The balance of firms reporting higher output during the three-month period fell to 33% from 38% in September, while the balance of respondents reporting a decline in new orders widened to 17% from 1%.

BBC: UK business confidence slumps

Meanwhile, he said, news and comment were being deliberately conflated, Watergate-style conspiracies dominate to the point that the media will not accept politicians make mistakes rather than act venally and, as a result of all this, there is no balance in reporting.

BBC: Analysis

They call on adoption and incorporation of media codes and ethics, balance, true and impartial reporting, in the media houses towards promoting quality journalism.

UNESCO: COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION

Firms in the production sector said they fared slightly better than those in the service sector, reporting a net balance in turnover of -2% compared with -5% for services firms.

BBC: Scottish economy 'still sluggish' says Lloyds TSB report

Confidence among surveyors grew, despite a net balance of 19% more respondents reporting a fall in house prices in December.

BBC: Estate agent's window

These anemic job numbers stand in contrast to the steadily improving financial results and strengthened balance sheets that corporate America has been reporting, quarter after quarter.

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Obviously if the derivative assets were included in the balance sheet as they are under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) rules, the price-to-book ratio would be significantly lower.

FORBES: Why JPMorgan Chase Is Unsafe At Any Scale

The Fortune 500 firms are reporting better than expected earnings and restructuring their balance sheets at record low interest rates.

FORBES: One Country, Two Economies

Since the eruption of the Enron scandal, Andersen has borne the brunt of an outsized portion of criticism for the company's failure because it certified as fair and accurate Enron's financial reporting--including its use of off balance sheet partnerships to disguise the level of Enron's true indebtedness.

FORBES: Magazine Article