  We present a summary update of the QCD spectral sum rule (QSSR) results for
the running and {\it perturbative pole} quark masses, the $f_D$ and $f_B$
leptonic decay constants, the heavy-to-light and heavy-to-heavy exclusive
transition-form factors. Analytic expressions of these latter quantities are
presented, which give a deeper understanding of their $q^2$- and infinite
mass-behaviours. A short comparison of the QSSR results with alternative
approaches is done.
