Share Sounds related to Economics - Macro-Economics

The UK's inflation rate jumped in February to 2.3%, according to the Office for National Statistics, placing it above the Bank of England's 2% target rate for CPI inflation. Will inflation peak higher than the 2.8% predicted in 2018? Plus the Bank of England's chief economist Andy Haldane says mediocrity in UK business is to blame for the productivity crisis - is he right? John Barrass, Deputy Chief Executive of the Wealth Management Association, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to analyse these stories and more.

Inflation is up more than expected - the consumer price index rose to 2.3%, up from 1.8% in January, and is now higher than the Bank of England's target of 2%. But what does this mean for consumers and savers? And where might there be profits in the current climate? Calum Bennie at Scottish Friendly joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to explain.

Marks and Spencer has followed several other high-profile brands, including Tesco and HSBC, pulling its advertising from Google. It follows concerns about placement of ads next to inappropriate content on YouTube. But is this a serious threat to companies like Google? Ian Whittaker, media analyst at Liberum, spoke to Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

The UK must up its research and development spend to 3% by 2025 in a bid to Brexit-proof the economy, according to business lobby group CBI. Tom Thackray, Innovation Director at the CBI, joined Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher to explain.

As the Prime Minister confirmed Article 50 would be triggered on March 29, how have markets responded? For analysis of this key move, Jane Foley, head of FX Strategy at Rabobank, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

Welcome to the This is Money Show on Share Radio, brought to you in partnership with NS&I. After its controversial announcement last week Philip Hammond has finally had to U-turn on national insurance hikes in an attempt to win back public trust. Whilst the Budget provoked considerable backlash less publicised has been changes in road tax coming in April which will see some drivers paying as much as seven times more. Meanwhile across the pond the US Fed has raised interest rates with attention now turning to what the Bank of England will do next. Speculating on where all this leaves our finances Georgie Frost is joined by Editor Simon Lambert and Personal Finance Editor Rachel Rickard Straus. Plus is a castle, a Star Wars themed cinema and beer Fridays really what it takes to be named Britain’s best boss? This is Money is presented by Georgie Frost in partnership with NS&I.

Despite some signs of a slowdown, UK house prices have hit their most unaffordable levels ever, according to the Office for National Statistics. But is this a good sign for the economy? Plus the gig economy, should the government step in? For this and more economic news, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke to Michael Bell, Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

Culture secretary Karen Bradley's referred the Fox/ Sky bid to Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority. 21st Century Fox is offering £11.7bn for the 61% stake in Sky it does not already own. The company said it was "confident" the takeover would be approved. Critics of the merger fear it will mean Rupert Murdoch has too much control of the UK media. So can the takeover succeed after failing in 2011? James Brydges recaps the issues the regulators will be looking into.

The Bank of England has left rates on hold at 0.25% - but the move wasn't unanimous, with one vote for a rate rise. So what does this mean for consumers and markets? Plus both the FTSE 100 and 250 hit record highs today, what's driving this? For more on these and the day's biggest economic stories, Alastair McCaig, Director of Investment Management at Fern Wealth, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for more.

Another drop in unemployment figures today, down to 4.7% in the three months to January, but wages aren't growing - can the UK solve its productivity puzzle? Ben Kumar from 7 Investment Management joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to discuss the biggest economic stories of the day.