Overall determination of the CKM matrix

Abstract

We discuss the problem of theoretical uncertainties in the combination of observables related to the CKM matrix elements and propose a statistically sensible method for combining them. The overall fit is performed on present data, and constraints on the matrix elements are presented as well as on fB*sqrt(Bb). We then explore the implications of recent measurements and developments: jpsi-KS CP asymmetry, epsilon_prime/epsilon and B -> K pi branching fractions. Finally, we extract from the overall fit the Standard Model expectations for the rare kaon decays K -> pi nu anti-nu.

Comments: Talk given at Heavy Flavours 8, Southampton, UK, 1999