The global economy is on a go-slow, but can Davos spring a surprise?

It’s easy to be cynical about the World Economic Forum when virtue signalling and crocodile tears have ruled the roost for years, writes James Moore. But a torpid global economy threatened by a series of dangerous flashpoints around the world may this year concentrate minds. Could self-interest save us?

Icy reception: snow covers Davos as the global economy’s big players meet (AP)

It is terribly easy to be cynical about the annual meeting of the world’s leaders of money and business at the World Economic Forum at Davos.

There will be no shortage of people railing against it – and equally, there’ll be no shortage of virtue signalling from those in attendance. These are people who like to pretend they care about the state of the world even while they are flying on private jets and enjoying the sumptuous hospitality laid on by corporate sponsors.

However, if there were ever a time for the cynics among us to be proven wrong, one hopes it is now.