Stock traders, however, bid down equity prices slightly on the theory that he would oppose such a cut.

Investors largely ignored the companies' claims yesterday, bidding down both stocks.

But then second thoughts set in and they bid down the Dow almost 40 points in 20 minutes.

Prices - in this case, wages - would be bid down to the point where everyone willing to work found a job.

Investors showed few signs that they expected big help from the bank, bidding down stocks in thin Tokyo trading.

Currency traders responded to the report by bidding down the recently buoyant dollar.

Even so, investors reacted with some skepticism, bidding down Atmos's stock by 1.8 percent, to $24.54 a share.

For now, however, the markets appear to be assuming the Fed will raise rates, bidding down stocks and bonds.

Investors responded today by bidding down Korean stocks generally by 3.7 percent.

If he does not imply that the Fed will cut interest rates, traders may bid down stock and bond prices.