However, the price has rebounded since the New Year on concern about supply disruptions in South Africa, where 80% of the metal is mined.

BBC: Amplats 'arrogant', says South Africa minister

But expect many more similar battles to pop up around the country, with disruptions in service as the new norm.

FORBES: Cablevision and Fox Showcase Future Trend

Any meaningful pick-up in demand should be supportive since supply remains constrained due to factors such as labor disruptions, declining ore grades and limited new major discoveries.

FORBES: Copper Expected To Languish Over Summer But Pick Up Into Year-End

The Associated Press reported on new research from Keynote Systems According to the report, most systems suffer from frequent disruptions and, for customers of the worst performers, one out every 20 call attempts fails.

FORBES

The supply of new rental buildings is shrinking for now, brokers say, as a result of the disruptions caused by both the boom and the ensuing financial crisis: During the boom, developers focused on highly profitable condominiums, and during the downturn, there was little financing available.

WSJ: Well-Heeled Renters Find Tight Market

But it will not melt snow, build new runways to ease congestion, make the sun shine or prevent air traffic control strikes or disruptions.

BBC: Equal rights for air travellers outside the US and EU?

Whether you're flying to visit your family, catching a train to meet up with a long-distance love or celebrating New Year's Eve on a warm-weather cruise with friends, ever present travel disruptions over the holiday season may leave you needing a place to stay at the last-minute.

BBC: A boom in same-day hotel booking apps

Still, the upbeat domestic sales figures for the first month of the new business year are likely to fan optimism that Japanese car makers will continue to regain sales momentum after the disruptions caused by last year's Asian natural disasters, which also included flooding in Thailand.

WSJ: Japanese Auto Sales Climb 92%