The Economist: “The Fed's have-it-both-ways policy”

R.A., regarding Bernanke’s Jackson Hole speech, your column notes that you “found the tone on monetary policy to be confusing and timid.” Expectations now turn to what President Obama will say next week and what the Fed will do (or not do) when they next meet. Uncertainty again prevails.

Alexander Mirtchev

Wall Street set to slip ahead of key vote in Europe

Tuesday is shaping up to be a busy day on Wall Street.

Stock index futures suggest the market will fall at the start of trading as investors wait for the results of a key vote by Slovakia on a plan to expand the euro zone rescue fund.

All the other member states have ratified a plan to increase the size and powers of the European Financial Stability Facility bailout fund. Now all that remains is for Slovakia to have its say on the matter.