Justin is one of the most recognisable and trusted market commentators on television, radio, and in the press.
Originally trained as a lawyer, he has observed the retail market industry for 20 years whilst at Barclays Stockbrokers and developed a unique understanding of the market’s roles and benefits for the private investor.
Each week we will bring you Justin’s latest thoughts and commentry. For a taster of this week’s article please continue to read..
LA “LESS THAN BELLE” FRANCE – Read the full article here!
It’s easy to make simplistic comparisons, but this year I found a stark difference in attitude between what I saw in the French economy as opposed to that of Perfidious Albion on the other side of La Manche (‘The Sleeve’). Naturally all citizens are usually quite cynical over their leaders and especially those who these days seem to be guided by their spin ‘Meisters’ in managing their media coverage. In France the leaders’ media story was obviously going to be dominated by the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, as well as the liberation of Provence and Paris. This provided a perfect platform for the President to look statesman – like and a natural leader for the nation.
Sadly though this was not the case. President Hollande is not a very charismatic man – although possibly his private life implies he may have some hidden attractions not obviously visible to the rest of us. From standing on the flight deck of the French aircraft carrier – at least they have got one and it even has planes on it! – the mighty if somewhat ageing (eventually commissioned five years late in 2001) Charles de Gaulle (was to have been called the Richelieu – a far better name), to unveiling various memorials to the fallen, I am afraid he did not cut much of a figure. If ever there was an impersonation of a bemused actuary trying to find a lost pencil, then this was it.
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