This could temporarily depress those banks' stock prices and increase investor uncertainty.

The Brazilian government has been battling large deficits for years, and indebtedness was a primary cause of investor uncertainty in the devaluation last year.

"The awareness that the crisis management is in crisis adds to investor uncertainty and market volatility," he said.

They may also benefit from investor uncertainty.

The company said the settlement would help it remove investor uncertainty about the nation's largest maker of building insulation.

Federated's stock rose just 25 cents a share yesterday to close at $60.25, again indicating investor uncertainty about Campeau's bids.

Stocks fell sharply again yesterday, with analysts citing investor uncertainty about the economy and interest rates.

In recent weeks, market watchers have pointed at the relatively modest volume as a sign of investor uncertainty.

Borders' stock woes, most analysts say, reflect investor uncertainty over how well the chain can fare in an increasingly dot-com world.

Part of that performance comes from investor uncertainty about the future of cable in a world of technological change.