Most economic downturns are rarely accurately predicted. Yet we see daily in the business media, eminent business, banking and private equity figures, sending out warnings. Could it be that it says more about them and their own fears (loss of status, wealth and job security) than their real concern for the rest of us? After all, they would surely have less to fear than most of us in a downturn and stronger defences? I don’t recall seeing many of them worrying about anyone else in the good times and other than the great fortune on their doorstep.