The quality of private-label goods has improved, making it harder for consumers to discern any difference between a store's brand and a more expensive rival, particularly for commodities such as paper towels or milk.

ECONOMIST: Consumer goods in the recession

But while demand for Japanese products overseas improved, domestic demand for goods made outside Japan remained weak, falling by 35.6% in October.

BBC: Japanese exports fall at slowest rate in a year

The spurt in productivity growth in America has pushed up share prices in anticipation of future productivity gains, and also improved the competitiveness of American goods, thus increasing the dollar's long-term equilibrium level.

ECONOMIST: Test-driving a new model

Both Presidents underscored that in the seven years since the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) first entered into force, not only have the conditions of exchange of goods and services improved, but also new business opportunities have been formed, leading to the diversification of products and a greater access for agricultural products.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on the United States and Latin America

The restrictions on its capital markets will eventually have to be lifted and market access for foreign goods and firms will be improved.

BBC: Chinese man walking past WTO wall mural

So, while politicians may suggest prosperity was the key to recent falling crime, others continue to put it down to improved home security or simply that items like electronic goods became so cheap they were no longer worth pinching.

BBC: What's the price of DVD players got to do with crime?

All but one of 25 analysts rate the stock as a "buy" or a "hold, " with HSBC's Husson saying Wal-Mart has improved its product mix to include more high-margin goods.

FORBES: Wal-Mart Stands Up To Wave Of Lawsuits

Goods and services that were once inconceivable are now indispensable, and competition has improved the quality of technology while driving down its costs.

FORBES: Correcting Herb Kohl (And Kayak And Bing Travel ...) On Google/ITA