Predictably, the aggressive interest rate policies adopted by central banks has had some effect.  The policymakers’ intention was to temper inflationary forces by subduing the purchasing capacity of the consumer.  However (at least to date), consumption patterns have been less affected than anticipated, and it is the financial system itself that is bearing the brunt of central bank tightening.

There are portfolios and then there are portfolios ... not necessarily of the same quality. Here, strictly avoiding the provision of advice, we’ll briefly explore this theme…