VOA标准英语10月-World Markets Rebound from Monday's Plunge

World markets are mostly higher after massive sell-offs Monday that saw several major exchanges hit multi-year lows. VOA's Michael Bowman reports from Washington, the rebound¹ appears to be fueled by anticipation² of lower interest rates, as well as new initiatives by the U.S. Federal Reserve to free up credit.
　

Trader James O'Callahan watches the numbers at a post on the New York Stock Exchange floor, 07 Oct 2008

One day after sinking to its lowest level in four years, Wall Street's Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher. Major European markets recorded gains in late-day trading.

The only major exchange to record a significant downturn was in Tokyo, where the Nikkei finished with a 3 percent loss.

After near-panic selling Monday amid continued worries about a growing credit crunch³ that could stunt⁴ global economic growth, markets appear calmer, according to Eugene Peroni of the U.S. financial firm Advisors⁵ Asset Management.

"The worst fears about all of this may have largely played out yesterday. I do think that Wall Street will begin to sense that the bailout plan will have some effect, that it will start to calm nerves," Peroni said.

Last week, President Bush signed into law a massive financial rescue package that empowers the federal government to buy bad debt from struggling U.S. financial institutions.

In addition, the Federal Reserve says it will take steps to make it easier for American companies to finance short-term needs like payroll⁶ obligations and purchasing supplies. Another option open to central banks hoping to facilitate borrowing would be an interest-rate cut.

Australia's central bank has lowered a key interest rate by a full percentage point. The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged last week, but left open the possibility of a future rate cut.

Gold continues to rise. Crude oil is trading higher after several weeks of steep declines.

1 rebound   

v.弹回；n.弹回，跳回

参考例句：

• The vibrations accompanying the rebound are the earth quake.伴随这种回弹的振动就是地震。
• Our evil example will rebound upon ourselves.我们的坏榜样会回到我们自己头上的。

2 anticipation   

n.预期，预料，期望

参考例句：

• We waited at the station in anticipation of her arrival.我们在车站等着，期待她的到来。
• The animals grew restless as if in anticipation of an earthquake.各种动物都变得焦躁不安，像是感到了地震即将发生。

3 crunch   

n.关键时刻；艰难局面；v.发出碎裂声

参考例句：

• If it comes to the crunch they'll support us.关键时刻他们是会支持我们的。
• People who crunch nuts at the movies can be very annoying.看电影时嘎吱作声地嚼干果的人会使人十分讨厌。

4 stunt   

n.惊人表演，绝技，特技；vt.阻碍...发育，妨碍...生长

参考例句：

• Lack of the right food may stunt growth.缺乏适当的食物会阻碍发育。
• Right up there is where the big stunt is taking place.那边将会有惊人的表演。

5 advisors   

n.顾问，劝告者( advisor的名词复数 )；（指导大学新生学科问题等的）指导教授

参考例句：

• The governors felt that they were being strung along by their advisors. 地方长官感到他们一直在受顾问们的愚弄。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• We will consult together with advisors about her education. 我们将一起和专家商议她的教育事宜。 来自互联网

6 payroll   

n.工资表，在职人员名单，工薪总额

参考例句：

• His yearly payroll is $1.2 million.他的年薪是120万美元。
• I can't wait to get my payroll check.我真等不及拿到我的工资单了。