Boris Johnson looks to an era of innovation, renewed optimism

WHAT a difference a majority makes.

Boris Johnson not only achieved a huge victory in the December election but also at last succeeded in obtaining a big majority for the Brexit bill.

Using behaviourist economist Robert Shiller's terminology, the British prime minister is "a motivational speaker who knows how to create animal spirits". To be sure, a post-election boomlet on the London stock market illustrates renewed confidence in a Parliament that has been dysfunctional for three years. Businesses and investors who have been wracked with uncertainty now appear to be much more relaxed.