They have raised many more questions than have so far been answered. However, answers to these questions will have to be provided. Risk is an inherent part of financial investment, but I would regard it as particularly detrimental if the volatility in global stock prices were to result in small savers, in particular, distrusting equity investment.
The diversity of the various sources of finance is essential - especially now, at a time when many firms face difficult financing conditions. The “equity culture”, which is still a relatively recent and fragile phenomenon in many European countries, must continue to develop.