Cancer charities have said secondary treatments should take place quickly - not only on medical grounds, but because this is an anxious time for patients.

BBC: Cancer patients wait 'too long' for secondary treatment

Part of the reason people are feeling anxious right now, it's not just because of this current crisis -- they've been going through this for 10 years.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Takes Questions from Senate Democrats

In any case, because consumers are anxious about rising prices, a cut in interest rates might not boost confidence.

ECONOMIST: Europe's economies