This looks to be a clever and unexpected move by the Nasdaq exchange.

Things have been good for so long that some slowing is inevitable. It's not unexpected.

It looks like we're venturing into a more active pattern here.

There is likely to be much deliberation over such a bid and it is almost unthinkable that the U.K. government would not become involved.

Today's in-line figures mark an interesting contrast with the above forecast results received recently from rival Legal and General -- where improved UK business underpinned well-received figures.

It's a clever move, they don't want to directly confront the regime.