Thank you again for making my point. Market intangible returns upon notional investments properly, and who knows, you might become the next US Secretary of State.
no·tion·al [noh-shuh-nl] adjective
1. pertaining to or expressing a notion or idea.
2. of the nature of a notion or idea: a notional response to the question.
3. abstract, theoretical, or speculative, as reflective thought.
4. not real or actual; ideal or imaginary: to create a notional world for oneself.
5. given to or full of foolish or fanciful ideas or moods.
Ever consider cattle futures?
If your point was the notional ($2 billion value of the assets underlying my bet) has little to do with the actual money I risked, $10, then you're welcome.
If your point was that I was in danger of losing the notional value, then you're still confused.
Just as you were confused about the possibility that taxpayers are on the hook for $55 trillion in possible losses based on the notional (not real or actual, see definition #4) value of the derivatives in question.
Let me know if there's anything else I can explain to you to reduce your confusion.
Always glad to help.