An interesting article called, "A sea change in shipping", discusses what could be perceived as a very plain topic: boxes. As it turns out, box containers have had a profound impact not only on the shipping industry, but the very nature of trade. The advent of box container shipping has helped transform the type of goods the world sends and receives, and the efficiency with which they come to market.
S&P cut Nasdaq's credit rating to junk status citing debt burdens and its questionable strategy to buy a controlling interest in the London Stock Exchange. Financial Times reported that the exchange's counterparty credit & bank loan rating were lowered fromm BBB- (lowest investment grade rating) to BB+. The change will increase Nasdaq's borrowing costs should it wish to pursue aquisition targets. For an earlier look at the exchange consolidation trend that brought about Nasdaq's push for a stake in the LSE, please see "Exchange fever" .