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December 2, 2008 8:40:36 PM CST

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Speculation on New Fed Rate Cut Tempers Losses

Posted Sep 16, 08 10:44 AM CDT in Business 

(Newser) – Stocks swung upward after big opening losses today, the Wall Street Journal reports, helped by speculation that the Federal Reserve might step in to help AIG and cut interest rates. The Dow, down 155 early, was just barely negative before noon, with a similar pattern from other indices. “We're in uncharted territory,” one funds manager told Bloomberg. “There's no real historic precedent for what we're going through.”

The Federal Open Market Committee is set to announce its rate decision around 2:15pm Eastern, and investors are certain it will be a quarter-point cut. They also believe the Fed will provide a loan for AIG, giving it time to sell assets and regain its footing.

Sources Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal

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Specialist Henry Becker, left, directs trading at the post that handles AIG on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange today.   (AP Photo)
Trader Robert Oswald, center, works with colleagues on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange today.   (AP Photo)
In this July 16, 2008, file photo, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies before the House Financial Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo)
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Financial Crisis • Dow Jones • stock market • AIG • interest rate • markets • Fed


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