The macroeconomic picture has improved and investor confidence has found a new lease on life after Tokyo halted the deterioration of the banking system, public funds juiced up the statistics and numerous private companies began restructuring their operations.

CNN: JAPAN'S BLIP FAILS TO STICK

The downgrades do not reflect a deterioration in the financial strength of the banking system or that of the government.

FORBES: Moody's Downgrades the UK Banks

"No one can question the deterioration in the sovereign balance sheet or banking system, but it seems counterintuitive to cite possible financing gaps when a large, " bond issuance was about to close, said Richard Segal, emerging market strategist at Jefferies International.

WSJ: Slovenia Bond Sale Postponed

It added the newly-installed bollards, which are 7ft (2.1m) apart, and a traffic light system would enforce traffic regulations and protect the road from further deterioration.

BBC: Worle 'narrow gap' bollards to remain

The drug aimed to ease the deterioration caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves, eventually leaving some patients wheelchair-bound and unable to move.

FORBES: Biogen Idec Hits A Nerve