Share Sounds related to Economics - Macro-Economics

Vodafone's confirmation that it's in talks to merge its Indian subsidiary with a rival have triggered a 2% rise in the share price. Meanwhile shares in engineering firm, WS Atkins are up 5% after an American firm made a takeover approach. And German inflation data is out - is this good news for the key European economy? Ken Odeluga, market analyst at City Index, joined Ed Bowsher to discuss the big economic and company stories of the day.

The EU is the biggest market for UK exports - and failing to secure a good trade deal post-Brexit will be a major issue for cities across the country. Can other deals pick up the slack? Or does the UK have to get good access to EU markets? The latest report from thinktank the Centre for Cities focused on exports in the UK's 62 biggest centres and Paul Swinney, principal economist at the centre, joined Ed Bowsher to expand on their findings.

Welcome to the This is Money and Share Radio podcast, brought to you in partnership with NS&I. We’re still on course for Brexit, albeit pending Parliament’s approval. Already a number of banks seem intent on following through on their threats to relocate jobs, but what about the local branches already shutting down across the UK? Meanwhile the FTSE continues to soar on the back of the slumping pound but questions remain as to the underlying health of the UK economy. Inflation also looks set to rise as does national debt although the latest GDP figures do offer some good news at least. To discuss how people can save and invest for the turbulent times ahead Georgie Frost is joined in the studio by Editor Simon Lambert and Deputy Editor Adrian Lowrey. Plus just when BT thought their problems couldn’t get any worse we’ll be announcing the results of the annual Money Mail Wooden Spoon Awards. This is Money is presented by Georgie Frost in partnership with NS&I.

A £3.7bn takeover deal between Tesco and Booker, a food wholesaler and owner of the Londis and Budgens brands, is on the table. What's the rationale behind the move? Ahead of a major finance meeting, Chancellor Philip Hammond has said the UK will be an engaged EU member until it leaves - what does this mean for any US trade deal? And BT profits slide 37 percent. Jasper Lawler, Senior Market Analyst at London Capital Group, joined Ed Bowsher, Share Radio's senior analyst, for more on the day's biggest economic stories.

Britain's economy grew by 2 % in 2016 but will the growth continue into 2017? While in Europe, Spain backs early trade talks in Brexit negotiations. And the Royal Bank of Scotland has earmarked a further $3.8bn (£3.1 billion) to cover US fines for mis-selling subprime mortgage securities, taking the total figure to £6.7bn. Michael Hewson, Chief Market Analyst at CMC Markets, spoke to Share Radio's Ed Bowsher on these and all the day's big economic news.

Royal Bank of Scotland has set aside a further £3.1 billion to cover potential fines in the US and the shares have risen today. But Whitbread's share price has fallen 5%, after the owner of Costa Coffee shops and Premier Inn issued a disappointing trading statement, while Unilever's Q4 sales disappointed the market. Richard Hunter, Head of Research at Wilson King Investment Management, spoke to Share Radio's Ed Bowsher about the day's top company stories.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is releasing its Commercial Market Survey for the fourth quarter of 2016. It shows investment demand continues to rebound post EU vote. The industrial sector also continues to outperform office and retail, and inducements are on the rise again. To discuss this further, Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist at RICS, joined Nigel Cassidy to discuss.

WH Smith shares were up on a good trading update with sales of funny 'spoof books' helping the stationer. Shares in Restaurant Group, the company behind chains Frankie and Benny's and Garfunkel's, were down as it reported lower like-for-like sales last year. Tesco faces new lawsuit from US Investment firm, Manning & Napier, which is suing the supermarket over an earlier accounting irregularities. And miners BHP Billiton and Antofagasta reported on good results today. Chris Bailey, founder of Financial Orbit, joined Ed Bowsher, Share Radio's senior analyst to discuss these and more.

Britain's manufacturers are 'firing on all cylinders' - that's what the Confederation of British Industry says in its latest report - but will it last? Three of the five biggest shareholders in FTSE 350 firms have vowed to get tough on executive pay. And in the US, Donald Trump has approved two oil pipelines, is the Trump bump back? Ben Kumar from 7 Investment Management analyses the latest economic news with Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

Oil prices rose this week on evidence on news that production from OPEC is falling, but an increase in drilling in the United States could keep a lid on prices. Fergus Marcroft, Senior Advisor to investment bank Hannam & Partners, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to explain.