It is something of a surprise to learn from our media, that our exports exceeded our imports over the months of December/January.. and many bankers and economic analysts are proclaiming this as a sign that we're reaching a balance which hopefully will bring our economy back on an even keel...
However, the facts for the man on the street is, that because of overwhelming rains in Scotland, leaving green crops to rot in the ground, and underwhelming rain in England, which has caused produce to wither on the vine so to speak, the price of vegetables, bread, and as a consequence most other commodities purchased in the weekly shopping, are going to rise.
This, coupled with unrelenting taxation on petrol, is pinching the average income to the point of creating the necessity for a family to have a double income..
Now, the banks have been pushed by the Central Bank to start a policy of offering mortgages with only a 5% equity deposit.. and one must seriously consider the wisdom of such a move. It was this trend which started the slide in the first place in the United States, and forced the bankruptcies of the now fabled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack..
It might be well said these days.. that we're still being led by the nose to a false recovery by the machinations of our politico's.. Time will tell, but for those looking for a return to the 'good old days'.. it's not bloody likely.. Not in our lifetimes.