FTSE.

[john Tuohy]

Has anyone else noticed the FTSE sneakily sneaking up all the time? 4850 at COP. When we went to see our bank manager about a year ago it was around 3600. That is 33% increase in about a year. I am quite pleased as bank manager was suggesting we go 50-50, but I said it cannot get any worse. Let us stay 75-25.

This general improvement in the economy could make next years UK election quite interesting. Stil think the tories will win, but "it's the economy stupid", and if it keeps getting better, then even GB's fiercest critics (there are quite a few) will have to acknowledge that he has sailed us through some troubled times.

[Gordon McIvor Wilson]

'Champagne socialists' is a band, my (champagne) social secretary tells me.
J2O must be founder General Secretary of the Battersea Branch. He keeps an eye on the bruvvers from his Chelsea Harbour penthouse - 'Clarissa, where did you put the Krug?'
As to politicians, however they start out, they all soon morph into a club of self-serving autocrats, tossers all; dont get me started, Champagne Johnnie from Bow!

Blimey, its almost noon; waiter, another magnum of the '87 over here and a large sidecar for the mem'sahib! [I am indebted to 'Drink of the Week' a blog unconnected with The Sports Exchange]. And for all your champagne needs, www.TheNakedGrape.co.uk, just mention The Sports Exchange, huge discounts!

[john Tuohy]

Good stuff Ron. The idea of lining up politicians and shooting their heads off appeals to me, and I am sure GMW would agree.

[Ron]

Politicians have done a fine job for this once great country. How many times do you here a politician say ENGLAND! Never, it’s a dirty word in their vocabulary. Have you seen the state of the place, it’s a bloody disgrace. They should be lined up against a wall and shot, the lot of them. And while I'm at it, Champagne Johns FTSE is set to take another hammering which is a bit of a shame seeing as I like many others have some money indirectly and inappropriately riding on this fantasy league table.

Just thought I would post this note of optimism seeing as I have apparently woken up in a foul mood today.

[john Tuohy]

No problem Brian. I am accused of being a "Champagne socialist" about ten times a day. I have always considered it a compliment rather than an insultt. The opposite is a "working-class Tory". Now that is an insult. Not only stupid, but voting against their financial interests.

[Brian Ford]

JT. The economy isnt just the FTSE. There is a real economy out there which aint very pleasant. It hurts me to say it but you have a lot of the "Champagne Socialist" about you.

[Gordon McIvor Wilson]

Recession over, they say? Our problems just beginning: SMEs (the powerhouse of the UK economy) falling like flies, its a motorway pile-up as good companies run into the back of the crash-site in front. Where's the money to fuel current operations (not from the banks) and let alone funds for expansion.

I always thought the FTSE would stay lower because no cash to pay divis. But I suppose with base rate at 0.5% any divi is a winner.