Mr Proebsting says he believes it is just a matter of time before Microsoft starts using predictive markets to predict external as well as internal events.

ECONOMIST: Monitor

In other words, bear markets lead to bearish forecasts that have little predictive value.

FORBES: Bear Markets Lead to Bearish Forecasts

Another interesting aspect of KBase is that it could eventually have implications for trading systems (and those who love predictive models and are stumped by animal spirits) in the financial markets.

FORBES: A Better Database

We conclude with an argument that, in the specific case of the global financial markets, there is an urgent need to develop major national strategic modelling and predictive simulation capabilities, comparable to national-scale meteorological monitoring and modelling capabilities.

FORBES: No, You Can't Build a Big Computer to Model the Financial Markets