One of the advantages of buying a company when your acquisition currency is stronger than the currency in which your target is valued is that it gives you some financial leeway.

FORBES: Europe At A Discount

Association of Teachers and Lecturers general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said she agreed with the report's assertion that "apprenticeships should deliver a valued, high-kudos route for young people, which is as equally respected as the academic route".

BBC: Apprenticeships 'should last a year', report says

Yet GE has at least one asset that could be monetized for a much higher multiple than the 44 times earnings at which the company is valued.

FORBES: The Jack Factor

Another attraction is that highly priced tracking stocks might one day be used as a richly valued currency with which to acquire other businesses.

ECONOMIST: Shares