The economy could slow down, and there is still uncertainty about interest rates.

There's a sense of uncertainty in the market about the outlook of both the U.S. economy and interest rates.

While there is uncertainty about the economy at present we still expect the next move in interest rates will be down and that this is likely early in 2006. But while the market responded quite swiftly to the rate cut in August, we do not expect a cut to cause annual house price inflation to accelerate back up to levels seen in early 2005.

Given the uncertainty of the effect the hurricane may have on the economy, the Fed may take a pause in raising interest rates.

The uncertainty of the current economy continues to put tremendous pressure on consumer spending, ... However we are confident of our ability to control operating expenses while rolling out major innovative merchandising and customer service programs and opening 200 new stores during the coming year.

The market was really just accompanying Wall Street. The ongoing uncertainty over U.S. interest rates was making investors reluctant, especially with Greenspan speaking near the close.