If he needed a surge of strength, he imagined throwing an electric switch to flood his muscles with power.

ECONOMIST: John Bachar, free-climber, died on July 5th, aged 52

The Brazilians have become worried about a surge of imports that has come about partly because of the strength of the real (which has risen by 32% against the dollar since the start of 2009).

ECONOMIST: Brazil, Mexico and trade

The surge in U.S. hiring comes after weeks of conflicting signals about the strength of the global economy.

NPR: Stocks Surge To New Highs After Hiring Climbs