When I gave a lecture in Japan, I was asked not to mention the possible re-collapse of the universe, because it might affect the stock market. Howeve… - Stephen Hawking

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When I gave a lecture in Japan, I was asked not to mention the possible re-collapse of the universe, because it might affect the stock market. However, I can re-assure anyone who is nervous about their investments that it is a bit early to sell: even if the universe does come to an end, it won't be for at least twenty billion years. By that time, maybe the GATT trade agreement will have come into effect.