Why shares and indices rise in steps and why great stocks are always overvalued

We are apparently on the brink of a no-deal Brexit, which if the media, social and professional, is to be believed means the end of civilisation as we know it. Really! I suspect that most people will hardly notice, which I realise could be famous last words. But what most amazes me is the lack of confidence of those who regard continental Europeans and their ossified customs union, now known as the EU, as a role model.