The combination of increased demand and constraints on supply has pushed up the ratio of average house prices to average earnings in the city from 4.8 in 1990 to 7.6 now.

ECONOMIST: Housing

Given the constraints on state budgets, the unpopularity of increased taxation and the politics of tobacco, it is more tempting to raise money through a tobacco-settlement bond, in spite of the higher cost.

ECONOMIST: Bond markets

While analysts look for increased mine production in the next few years, some also say there are some constraints on how rapidly this can grow.

FORBES: Global Output From Gold Mines In Upswing Although Some Constraints Persist