On various occasions, virtually all of us have thought about the associations that are linked to our companies and our brands. We’ve observed situations in which positive associations have helped companies grow and prosper, creating equity in the process. We’ve also observed situations in which negative associations proved to be too great a hurdle for some companies to overcome. And we’ve all spent time thinking about the associations to which we aspire. That is something that we do as individuals as well as business leaders.

At the time when Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Sumner Tainter carried out the first wireless telephone conversation in 1880, even their great minds probably couldn’t have envisioned how significant a part this technology would go on to play more than 120 years later. Today, barely a week goes by before a new wireless device is brought to market and the spread of the technology in developing countries has come to be one of the tell-tale signs of economic strength.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Ms Yellen would replace Ben Bernanke, who has held the post for eight years and who she has been deputy to for the past two years.

Educated at Harvard University and the London School of Economics, Ms Yellen is seen as a “dove”, meaning she prefers to prioritise boosting employment by keeping rates low rather than worrying about inflation.

Developed in partnership with non-profit PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the vaccine known as RTS,S has been trialled over three years, with more than 15,000 infants and young children. GSK found the vaccine reduced the malaria cases in infants aged six to 12 weeks by around a quarter at first vaccination.

10. QIWI PLC (QIWI)

Gain: 115%
Offer price: $17
Recent close: $36
Offer date: 2-May-2013
www.qiwi.com

The order for 31 of the aircraft, valued at nearly $9.5 billion at list price, marks the aircraft manufacturer’s first deal with the Japanese carrier. According to the deal, JAL also has an option to purchase an additional 25 planes.

"This is Airbus' largest order for the A350 so far this year and is the largest ever order we have received from a Japanese airline," said Fabrice Bregier, chief executive of Airbus. "I must say that achieving this breakthrough order and entering a traditional competitor market was one of my personal goals."