Stable end markets and cost-cutting efforts let Thermo deliver solid profits through tough times.

FORBES: Lab-Supply Giant Profits From Offshore Growth, Acquisitions

Flemish enthusiasts at Steam Center Maldegem, a heritage center in northern Belgium, recently spent a cold day cutting spare boiler screws for their stable, which includes a Polish-built steam engine, the "General Maczek, " named for the Polish general who helped liberate Belgium in World War II.

WSJ: Belgian Train Museum Had a Hard Time Getting on Track

The number of jobs being cut was relatively stable in the period and, while businesses said they expected to continue cutting jobs in the next four months, the rate would be less rapid than during the first half of the year.

BBC: Business confidence rattled

That has included hiring a stable of the best talent in editing, at high pay packages, during this time when everyone else is cutting jobs and pay for journalists.

FORBES: How Harry Potter Predicts Success for AOL

According to the World Bank, good monsoon rains this year and a stable local currency could further reduce inflation from current levels, allowing the central bank to further ease monetary policy after cutting its key lending rate twice already this year.

WSJ: World Bank: India's Economy Is Recovering