The combination of increased demand and constraints on supply has pushed up the ratio of average house prices to average earnings in the city from 4.8 in 1990 to 7.6 now.

ECONOMIST: Housing

Given the constraints on state budgets, the unpopularity of increased taxation and the politics of tobacco, it is more tempting to raise money through a tobacco-settlement bond, in spite of the higher cost.

ECONOMIST: Bond markets

While analysts look for increased mine production in the next few years, some also say there are some constraints on how rapidly this can grow.

FORBES: Global Output From Gold Mines In Upswing Although Some Constraints Persist

Our Chancellor of the Exchequer, who in December will resist pressure to loosen constraints on public spending (the so-called "spending envelope" will not be increased, which means that any increase in public-sector investment will be financed by cuts elsewhere), is alarmed that backstop measures to reduce America's public sector deficit are draconian - and, if implemented, would force the US (and probably Britain) back into recession.

BBC: Does US election matter to us?