Podcasts

British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group has said its first-quarter operating profit before exceptional items rose by 9.7% to €170m (US$186.6mn), up from €155m in 2016 and well ahead of analysts forecast for €140.5m.

Sarah Tucker and Simon are joined by veteran travel journalist John Carter. He reminisces about the vast change in our attitude towards travel in the past two generations.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron appears to have cemented his position as the front-runner after his clash with far-right rival Marine Le Pen in Wednesday evening's final TV debate. For more, Simon speaks to Gino Raymond, Professor of Modern French Studies at the University of Bristol.

On today's wrap: Oil falls to its lowest level since late November, HSBC reports a 19% fall in profits, activity in the UK's service sector accelerates in April and much more. Simon is joined by Share Radio's senior analyst, Ed Bowsher.

Share Radio's Ed Bowsher is joined by Moneyweek's Merryn Somerset Webb for their weekly catch up. This week - is India really an attractive place for investors? The two discuss the emerging market and more.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, is going to stop making public appearances. The Duke, who is turning 96 next month, will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, but will not accept new invitations upon his full retirement in the Autumn. According to a palace spokesperson, the Queen "will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements". For more on this and other political news, Ed Bowsher was joined by Robert Colvile, Editor of CapX.

The Institute for Leadership and Management has found that allowing employees to work flexibly can significantly reduce stress levels. Its recent survey found that 65% of managers think flexible working helps to keep workers motivated and committed. To find out more, Share Radio's Sara Macham spoke to Kate Cooper, head of research, policy and standards at the Institute of Leadership & Management.

Could nerves and anxiety be preventing you getting your next job? According to research, 65% of jobseekers felt being nervous in interviews prevented them showing their true ability. So what can you do to overcome the worry and what is it about the interview process that's so daunting? To find out, Share Radio's Tom Hill spoke to celebrity psychologist Dr Linda Papadopolous.

HSBC has today reported its first quarter results, and revealed that adjusted pre-tax profits are up to $5.9bn, compared to forecast of $5.3bn, continuing the trend of a bumper Q1 for banks. For more on this and the latest corporate news, Ed Bowsher spoke to Richard J Hunter, Head of Research at Wilson King Investment Management.

Service sector PMI has hit a 4 month high in data released today, up from 55 to 55.8. Meanwhile, the automotive sector has had worse news, seeing a 20% fall in new car registrations last month. To discuss this and more of the day's big macro news in more detail, Ed Bowsher was joined by Simon French, Chief Economist at Panmure Gordon.