The intelligence product from this series of meetings between the Bunteresque MI5 man and Gutteridge was speedily disseminated throughout Whitehall.

Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.

Please flag down a taxi for me.

I, Aurora Leigh, was born To make my father sadder, and myself Not overjoyous, truly.