Final answer:
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 allowed US commercial banks to own stock and sell insurance policies, reflecting a major shift in the financial services sector.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999
The correct answer to the question is C. the US government allowed commercial banks to own stock and sell insurance policies. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, repealed the Glass-Steagall Act's restrictions on the financial services industry. Specifically, it allowed commercial banks, investment banks, securities firms, and insurance companies to consolidate. Prior to this act, such financial services were kept separate under the Glass-Steagall Act, which was enacted during the Great Depression to reduce risk and prevent future financial crises. The repeal in 1999 was a significant change, allowing financial institutions more freedom to offer a range of services, including the sale of insurance policies and ownership of stocks, which was believed to promote competition and improve consumer choice.