In 1990 a dozen OECD countries had wealth taxes; today only three rich countries—Norway, Spain and Switzerland—still do. A levy on the fortunes of the super-rich sounds like an easy way to fill the state coffers. The trouble is, they never seem to raise much money. 

And the idea that dark chocolate can be good for you is a persistent one (possibly because, on my tongue at least, its bitterness doesn’t taste like much of a treat). The purported benefits are ascribed to compounds called flavanols, which are particularly abundant in cocoa. But is the dark stuff really healthier than any other kind?

Finally, next week we’re launching our new video offering: The Economist Insider. Zanny Minton Beddoes, our editor-in-chief, and Edward Carr, deputy editor, will host our first behind-the-scenes show on October 9th. You can send them your questions—and browse all of our upcoming shows—in the Insider hub.