I find myself in the Swiss Alps this weekend, spending a few days with my family in the picturesque village of Veysonnaz. While tranquillity reigns and the family delights in having my attention for a change, the bad news for readers is that “Words from the Wise” is taking a break this Sunday.

As a substitute for the weekly review, I have obtained the necessary permission to republish a fascinating discussion of Kate Welling (Weeden & co) with Albert Edwards and James Montier of Société Générale. They are, in a word, skeptics, and at this juncture most deeply skeptical of any and all notions that “the worst is over”. The article will be up on