[PeterNI]

Well as previously posted the talks are leak free - no mobile phones etc.

Mostly it's now down to business - they are figuring how to get the words so that it seems as if everyone wins.

The market terms this as 'fig leaf' which is self explanatory.

Funny enough I see talk about Japan and India - both these are very important economies but has to be in context - the UK has much more trade with Ireland than both these combined, both former countries the UK imports more than exports, the latter the reverse.

The rumours are positive but nothing concrete to report - I'd still guess on the side of a deal being done.

[Tosh Crabtree]

A Biden win is unthinkable, Athos.
That's what nightmares are made of

[PeterNI]

The Stock market is predicting - well actually it's called the presidential predictor - a Biden win.

At the close on Friday the S&P was down for the past 3 months - seems since 1944 if that happens then over 80% chance new party in power.

Having said that I see there are signs of Trump closing the gap on some key states, so all to play for yet.

Worst case will be a re-run of 20 years ago - let's see what happens.

Btw no news on the talks - there has been progress - the US election has zero impact, covid is having larger impact right now.

[PeterNI]

On mentioning the US - it is worth noting that the UK is currently the 7th largest trading partner with America and is it's 5th largest export market.

The largest slice of that market is Financial Services (worth 78bn to the US).

This is why it is important to complete the trade negotiations with the US which started earlier this year and have gone nowhere since.

(in tandem the need to get 'passporting rights' with the EU sorted because US firms use London as a gateway to the EU market.)

[Tosh Crabtree]

Interesting PeterNI. .. thanks .

[PeterNI]

I know most eyes are on the US election but M. Barnier has updated EU ambassadors this afternoon on the talks - pretty much downbeat - the only forward movement has been on police/security and apparently have gone backwards on the level playing field.

Not really what I had hoped to report but while the talking continues ... who knows?

[Tosh Crabtree]

Good strategy Athos . I'm with you on that one .

[PeterNI]

As you guys might guess where I live and do business and I've seen some bad times.

Many people around me used to ask 'how will it ever end?'

My answer was always like Athos's last sentence , and i thank God that I have lived to see it fulfilled.

Take care guys

[Tosh Crabtree]

And you , Peter.

[PeterNI]

Latest update - they are still talking.

The deadline of this weekend has been moved back one week - so looks like the long saga is finally coming to a conclusion - either with a good trade deal for both or none at all.

The fact that they have moved the deadline would perhaps be slightly positive but we'll have to wait.

The 2 problem areas remain fish and what has become known as level playing field.

Will update if anything to report