Podcasts presented by Sarah Lowther related to Economics

With the results of the forthcoming EU referendum seemingly on a knife-edge, the Institute of Economic Affairs has published a report outlining the best way to maximise economic freedom whatever the outcome. Ryan Bourne, Head of Public Policy at the Institute of Economic Affairs, spoke about this further.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has begun an upper house election campaign, with a pledge to rev-up the economy, as surveys show his ruling bloc is ahead. Seijiro Takeshita, Professor of Management and Information at University of Shizuoka in Japan, joined Sarah Lowther and Chris Bailey to discuss.

The European Central Bank’s stimulus programme is due to go to court in Germany. The country's influential Constitutional Court will deliver a final verdict on whether German law allows the ECB to deploy so-called "outright money transactions". Zsolt Darvas, Senior fellow at the economic think tank Bruegel, discussed the implications of this.

The pound and the FTSE soared on Monday as the ‘Remain’ camp wrestled back its lead in the polls. Ken Odeluga, Market Analyst at City Index, wrote: "Let’s face it, Britain’s economy and financial markets are going to be stuffed for a while, whichever way the referendum vote goes." Ken discussed his take on the market reaction with Sarah Lowther and Chris Bailey.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is underway in Los Angeles, as the latest developments within the industry are showcased. With the sector currently generating nearly £1.5 billion for the UK economy, Matt Cox spoke to games industry expert, Matthew Barr, from the University of Glasgow.

The Federal Open Market Committee continues its deliberations about whether to hike interest rates. It’s against a back drop of uncertainty as European stocks closed lower on Tuesday amid concerns over Brexit, and The German 10-year bund yield falling below zero for the first time. Michael Hewson, Chief Market Analyst at CMC Markets, offered his views.

The EU is dedicating itself to its recycling targets, including setting an "EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy" that establishes an ambitious programme of action. The 2016 ‘Resourcing The Future Conference’ is set to start in London and Matt Cox has been finding out more by speaking with David Maddison, Professor of Economics at the University of Birmingham.

Microsoft looks set to buy professional networking site, LinkedIn. But does the deal make sense from a tech perspective? Martin Garner from CCS Insight, which provides market analysis for companies in the mobile and wireless sector, gave his view on the deal, as well as discussing Apple and its latest Siri announcement.

Each year the International Energy Agency publishes reports that forecast market trends and developments for the next five years concerning the primary energy sources for global markets: oil, coal, gas and renewable energy efficiency. On the day of its mid-term gas market report, William Powell, Editor-In-Chief at Gas industry news site Natural Gas Europe, joined Sarah Lowther and Chris Bailey to discuss.

Speakers at the RICS UK Conference are due to discuss future cityscapes and how technology can help, as analysts worry that our cities won't be prepared for the needs of generations to come, unless fast action or rigorous planning takes place. Futurologist Dr Simon Moores, explained what needs to happen to future proof a city.