The Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, passed after the collapse of Enron in order to stiffen up corporate governance, has put off foreign companies from listing there.

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The news in the US though, had a slightly more positive tone and this helped the dollar to stiffen up a bit against the common currency.

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In Caymans equipped with the Sport Chrono package, new dynamic transmission mounts stiffen up to minimize shift-shock and to keep the otherwise-bucking powertrain from deranging the car's handling.

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So too has the response of the rebel leaders, who have provoked a minor backlash by setting up their own rather crude whipping operation to stiffen the resolve of waverers.

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Seatbelt pre-tensioners cinch up, and the front and rear suspension dampers stiffen.

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Some people suggest that Mr Netanyahu has deliberately stirred up this wave of speculation about an Israeli strike in an effort to stiffen international sanctions against Iran.

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