Since then the space program has had nearly countless ups and downs (no pun intended).

FORBES: Man in Space! 50 Years Later

And that campaign back in 2007-2008, it had plenty of ups and downs, but no matter what, you, the people of Iowa, had my back. (Applause.) You had my back.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

If you look past the ups and downs - made even larger, no doubt, by the extra bank holidays in June - the picture for UK exporters is a bit brighter than it has been for anyone focused solely on the home market.

BBC: Good news on trade

Ups and downs in financial crisis in Europe but no melt down.

FORBES: Fed's Hot Air Heats Up Stocks

The luxury-goods industry is often said to be immune to such ups and downs, since the mega-rich go on spending no matter what.

ECONOMIST: Why sales of luxury goods are slowing