Share Sounds from Share Radio Afternoon related to Economics - UK

The UK's economy is gaining momentum despite concerns of uncertainty ahead of Brexit - that's according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's latest indicator. JP Morgan global market analyst Alex Dryden ran through this and the day's other big economic news with Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher.

Food conglomerate Kraft Heinz's initial £112bn approach for Unilever, behind many consumer brands including Marmite, has been rejected in early stages. But is this the end of the deal? And a slump in UK retail spending figures show consumers are holding back as Brexit uncertainty kicks in. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC markets, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for more on these and the day's biggest economic stories.

Global stocks have continued their climb, outdoing previous record highs in 2015, but the FTSE 100 has retreated in early trading. Are markets too high now? Rachel Winter, senior investment manager at stockbroker Killik & Co, joined Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher to discuss this and the day's top economic stories.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that UK unemployment stayed flat at 4.8% in the last quarter of 2016, an 11-year low. Wages growth slowed down, growing by 2.6%, below the consensus forecast of 2.8%. John Philpott, Economist and Director of The Jobs Economist, an online think tank specialising in labour market issues, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to discuss.

Today's UK job market figures were encouraging with unemployment flat but wage growth was less than expected and productivity remained sluggish. And in the US, interest rates are back in the headlines with Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen indicating rate rises. Ben Kumar, investment manager at Seven Investment Management, joined Share Radio's senior analyst for more on this.

City-based insurance marketplace Lloyd's of London has told its employees they can't drink from 9 to 5. But will a booze ban work? And when alcohol is common while doing business, how can workers say no? For more Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke with Laura Willoughby, co-founder of Club Soda, a group helping people cut back on alcohol.

UK inflation rose to a 31-month high of 1.8 percent in January, up from 1.6 percent in December. But is wage growth keeping up with inflation? Samuel Tombs, Chief Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for more on this.

UK inflation for January is up to 1.8%, the highest rate since June 2014, as the pound remains weak. For more on this, John Barrass, Deputy Chief Executive of the Wealth Management Association, joined Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher.

Long-term incentive programs for FTSE bosses could be on the way out - reports from the FT say one-tenth of top companies will ditch such incentives. David Buik market commentator at Panmure Gordon joined Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher to explain the story.

Co-op Bank is up for sale - why has the bank moved now and how can its ethical culture be retained? For more on this and the day's big market stories Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke with Ken Odeluga, market analyst at City index.