In the first scenario of a steady, extended climb in rates, the firm found that investors would likely see the value of investments in mutual funds that hold short-term or medium-term bonds decline over a three-year period, while holders of stable-value accounts would see their balances continue to grow steadily.

WSJ: A 401(k) Defense Against Rising Rates

Such a risk assessment is the basis of buy-and-hold advice that urges investors with medium or long time horizons to load up on U.S. stocks.

FORBES: 2011: A Scary Year For Stocks, And Not The Last

"This new way of building communities and sharing with one another is the way that modern movements will take hold, and social media is the medium that can connect these communities, not only at greater speeds and across boundaries, but in authentic and lasting ways, " said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the U.N.

CNN: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and now #GivingTuesday

Technology explains how Visa has gained so rapidly on printed paper money as a medium of exchange, and it will determine whether Visa can hold its own against newer forms.

FORBES: Visa's vision