According to Marvel Comics in 1962, the Amazing Spider-Man developed his stunning ability to climb buildings after being bitten by a radioactive spider. In later years, the fortune that Spider-Man and other super-heroes made their creators rose higher and higher, culminating last week in a $4bn (€2.8bn) bid for Marvel by Disney, at a 30% premium to its previous market value.

This week, food group Kraft showed the bid for Marvel had kicked off something yet more amazing, following its £10.2bn bid for Cadbury. T-Mobile is planning to merge with its UK mobile rival Orange. Market values are climbing fast, swinging from asset class to asset class with the same confidence as Spidey himself.