LEGENDARY financial commentator Leon Richardson was in fine form at the Hong Kong Exporters Association yesterday lunchtime.
''Sell all your Hong Kong stocks and stay out until they offer good value,'' was one of his recommendations, and he was warmly received by his audience, despite causing a moment's confusion between Pakistan and Palestine.
Mr Richardson writes for over three dozen publications worldwide, plus his own newsletter, World Investment Perspective, and he had just come from the RTHK studios were he had been broadcasting his weekly programme.
This blaze of activity led us to wonder why he continued to allow people such free access to his unique advice.
When he was speaking to the press afterwards, we asked why not charge for it? ''Weeeell,'' he drawled, ''the day I have to charge is the day I have to quit.'' He does get paid for some of his columns, and an occasional honorarium, but he donates all this to charity, he says.
''I sold my business and it's left me comfortable enough for three lifetimes. I have all the money that I will ever be able to use,'' he said.
''There's only two reasons to make money. One is to be good to people; the other is to make sure your kids stay in touch.'' It's an old-fashioned attitude, but he's an old-fashioned gent.
