FED MOVES: Several Federal Reserve officials made it clear this week that Chairman Ben Bernanke commands broad support for the Fed's efforts to stimulate the economy.

BOND BUYING: In a series of speeches, Fed officials expressed support for the central bank's decision to launch a third round of bond buying, purchasing $40 billion a month in mortgage bonds to push long-term interest rates down.

PROSPECTS: Economists believe Fed officials will leave policy unchanged at their next meeting on Oct. 23-24. Some think the Fed could increase the bond purchase program at its December meeting if the economy doesn't improve.