Regular readers will be aware that I spend rather too much time studying St Ives' share price. Everyone needs a hobby. Well, today (16 October) was certainly a red letter day in this respect. I know the share price has tanked in recent weeks, but when a message popped up saying it had hit a new low of 10p I had to do a double-take.

Turns out that one of those highly-paid City boys held in such high esteem at the moment had carried out what is known as a "fat finger trade", which involves executing a trade with the decimal point in the wrong place. Durr.

Reminds me of the time a few years back when a rather dimwitted acquaintance misunderstood the units on an order form and ordered 1,000 door seals for a Ford Escort, when only one was actually required. Thus ended his glittering career in the motor trade.

Whether the St Ives blooper will result in a similarly swift exit for the City boy responsible, I don't know. I guess that depends on the sums involved and whether his employer has to honour the trade or not. But the serious side of this amusing interlude is whether 10p will continue to show as St Ives' 52-week low.