Apparently, some think the recent surge was a blow-off top, but technically, the charts suggest that we just resolved the flag formation, which is a classic continuation pattern.

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"If there was one single measure that would have resolved the problem, just like clearing a fog, then we wouldn't have been in this state for the last 15 years, " he said at the news conference, reiterating that in addition to monetary policy, efforts to boost growth and competitiveness also were necessary.

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Just before the end of last year, the parties resolved a thorny issue involving royalty payments made to union members for each container unloaded.

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Another problem with the rankings, not yet fully resolved, is that paid appearance fees to just a few top players can significantly boost the point value of an otherwise undistinguished tournament, which the top stars may then win. (This practice isn't allowed on the PGA Tour.) Westwood, then No. 2, earned 20 rating points for winning last spring's Indonesian Masters, in which the next-highest player in the field was ranked No. 90.

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In addition they're seeking to create a new visa program to bring foreign agriculture workers to the U.S. But wages and visa caps have been sticking points, just as they were for a separate low-skilled worker program that was resolved recently with a deal between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO.

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When that was resolved, CBOE became a public company and free agent last summer, just in time for the financial slump to scare off suitors.

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