As usual, most investors were anxious awaiting for Ben Bernanke's speech about the possible withdrawal or continuation of the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing plan. On Wednesday (17/07), Bernanke spoke to the American Congress and confirmed that the Fed will adjust its bond buying program to developments in the US economy (particularly the development of the unemployment rate and inflation). If the economy is not ready yet, then the quantitative easing program will be continued. If the economy continues its recovery, then the program may be gradually phased out starting from the end of 2013. European stock indices and Wall Street reacted positive to the words of Bernanke. Asian markets, however, were already closed and will respond tomorrow to today's developments.

Bahas