Podcasts

From savings rates, to property prices and the prospects for the UK economy, this week we take a look at what will (might) happen to our finances in 2018. Predictions – as we all know – are a mug’s game, but as it is the start of a new year, it’s time to have a look at what could happen in 2018 in the world of money. Inflation is forecast to subside, while interest rates are only tipped to rise very gently. That would be a boost to people’s finances if wage inflation can get back up above the rising cost of living. A further boon could come from savings rates, which it is suggested could continue to rise. In the property market, house prices are predicted to be flat across the UK, but that will mask a continuing divergence in fortunes between regional cities, where sales are buoyant, and London and the commuter belt, where the market has suffered. Elsewhere in the economy, car sales are falling, consumer borrowing is rising but at a slower pace, and there will continue to be worries we aren’t saving enough for retirement. That’s what’s meant to happen. But will it? Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost gaze into their crystal balls.

What more does the environment have to do to become an election issue? Joining our host Ayeisha Thomas-Smith this week are Dave Powell, Subject Lead on Environment at the New Economics Foundation, Fernanda Balata, who leads NEF’s work on coastal economies and Andrew Pendleton, Principal Director of Policy and Advocacy at NEF to discuss the environment, the election and the prospects for saving our planet.

Adam talks to Richard Stead, a chemist and scientist that is creating a pioneering approach to deal with the problem of what to do when our antibiotics stop working. The head of the World Health Organisation has said that antibiotic resistance is one of the major threats to the world, and warns of an antibiotic apocalypse. Despite these grave concerns, big Pharma companies are not developing alternatives. Richard discusses why this is the case, and how it is an opportunity for both savvy and ethical investors.

In the latest Money Makers podcast Jonathan Davis talks to fund manager Charlie Morris, Chief Investment Officer at Netscape Capital, about the phenomenon that is bitcoin. Charlie has been actively researching bitcoin and other “digital assets” for at least five years. He explains why the mainstream investment community needs to take off its nose-peg and try to understand what is driving the price and usage higher – a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of this recent dramatic financial market phenomenon.

Liam Howley is marketing director at Music Magpie - a company specialising in repurposing and the trading in of CDs, DVDs, and electronic hardware. With a background in sales and finance, Liam joined the company several years ago and now heads the marketing team.

What do Momentum and Moggmentum have in common? Find out in our round-up of 2017, featuring the IEA’s Director General Mark Littlewood and Communications Director Stephanie Lis. Interviewed by the IEA’s News Editor Kate Andrews, the three discuss the state of the Brexit negotiations, the problems in Parliament, Donald Trump’s America, and predictions for 2018.

James Cameron-Wilson examines the UK box office chart, including Star Wars, Jumanji, The Greatest Showman and Pitch Perfect 3.

Steve Caplin discusses Uber's driverless cars, self-healing glass, fuel delivered to your car, earprints and your new car dispensed through a giant vending machine resembling a cat!

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University discusses the IMF's forecast for the UK, why the UK is not backing Iran's freedom fighters, Russian spy ships and why Project Fear might have been mistaken.

Graham Spooner of The Share Centre looks at trading updates from Next and Debenhams, as well as the ramifications of Brent Crude Oil climbing to its highest level in three years. He also looks ahead to updates from Morrison, Sainsbury, Tesco and Marks and to trading updates from Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Baratt Developments.