Floor trading volume dropped by half in the second quarter compared with last year, when Nymex agreed to start trading its contracts on the Merc's Globex electronic system.

FORBES: Trading Partners

Although some Republicans signed on to raising taxes for the first time in two decades, the fact is that Democrats have agreed to tax rates which, compared to much of the 20th century, are extraordinarily low.

CNN: America lives under the shadow of George W. Bush

In the first three months of 2008, eight chief executives of major U.S. companies, including Bear Stearns, Morgan Stanley and First American agreed to forgo their bonuses, compared to 4 for the previous twelve months, according to Equilar's research.

FORBES: Magazine Article