Podcasts

Facebook says it is working on technology to allow us to control computers directly with our brains. It is developing “silent speech” software to allow people to type at a rate of 100 words per minute, it says. The project, in its early stages, will require new technology to detect brainwaves without needing invasive surgery.

UK consumer confidence fell by one percentage point in the first quarter of 2017, according to the latest Consumer Tracker report from Deloitte. So, what's contributing to the negative movements in consumer confidence? Joining Nigel Cassidy was Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte to discuss further...

So, France's National Front leader Marine Le Pen and newcomer Emmanuel Macron will fight it out to become the new president. They've both made it to the second round of voting - a week on Sunday. Mr Macron is 39-and only decided to form his own party last year. So what happens after the first vote?

Simon Rose is joined by the Share Centre's Investment Research Analyst Helal Miah to take a look at the corporate week ahead, including news from Lloyds, GSK, and RBS.

The latest entry in the Fast and Furious franchise has smashed box office records, with global opening weekend takings of over $530m, even beating Star Wars hit "The Force Awakens". To discuss this and more, Simon Rose was joined by James Cameron-Wilson on The Business of Film.

The latest finance bill, which follows last month's budget, has ambitious plans to digitise the UK tax system, and it may be dropped altogether because of the General election. Alternatively, it could be rushed through the Commons on Tuesday. The government is set to hold emergency negotiations with Labour over the final bill, attempting to push through and change complex clauses with minimal debate so it can be passed by the deadline on the 25th. For more on this, Ed Bowsher was joined by Anita Monteith, Tax manager at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

On today's Business of Sport: Michael checks in with the team at endurance event organiser Tough Mudder to discuss their tie up with Lucozade Sport

Ed Bowsher is joined by Asa Bennett, Assistant Comment Editor at the Telegraph, to discuss some of the latest political news from around the world, including the British General Election and the recent attack on policemen in Paris.

Sports Direct has bought into some US businesses, buying 50 sports stores in the US including Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports. The previous owner of the stores, who sold them to Sports Direct for $100m, had filed for bankruptcy. For more on this and other company news, Ed Bowsher spoke to Craig Erlam, Senior Market Analyst at Oanda.

Donald Trump has launched a security review that could lead to heavy tariffs on steel imports. Analysts are now asking if this a step toward a full-blown trade war with China. Ed Bowsher was joined by Nandini Ramakrishan, Global market strategist at JP Morgan, to discuss this and some of the big macros news of the day in more detail.