“This week The Economist published the "big mac index". I am wondering what David, Eoin and the collective is thinkng about this index. Do you consider it a "useful" way to judge the value of a currency. Thank you in advance, and best regards.”

David Fuller's view

The Big Mac Index was invented by the Economist in 1986 and it has been a great source of publicity and fun, so thanks for reminding us that it is still being mentioned. 

I think it is an interesting way to value a currency, or land prices, and there are undoubtedly worse indicators.  The right-hand graphic on The Economist site is interesting.  Look at the seven ‘cheapest’ in Big Mac currencies at the bottom, because their stock markets are certainly doing well this year.  However, we can say the same for Norway at the top of the table.