Why is the subjunctive used in this case?

Question

La siguiente es parte de un artículo noticiero:

"Pero esto puede ser contraproducente para unas negociaciones sobre el techo de deuda que podrían estar aclarándose. La relativa fortaleza de la bolsa –pese a los recientes tropiezos, el Dow Jones sigue subiendo en el año– y el hecho de que la rentabilidad de los bonos del Tesoro a 10 años se mantenga por debajo del 3% han permitido que los políticos titubeen."

Cual frase o palabra señala que el subjuntivo debe ser utilizado en la última orración?

Answer 1

The subjunctive is used because there is some doubt/uncertainity in the sentence "han permitido que los políticos titubeen." Just because it has permitted politicians to hesitate doesn't necessarily mean that they are. Verbs that indicate some kind of indirect or implied command are often followed by the subjunctive. Here are a few: sugerir, permitir, proponer, exhortar, oponerse a, pedir, etc.

thanks for the explanation :) - Pauly_Glot, Jul 14, 2011

Answer 2

I'm not really sure but my guess is that there is a doubt about the fact that the prizes bonds stay below 3% ... that's a guess, let's wait and see what more experienced people say.

i was thinking something similar, but the idea is introduced with "and the fact that..." which is throwing me off. - Pauly_Glot, Jul 14, 2011

So true.... - dewclaw, Jul 14, 2011

they are 10 year treasury bonds so who knows what their eventual yield will be. - 0074b507, Jul 14, 2011

@qfreed - that makes sense. I've just never seen current bond yields described in the subjunctive before. - Pauly_Glot, Jul 14, 2011

so would it be incorrect if I replace "se mantenga" with "se ha mantenido?" - Pauly_Glot, Jul 14, 2011