"There has been a reduction in volatility and in the velocity of lay-offs, " he explained.

FORBES: Unemployment Rate Edges Up

The diversification effect that comes from investing in countries with low cross-correlations can result in both an increase in return and a reduction in volatility at the total portfolio level over the long term.

FORBES: Why Global Diversification Still Makes Sense

The EPA's "insistence on a 97-percent reduction is likely to lead to problems on a national level, including spot shortages, extreme volatility of prices, and consequent damage to the trucking and agricultural industries, " said Tom Robinson, president of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America.

CNN: Fuel refiners dispute EPA plan for reduction of sulfur content in vehicles