Financial gearing may be another reason.

ECONOMIST: Has the tide turned for corporate profits?

Financial flames snuffed, Williamson is gearing up for some acquisitions.

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On Friday, reports surfaced that China may also be gearing up to play a greater financial role in Europe.

FORBES: China To The Rescue In Africa, Asia And Europe

President Obama, entering his second year in office, is trying to muster support for a sweeping financial reform package expected to make its way through Congress this spring, right when mid-term elections are gearing up.

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