The good news is that companies still have plenty of scope to boost productivity by reorganising their businesses to use information technology more efficiently, which could yet boost growth in total factor productivity.

ECONOMIST: Productivity growth: To these, the spoils | The

"The aging factor alone will boost health-care spending from the existing 3% to 7%, " she says.

CNN: SPECIAL REPORT: HEALTH

To shift fully to renewables, Germany needs to boost storage capacity by a factor of 500.

ECONOMIST: A nuclear phase-out leaves German energy policy in a muddle

At issue are allegations that Tan engaged in heavy trading of his company's stock to boost its price by a factor of more than 50 between January and October.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek | Newsmakers

The type of health club you frequent (or want to try) also can boost or lessen the intimidation factor, said Walter Meyer, a San Diego-based author who hits the gym in his home town and while on book tours.

MSN: Gym intimidation keeps some dudes from working out

Does the feelgood factor lead to a boost in consumer confidence, and therefore a tangible economic effect?

BBC: Going for the happiness gold

For almost a decade, there has been a factor that has helped boost the returns for many investors.

FORBES: Currency's Impact On Your Portfolio: Five Things You Need To Know Now

That is a change that helps boost the Indonesian economy, and, as decades of history have shown, the single most important factor in an improved environment is a robust economy.

FORBES: Foreign Aid: The Good And Bad