Amid speculation that Alan Greenspan's departure from the US Federal Reserve next week after 18 years will see him embark on a highly paid series of speaking engagements, there was some scepticism in Davos over whether or not audiences will find his typically technical and Delphic speaking style enthralling.

One leading European business figure suggested that perhaps Mr Greenspan might be best signed up for a question and answer session, to make his thoughts more digestible.

Schwab honoured by the Brits

It had to happen. Klaus Schwab, the boundlessly energetic founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum, who is famous for his schmoozing of business and political leaders from across the world, is to be knighted.

Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, will announce the honour, for distinguished services to the causes of the environment and development, in Davos today.

Davos wags who have been long-time observers of Schwab’s magisterial manner lost little time in noting that Schwab will become a KCMG — a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George — but that the acronym is also jokingly said to stand for “Kindly call me God”.

But as a foreigner, of course, he will not be known as “Sir Klaus”.

INDIA'S bid for world domination took a stumble after it gave out funky new iPods, those little portable music devices, to all the delegates.

It was all part of a major Indian PR drive that has engulfed Davos, aimed at persuading international investors that the sub-continent is going to take over China. The only trouble was that the US-designed iPod, which was loaded with Indian music, had a giveaway little sign on the back: “Made in China.”

Off-message

Gordon Brown may not have talked to his old political foe, Peter Mandelson, since the latter was made European Trade Commissioner in 2004 but the Chancellor still clearly feels his all-seeing presence.

While Mr Brown was cheerily denouncing EU trade policy to delegates behind closed doors, a pager went off nearby. “Is that a message from Peter?” he asked, quick as a flash.