Fiscal football

Want an interest in World Cup matches? No problem. If you support the African, minor European, or South American countries, you can buy their currencies before a match. Fancy a Euroland country? Don't worry about the euro, the major countries still have national stock indices. Need more leverage for United States, the UK and Japan? You can try option strategies around match times.

The yuan is not convertible, but you might think that the Tracker Fund will rise if China wins. Iran, Mexico and Saudi Arabia are trickier - let alone Argentina. But bank traders are innovative. Back your hunches - phone your bank now.

GILES BRENNAND

Repulse Bay