In the 1980s, banks lent money to high-risk borrowers, such as ranchers, farmers, and __________.

Banks also lent heavily to oilmen during the 1980s, when energy prices and the oil industry’s fortunes were volatile. Oilmen, like ranchers and farmers, could be considered high-risk borrowers because their income depended on unpredictable market conditions. The correct choice is oilmen.

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