Torpedoing the settlement at this stage, however, would sink the housing market still further.

FORBES: It's Time To Finalize The Robo-Signing Settlement

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, RBS said it was still in "late-stage settlement discussions" with US and UK authorities over "potential settlements".

BBC: RBS sign

Almost two years later, that probe is nearing completion, government and company officials said, setting the stage for settlement negotiations between the U.S. and News Corp.

WSJ: Bribery Allegations Surfaced Against WSJ in China

If a slow-motion referendum has to hold matters up at this stage, the hopes of pushing on to a realistic, worthwhile settlement are dim indeed.

ECONOMIST: Stretching Jerusalem