Much of Gates Foundations 200 billion will go to Africa The Seattle Times

China extended its support for the economy with the largest injection of medium-term policy loans ever, as the nation’s growth recovery remained fragile amid a housing slump and weak demand.

Disappointing retail sales last month added to concerns of a pullback in consumer spending in the US, while a pair of business surveys suggested growing caution.

Stocks and bonds posted small gains, with investors staying on the sidelines before the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision and release of new forecasts for the economy. Oil pulled back…