US Outlook: In the UK it's called Chinese Whispers.

Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the US Federal Reserve, is launching a counter-offensive against its growing number of critics, penning a muscular defence of its actions during the 2008 financial panic and readying the publication of new details about how it sets American monetary policy.

US employment growth picked up speed in November and the jobless rate dropped to a two and a half low of 8.6 per cent, further evidence the economic recovery was gaining momentum.

A surprise loosening of the reins by China on its monetary policy meant the heavyweight diggers were back in demand last night. As the country's central bank dropped the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve for the first time in nearly three years, the blue-chip miners stormed ahead, with Antofagasta leading the charge.

US central bank backs away from targeting growth rather than inflation and jobs

The US Federal Reserve is ready to take further steps to support the American economy as the recovery is "close to faltering", its chairman Ben Bernanke said yesterday.

Dismal jobs data in the US and new anxieties over the eurozone crisis sent markets on both sides of the Atlantic tumbling again yesterday.

The worst US employment data for nearly a year sparked another rout on stock markets today and added to fears of a global recession.

Consumer confidence in the US is at its lowest ebb since the depths of the credit crisis, according to new figures that gave fresh ammunition to economists who want another round of monetary stimulus from the Federal Reserve.

Europe's stock markets bounced higher yesterday as investors were encouraged by the views expressed on Friday by Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the US Federal Reserve.

Wall Street is this weekend digesting the implications of Federal Reserve's chairman Ben Bernanke's speech to central bankers at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

US Outlook: Ben Bernanke's speech in Jackson Hole could be summed up this way: It's not all about me, you know.

Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, said yesterday that the US central bank was prepared to take further action to support the economy but left markets guessing about specific measures.