Just how long will the Equitable Life trial at the High Court continue? Some commentators have argued that there are some less than compelling arguments in the battle between Equitable Life and former auditors Ernst & Young. And the gossip coming TS’s way is that the whole thing could reach a premature conclusion in June.

Equally, others doubt this. So TS thought we would try and put some kind of authoritative analysis on the question ­ we asked the bookies. Unfortunately, William Hill told us that they don’t offer odds on the outcome of court cases. Something to do with prejudicing the outcome of the case, they said. Pah! TS might open its own book instead. Anyone care to pick a winner?