Mixed markets take assurances to heart

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2007 | by Adam Shell

NEW YORK -- Stocks finished mixed and flashed signs of stability as government officials reaffirmed that they would take whatever steps necessary to ensure the stability of the financial system amid an ongoing credit crunch.

After a meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Tuesday, Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., presidential candidate and chairman of the banking committee, reassured jittery investors by saying the Fed would use "all available tools" to keep the financial crisis from worsening (story, 1B).

The Fed has already injected more than $100 billion into the financial system over the past week to keep markets liquid. On Friday, it also lowered an interest rate it charges banks to ensure that institutions who need cash have access to it. ...