Bonds are also doing well and stocks have snapped back from recent weakness.

"Many of the factors behind the recent weakness are likely to operate with less force in the future," they said.

Consumption accounts for more than half of the economy and its recent weakness helped push Japan into recession.

Some suggested the progress was due to sterling's recent weakness.

Because all three are strong exporters, they benefit from the recent weakness of the yen, he said.

At $31 per share, the board apparently feels as though Microsoft is trying to "steal" the company and take advantage of recent weaknesses.

But he is worried about the recent weakness in capital spending by businesses, another main driver of the economy.

It was only several yards from one building to the other, but the priest felt his recent weakness as he walked in the cold air.

The proposal is intended to address the recent weakness of oil prices.

British Gas rebounded from recent weakness to close 6p better at 272p.