Following close on the heels of my article ‘AIM – The Exodus Begins’ (May 20th) in which I criticised the London Stock Exchange for chasing new entrants to AIM rather than taking care of those companies already there, it has come up with a new initiative which it promises can offer the latter ‘huge value’.

Around this time last year, the nation’s investment experts all started to point out how cheap the big FTSE 100 stocks looked and to suggest that we all switched out of smaller companies and into blue chips.

Alberto Bailleres obviously hopes that 1 and 1 will make not 2, but 3, 4 or even 5! The Mexican billionaire owns the giant diversified mining and chemical group, Penoles. Penoles has floated part of its business on London’s stock market.

In our constant travels for Without Borders, we look for progressive, undervalued international investment opportunities in booming economies with governments that treat capital well. To even begin to make the cut, the countries also have to possess multiple economic growth engines, open trade and business freedom.

The weather has certainly improved! And long may it last. Erin was beginning to wonder if I suffered from seasonal affective disorder. SAD was certainly how I felt until the sun finally came out last week.

Bargains sometimes come with risk. So is now the time to seriously consider investing in companies or funds with an interest in the mineral rich but troubled nation of Zimbabwe.

‘I had to kick their butts to get it done and now it’s a tremendous asset to the entire country.’ So said George Mitchell, the man whose discovery unlocked a whole new supply of gas for the United States of America.

Prices give the rankings. Diamonds generally come top. Ruby and emerald are also priced higher than a top quality sapphire, due to their rarity. For a one-carat ruby stone the bill is likely to be between $250 and $10,000 per carat. Truly quality gems will cost more.