1.   Falling bonds means higher borrowing costs and lower investment income, particularly for financial companies which typically hold large bond portfolios.

2.   Falling commodity prices mean Russia gets less export revenue.

3.   Falling short meant Barkley has yet to earn an NBA ring.

4.   Kansas City-based Payless filed for bankruptcy protection in July when it became apparent that falling sales meant the company would probably default on its bank loans.

5.   Still, falling Asian markets mean inflation in Europe and the U.S. will probably be less of a threat.