Podcasts from Share Radio Breakfast presented by Nigel Cassidy related to Economics

There's life left on the UK High Street. UK retail sales rose at their fastest annual rate in 14 years in October. But retailers really can’t afford to have a bad Christmas as it’s the time of year when most of their money is made. Richard Perks is a Retail analyst at Mintel, and he joined Share Radio Breakfast to discuss those strong figures, whilst also looking ahead to Black Friday and Christmas trading.

With ‘European Week for Waste Reduction’ approaching, questions are being asked about where Britain stands among the other 27 member states, especially now Brexit has thrown volatility into the mix regarding our rules and regulations. To speak about all things waste, and how the UK needs to move onto a more sustainable path, Matt Cox spoke to Professor Margaret Bates, President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.

A US interest rate rise could come "relatively soon" according to Federal Reserve Chair, Janet Yellen. Speaking to the Joint Economic Committee, Yellen signalled she was confident that jobs data and inflation would continue to support plans for a rate rise, with some analysts expecting one as soon as December. But is this the right time, so soon after the US election and with President-elect Trump's policies still uncertain? Matt Cox spoke to Colin Cieszynski, Chief Market Analyst at CMC Markets Toronto, to find out more.

There was a slide in pre-tax profits from EasyJet yesterday. Airlines are concerned the triggering of Article 50, the mechanism which formally starts Brexit negotiations with Brussels, could put the Open Skies agreement at risk. Carriers such as Ryanair and IAG, the owner of British Airrways, have urged the UK government to preserve the agreement, or otherwise, risk hurting UK airlines. Share Radio's Matt Cox heard from Aviation Industry Commentator Julian Bray to find out more about Open Skies and why there is so much concern.

Part of President Obama's legacy were rules to curb the excesses of investment banks on wall street - the Dodd-Frank Act, a United States federal law that places regulation of the financial industry in the hands of the government. Some would like to see the brakes off, though more commentators have voiced concerns after President-elect Donald Trump announced he hopes to enact reforms when he enters office in the New Year. They fear changes could herald the return of casino banks engaging in risky financial behaviour. Share Radio's Matt Cox spoke to Colin Cieszynski, Chief Analyst at CMS Markets and Philip Alexander, Editor at Risk.net.

October saw a minimal decrease in available jobs from the previous month, highlighting the City's resilient nature in the face of post-Brexit alarmist rhetoric. London's picture is often different to the rest of the country and might have different needs, like for instance retaining passporting to continue the number of overseas operations. Hakan Enver, Operations Director at Morgan McKinley Financial Services, joined Share Radio to discuss this and other issues around London employment.

The EU is reconsidering how it grants market access to overseas financial firms. It's being seen as a blow to the City of London and may potentially scupper any potential backup plans to maintain a European relationship after Brexit. No decision has been taken, but any tightening of current regulations would be a clear signal to Britain that Brussels is willing to play hardball in negotiations once the country leaves the bloc. To find out more about the potential effects on banks in the UK, Matt Cox has been speaking to Chris Justham, Relationship Manager at Seven Investment Management.

George Magnus, Senior Economic Adviser to UBS, joined Share Radio to talk about the US Election result. And his message is: brace yourselves! After the initial sell off, the trading world's reaction to the election of Donald Trump has been far from the market bloodbath many forecast. But George says the liberal global order represented by US-led institutions such as the UN, the IMF, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation is hanging in the balance.

Donald Trump may be about to become the 45th president of the US, but there have been many more Lord Mayors of London. The 689th is about to take over the Mansion House in the City. He is Andrew Parmley, who will be the new ambassador for the City of London which provides local government and policing services in the square mile. He joined Share Radio Breakfast to discuss the new role.

Its China's Singles Day, also known as "bare sticks holiday". What began as an antidote to Valentine's Day has now become a spending fest, with Chinese consumers shelling out almost £6bn online last year. Matthew Crabbe is Director of Research in the Asia Pacific region for industry researchers Mintel. He told Share Radio that this year's singles day promises to put Black Friday in the shade.