Unlikely as it may be, it was as a result of a recent confrontation on the foggy East China Sea that rare earth metals – used in the production of vital components in a host of hi – tech products on which we increasingly depend – hit the headlines

Emirates, Dubai´s national airline, has been buying passenger jets as if they were toys, the better to serve its new mega – airports and shopping – based tourist industry. But is this latest spree a few jumbos too bold?

Once upon a time Bretton Woods ensured orderly exchange rates and the stability of the world economy. And then global currency trading mushroomed out of the control of nations´central banks. Can it still be contained and an all – out currency war averted?