The most important measures are maintaining social stability, achieving economic growth and, in many areas, enforcing population controls.

ECONOMIST: Suppressing dissent

Given past cutting measures, maintaining strong earnings growth could prove difficult for those companies unable to find a way to increase sales.

FORBES: Investing Strategies For Low Inflation

''This includes discussing with the individual what needs to be in place for the order to be removed and working towards maintaining engagement and therapeutic relationships even when compulsory measures are necessary.

BBC: Borders mental health care standards praised

But budget austerity measures have not deterred South Korea from maintaining its commitment to its National Defense Reform 2020 plan, put in place in 2005 and revised last year by President Lee Myung-bak to enhance military capabilities, improve efficiency and build a military force prepared to meet 21st-century global challenges.

WSJ: South Korea and Japan's Diverging Strategies

In overnight news, European stock markets were boosted on news that ECB president Draghi said in a German newspaper article that maintaining price stability in the European Union is paramount and will require exceptional measures.

FORBES: Comex Gold Ends Weaker on More Profit Taking, Chart Consolidation; Jackson Hole Looms

In overnight news, European stock markets were boosted on news that European Central Bank president Mario Draghi said in a German newspaper article that maintaining price stability in the European Union is paramount and will require exceptional measures.

FORBES: Gold Weaker on More Profit Taking, Chart Consolidation; Bernanke Speech Looms