The Nikkei Currency Index series plots changes in the effective exchange rate against a base value of 100 for the value in 2005.

FORBES: Is Smart Money Betting on a Weaker Yen?

Before releasing the first edition of its economic freedom index, Fraser ran a series of symposia to discuss the possibility and nuances of measuring economic freedom.

FORBES: When It Comes To Health, Wealth And Happiness, Human Freedom Matters

In January, it was given an index figure of 53.9, above its long-run series average.

BBC: Bank of Scotland jobs barometer shows further growth

All forecasts are shown in the table below and are based on a model incorporating the previous data points of the Case-Shiller series and the September Zillow data on the Zillow Home Value Index and national foreclosure resales.

FORBES: By Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow Chief Economist

The longest available series for high-yield bond returns is the Merrill Lynch 100 High Yield Index.

FORBES: High-Yield For Low Growth

The index fell to 54.2 from 55 in the first quarter, below its long-run series average of 54.8 and to its weakest level in two years.

FORBES: Emerging Market Growth Fell To Lowest Level In Two Years In Q2

His series of commercials for Pepsi are such a hit in Japan, each segment tops the CM Index, a monthly poll of favorite TV films.

CNN: JAPAN'S HIDDEN PERSUADERS

Meanwhile, after a series of big ups and downs, China's stock market, as measured by the Shanghai Composite Index, is trading right where it was about a decade ago.

WSJ: The People's Money: Why Chinese Stocks Are Alluring

The National Association of Realtors said its Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed in November, dropped 4% to 82.3, the lowest since the series started in 2001.

BBC: US recession forecast to drag on