Podcasts

Does Santa really exist? According to analysis of nearly three decades of data by Schroders, stock markets are more likely to rise in December than any other month. The research, which covers the world's largest markets, adds to the debate over the existence of the "Santa Rally", an alleged effect often dismissed by seasoned investors. To talk about this in more detail, Simon spoke to Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at the online traders, IG .

Share Radio teams up with Claer Barrett, personal finance editor of the Financial Times, for Serious Money. On this edition, she was joined by Share Radio's Juliette Foster to tackle DIY investment, pensions, and explain how its possible to have a luxury Christmas with all the trimmings - on the cheap.

The UK's construction sector grew faster than expected in November, confounding some pessimists. Markit's purchasing managers' index for the construction sector rose to 52.8 in November, above expectations of 52.2. A figure above 50 denotes growth in the sector. There's been growth for three consecutive months now, suggesting the weaker period after the Brexit vote was just temporary, as opposed to a long-term trend. To discuss the figures in more detail, Simon spoke to Tim Moore, Senior Economist at IHS Markit.

Helal Miah, Investment Research Analyst at the Share Centre, reviews this week's stock market activity with Share Radio's Juliette Foster. They take a look back at Aberdeen Asset Management, RBC Group, Sage Group, and Breedon Group. They also look ahead to Ashtead, Wolseley, Iomart and TUI Group.

This is The Magazine Review, Share Radio's look at the top political and financial stories of the week under the forensic eye of expert guests. Today's brains are financial commentator and former fund manager Jonathan Compton and Duncan Sim, Policy and Projects Manager at ResPublica.

An ex-Tory chairman has criticised the party for not fielding a candidate against Zac Goldsmith in the Richmond by-election. Grant Shapps MP warned the Tories at the time of Goldsmith's resignation - he took to Twitter this morning, stating: "Tory rules are crystal clear. If someone stands AGAINST t the party, then we contest. It was therefore WRONG not to be on [the] Richmond Park ballot". Grant Shapps MP now joined Share Radio's Juliette Foster on the line.

This is The Business of Sport with Share Radio's Michael Considine. Each week he provides you with the inside track on the world of sport. On this week's show, Michael takes a look at where the next Asian football super power is going to come from. That's with KPMG's football advisory team. He also speaks to Valery Bolier, founder of fantasy football website Oulala. And, of course, Joe Aldridge will have Extra Time.

Welcome to the This is Money and Share Radio podcast, brought to you in partnership with NS&I. It’s been quite a stressful week both real and imagined. The UK banking system was put through its paces in the Bank of England’s stress test which simulated a range of disaster scenarios from crashing house prices to rising unemployment. The biggest failure proved to be the majority tax payer owned RBS, whilst it was ‘must try harder’ for Barclays and Standard Chartered. Unfortunately not all this week’s stresses have been virtual though and rising fuel prices contributed to the collapse of GB Energy affecting 160,000 customers. When it comes to finding a new supplier there’s certainly plenty of choice at least as more and more smaller firms spring up- so just what is going on with Britain’s energy market? Georgie Frost is joined by Editor Simon Lambert and Consumer Affairs Editor Lee Boyce to find out. Also this week they look at the scams tricking people out of personal data and gig tickets as well as the meaty issue of what else is in the new plastic fiver. This is Money is presented by Georgie Frost in partnership with NS&I.

Georgie Frost is joined in the studio by Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher. On the agenda they discuss the big story of the day - Liberal Democrats’ Sarah Olney has overturned a 23,000 majority to pull off a shock win in a by-election, against former Tory MP Zac Goldsmith. Elsewhere, train fares in Britain are to go up by an average of 2.3% from 2 January. Plus Plans to save money at HM Revenue & Customs by moving more of its operations online are leading towards a repeat of a catastrophic collapse” in customer service. All these stories and more on The News Review.

Train fares in Britain will go up by 2.3%, on average, from January the 2nd. The Rail Delivery Group says the vast majority of the cash gets pumped back in to running services. But campaign groups say some passengers are "finding themselves priced off the railways". Tony Miles, Contributing Editor from Rail Business Intelligence, joined Share Radio Breakfast to offer his reaction.