Sir John Templeton was a legend in his own lifetime who made billions of dollars from the sensible and wise way he invested money. In these difficult times it is apposite to quote Rule No. 12 of Templeton's legendary golden rules for investment success: "Begin with a prayer," he advised.
Templeton was a committed Christian. But his reason for advocating prayer was not so much to ask an almighty power to deliver miracles for the investor. As Templeton explained, "If you begin with a prayer, you can think more clearly and make fewer mistakes."
In the holiday lull around the New Year holidays it would be a good idea for politicians, economists and investors everywhere to offer a prayer and then enjoy some cool reflection on how to tackle the myriad and various issues facing them.