Back from holiday

Well, its great to be back in the office, albeit a day late. We had a wonderful time in south South Africa (see the Deedes Diaries), although marred by the theft of our cameras, phones, bags and other items from our rooms whilst we slept. It took all day yesterday to deal with Hiscox insurance but the incident was efficiently sorted out by thier loss adjusters, who gave us clearence to pick up replacement phones etc in Harrogate in the afternoon.

Tomorrow is Budget day here in the UK, but in South Africa it will be Election Day, and our hearts go out to all our relatives and friends living there. South Africa is a wonderful place, and we hope the new Government will take it from strength to strength; sadly, we fear it will deteriorate as cronyism, tribalism and corruption take the place of prudent government.

Back here in the office all is well, thanks to the careful stewardship provided by Mary, Rowena and Annette who held the fort whilst I was away. Thank you all.

It seems that stock markets have risen consistently in my absence, developing into a rally that I think is too fast, too far and too early. I would not be surprised to see a retrenchment, albeit not all the way back to the February/March lows.

Do let me know if you would like me to go away again!

Jeremy