"Despite corporate profits being at a high, marketers are still taking a cautious approach in anticipation of lackluster consumer spending and, therefore, their willingness to invest in advertising is taking a conservative approach, " said Tim Spengler, chief executive officer of Magna Global.

WSJ: Signals Weak for TV-Ad Market

What is more, in anticipation of the economic disruptions caused by the on-again-off-again approach of Mikhail Gorbachev to economic reform, many Soviets in recent months have systematically stocked their apartments with up to 2-3 years supply of select foodstuffs and other basic necessities.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Moscow Center's Food Aid Crusade: Where's The Beef?

In the weeks before new BOJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda took office promising a radical new approach to battling deflation, the Nikkei soared nearly 50% since mid-November, mainly in anticipation of the new action.

WSJ: Japan's Mrs. Watanabe Decides It's Time to Buy Stocks