Health: My thanks to subscribers for your thoughtful emails of support and best wishes for a speedy recovery.  I wish I had better news to share with you but here is a brief description of the reality.

My operation on 7th July was considerably more debilitating than I had expected.  Unfortunately my atrial fibrillation returned after a few days and I still have some fluid in my lungs. Consequently my mobility remains extremely limited. Therefore I do not have either the energy or concentration to resume my career at this time. I will focus on rest, recovery and a more holistic treatment of my condition, mainly from a healthier environment in North Devon.

Stock markets: In my opinion stock markets are even more fascinating than ever. A period of uncertainty and fear persists but that is far less dangerous than euphoria. As always there are many medium-term hurdles to be cleared, not least the eventual normalisation of interest rates. The longer-term outlook remains extremely promising, not least for successful technology companies.

Your Fuller, Treacy Money Global Strategy Service: We are very fortunate to have Eoin Treacy with his calm, experienced and forensic study of global stock markets, best observed on price charts. These seldom move in isolation so Eoin also monitors global bonds, currencies and commodities on a similar basis, knowing that sharp moves in these instruments can affect sentiment. Consequently he can see potentially significant changes in relative strength or weakness more quickly than most other observers. This perspective is invaluable, ensuring that Eoin is less distracted by market noise.

Kind regards,

David