The case is equipped with a payment technology called Near Field Communication (NFC), which allows customers to make safe and secure purchases with U.S. Bank Go Mobile at thousands of participating retailers that accept Visa payWave.

ENGADGET: US Bank kicks off 'Go Mobile' payment trials with NFC-equipped iPhone case

The main thing that accounts for the greater growth in total assets than bank reserves is the expansion of the Fed's swap facilities that allow participating foreign central banks access to dollars to meet the demand for dollars in their countries.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Also reflecting improved investor sentiment, Bank of America Merrill Lynch's most recent monthly survey of fund managers showed that just 3% of fund managers participating in the January survey expect the global economy to weaken over the next year, compared with 27% holding that view in December.

WSJ: Japan's Nikkei Rises