This had a marked effect on the size of the treated tumour, and also seemed to encourage tumour regression in other parts of the body.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Immune boost 'widens cancer fight'

"All of the updated data that we have collated supports the conclusion that claims management companies have had a marked effect on the number of small injury, whiplash-like claims, " said David Brown, chairman of the actuaries' professional body.

BBC: Traffic

The first open skies agreement, which came into effect in 2008, marked a significant step in the liberalisation of the transatlantic airline industry.

BBC: Second open skies deal signed

One optimistic note for the near term, though: Tax selling, which tends to depress stock prices, will end in December and thus lay the groundwork for a January effect (when investors gobble up the marked-down stocks, leading to a mini-rally).

FORBES: Buy Some Insurance