The economics of three digits

World Economic Forum meetings are, as one former Prime Minister put it over a nightcap, part private high-level talks, part networking and a fair portion of theatre. “Theatre is good, just not in large doses” he rightly declared. That is a succinct description of what transpired in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh this week at the World Economic Forum meeting. There was plenty to digest and discuss, but as usual the many of the more memorable thoughts came in the networking lounge over an espresso. I spoke to the CEO of a Gulf investment authority who, during our conversation said they really want to get it right this time, since they are blessed with the “three digits.” The conversation continues, as I try to bluff my way through what “three digits” means. After another minute my curiosity gets the better of me and I confess my ignorance. “Three