Such business, barely profitable in the boom years, has become a gold mine as competition has dwindled and bid-ask spreads (the money dealers pocket on trades) have ballooned.

• 这样的生意在繁荣时期几乎不能盈利，但是随着竞争力的下降和喊价差额（即商家在贸易时私吞的钱）的膨胀，这个生意无疑像金矿一样值钱。