Mr Assad's grip looks increasingly weak.

ECONOMIST: Syria's president

Even as Wall Street has come to grip with a notably weak iPhone volume performance for this spring, margin expectations have also hit a new bottom.

FORBES: Apple Nightmare Scenario Finally Priced in - Great Set-up for Earnings Report

Americans are strapped for cash, as personal income flattened in June while gas prices rose, further tightening the grip many individuals and families feel from mortgage payments, credit card bills and a weak labor market.

FORBES: Magazine Article