We live in a world where there are instant communications including news cycles. This tends to mean people think that things can get done quickly. Although it is possible, timelines are falling thanks to AI and technology, but there tends to be a time delay. President Trump communicates on a social media platform and has a press conference just about every day, even when there is not much to say or was done. This means reporters ask for details and they can refer to officials who often say we will get back to you.

In an article by Jill Lawless and Rajesh Roy of the Associated Press, Britain and India announced after more than 3 years of negotiating, a free trade agreement was signed. On the British side, the government had changed which lead to some delays.

PM Starmer said this is the biggest trade deal that we in the UK have done since we left the UK and the most ambitious trade deal that India has ever done. Understanding that prior to India’s independence, the UK essentially ran India. When the industrial revolution happened in Britain, it forced India’s clothing mills closed so the population could only buy British textiles.

The deal which must be ratified by both countries, comes as the US wishes to strike deals in 90 days. This deal took 3 years for both countries to be satisfied with the outcome.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, one of the reasons to buy these stocks is the time horizon. Ideally you are going to buy and hold as long as the company makes a profit to pay dividends. This means you need to ensure they can make a profit, but the amount of homework you need to do on a regular basis allows you to focus on other activities of your life.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.