Theres a bit of dispute as to the status of the Big Slump. Some economists think its all but over. At least in the sense that it wont get much worse. But Chancellor Darling and quite a few others – argue that it is not yet part of history yet.

In a sense, it doesnt really matter to share shifters like us. Because, I fear, chums, that the recovery is going to be drawn out. I dont think we will see a sudden burst back to normality. It could take years before shares rise to previous high records.

I do not doubt that shares will break through previous records eventually. History shows that they nearly always do. But this time the UK has been saddled with so much debt, that even if the recession vanishes, it will take years before the country is back on its feet.

Firms will make lower profits than they did. This means taxes will not flow back into the government chest at a fast rate. The UK will have to get used to a lower standard of living. House prices will stabilise there are a few signs that it could be near that point now but they will probably not rocket at a rate wed become used to.

So as far as the big Footsie (news) shares go, I think that share prices will rise, but not very fast. I will find it hard to maintain my usual income from share trading.
However, we were talking about Footsie giants there. And looking at them as a whole, there will still be some companies – both giants and tiddlers – that will soar.
There may even be ten baggers and 20 baggers among them. The trick is find those gems, those that will rise faster than the others.

Yes, chums, the Footsie may rise very slowly from now on, preserving present share values. But I wont claw back my big losses this year very quickly unless I find some shares that will rise faster than the general recovery will allow. And this, gang, I fully intend to do. Rocking on.