The IPS has been involved in knowledge-based information processing, stochastic optimization methods, and in particular nonlinear methods of time sequence analysis, for many years. In 1990-92, its researchers laid the foundations for a system to analyse and predict financial market data on a working basis. The next step is to shorten the forecasting horizon and transition to tick data. Information-processing instruments for the analysis and forecasting of financial markets are of growing importance as decision-supporting tools. Potential beneficiaries of the IPS research are banks, insurance companies and consultancies. Contacts exist with firms in Switzerland and elsewhere.