgages, and its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase was facilitated by the Federal Reserve to prevent a broader financial collapse.

The extension of credit to high-risk borrowers, often referred to as subprime lending, was a significant contributor to the financial crisis. Lenders offered mortgages to individuals with poor credit histories, leading to a high rate of defaults when the housing market declined.

This option is incorrect because the merger of JPMorgan Chase and Bear Stearns did not contribute to the financial crisis; it was a response to it.