But the Hong Kong-listed bank tried to reassure investors by saying it would be continuing with its product diversification and international expansion in an attempt to further expand its profitability.

BBC: Bank of China profits jump 30%

Much of Agilent's risk management, and future investment, rests in product and geographic diversification.

FORBES: Agilent Settles Down For A Change

It may need some help from outsiders with marketing and product placement, but diversification probably makes more sense than just sticking with a capricious federal customer as the walls close in.

FORBES: After Bin Laden, What Next For The Defense Industry?

The genius of the free market is that this kind of diversification is the natural and privileged product of the inherent logic of markets.

FORBES: Big Brother 2.0: What If the NSA Adopts Facebook's 'Hacker Way'?