Banks and insurance companies worry that global warming increases the risk of catastrophes, but also spot an opportunity.

ECONOMIST: Emissions

Anyway, observers say, increases in the cost of living are still small and therefore not anything to worry about.

FORBES: Soviet Unionism

There has been significant worry that the threat of a big dose of tax increases and spending cuts at the start of the new year would lead companies to hold back, but the durable goods figure was up 0.7% in November, slightly better than expected.

FORBES: Stocks In Pre-Christmas Plunge After GOP Bucks Boehner