Sceptics insist this is not ahead of schedule, but acknowledge that the new oil will more than offset declines elsewhere, especially if the Saudis manage to delay the retirement of old fields.

ECONOMIST: The market is frothy again

It may also be prudent to delay the sale of losing stocks until 2011, when the losses can be used to offset gains that will be taxed at the higher rate.

FORBES

The project has suffered some delay and the Bath and North East Somerset Council is still looking for a private backer to offset some of the cost.

BBC: Work underway to re-open Bath spa