Or will it go completely parabolic with some kind of quick blow-off move, perhaps the kind associated with major geopolitical events or with unexpected monetary changes?

FORBES: A Gold Chart Only Benoit Mandelbrot Could Love

Yet western diplomats, in particular, were quick to declare the affair a body-blow to Mr Khatami, who has worked assiduously to improve Iran's relations with the West.

ECONOMIST: Iran

However, their hopes of a quick purchase suffered a blow when CB Holding's parent company - Straumur-Burdaras Investment Bank - had its debt payments frozen until September 2010.

BBC: West Ham's shareholders in no hurry to sell club