Joined-up thinking

The news that a few more European stock exchanges are putting their differences aside to in a bid to create a pan-European exchange is refreshing and welcome. Latest indications are that Paris, Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam, Brussels, Stockholm and Zurich are intent on joining the London-Frankfurt alliance. But don't hold your breath, this could take some time. By and large, stock exchanges are still built on foundations of national self-interest and domestic ownership. That has been a key sticking