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

Europe close: Bourses mixed on global economic fears

LONDON (SHARECAST) - European markets finished mixed on Tuesday after a topsy-turvy day, but bourses recovered from their daily lows after a better start on Wall Street. However, early on, the mood was dampened by uncertainties concerning France’s credit rating and some worrying data from China.

The Cac in Paris finished 25 points down at 3.141. the Ibex in Madrid was 53 under at 8,811, while the Dax rose 18 to 5,877 in Germany.