With massive layoffs and once-flush brokerage firms finding cash a less abundant commodity, disputes over getting paid have taken on new meaning.

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Alas, advertising space has become an abundant commodity.

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Brazil is benefiting hugely from high world prices for its commodity exports and abundant global liquidity, as well as from the economic reforms of Lula's predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

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"While not directly related to investing, the reader will get a good understanding on how any commodity, even one as abundant and simple as salt can have an impact on the economy and culture, " said Lowlicht.

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And cash, today's currency of choice, is a remarkably cheap commodity thanks to low interest rates and abundant liquidity.

ECONOMIST: Mergers and acquisitions

Over the last ten years the price of oil has spiked thanks to a weak dollar, thus creating the illusion of scarcity despite abundant global supplies of what is a rather prosaic commodity.

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Commodity markets have been kind to Indonesia with its abundant reserves of coal, copper, palm oil and gold.

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Among its abundant wildlife are three-quarters of the world's sturgeon, which produce another expensive commodity: caviar.

ECONOMIST: Kazakhstan