The Times Business Podcast

Are we finally fixing the roof while the sun shines? Is the deficit coming under control? Philip Aldrick, The Times Economics Editor, thinks things are looking rosy for the UK's public finances. There also some good news for the Eurozone, where consumer confidence is picking up. But is the recovery just being fueled by the central bank? And what next for Japan? Shinzo Abe, the prime minister, claims to be half way through his turnaround programme,, known as 'Abenomics', but is it actually working? The doubters are increasingly made their voices heard. On the corporate front, there is no end to the M&A activity. Next week we'll find out if Zurich is snapping up RSA and all the cards will be on the table for Betfair and Paddy Power. But are M&S deals destructive? Are there just a way for the City to earn their fees? Deirdre Hipwell, The Times M&A Correspondent, remembers the AOL/Time Warner merger which is now regarded as the worst deal in history. And there is even an apology from Richard Fle

Within a week the US could have its first interest rate rise in nine years. The US Federal Reserve is meeting to discuss whether or not to pull the trigger and start tightening its monetary policy. In this week's podcast, we take a look at whether or not the Fed will raise rates and whether or not it should. Alexandra Frean, The Times US Business Editor, Philip Aldrick, The Times Economics Editor and Patrick Hosking, The Times Financial Editor are divided on what the Fed's next move will be but are united in what they think the central bank should do. If the Fed does raise rates, what will it mean for markets and what does it mean for a UK rate rise? And if they don't raise them this month, when will they make the move? There is never going to be a perfect moment, so should they just do? The team join guest presenter Richard Fletcher, The Times Business Editor, to give their views on the next step for the world's largest economy. You can find out all the news and reaction on our Business Now live...

After a turbulent week in markets, that many have compared to 2008, we take a special look at what is going on in global equities. Is it all because China devalued its currency? Or are we just seeing some tamper tantrums, as the time nears for the US to raise its interest rates? Patrick Hosking, The Times Financial Editor, thinks we could be. In the US, Alexandra Frean, The Times Business Editor, argues that China is just the straw that broke the camel's back, while Alex Ralph, Market Reporter at The Times, says the volatile week of trading could be because the boss is away. But what does it mean for you, the consumer? What should you be doing with yours ISAs and pensions? And what have chicken feet got to do with it? All that is discussed, and more, in the podcast this week which is a special look at markets, presented by Robert Miller. You can find out all of the market moves and reaction on our Business Now live blog: thetimes.co.uk/tto/business you can follow all the journalists on the... &

The week's podcast is a special look at the oil industry. The price of oil has plunged from highs of $115 last summer and now hovers around the $50 mark, and is heading towards six-and-a-half year lows. What is pushing the price lower and what does it all mean? Robin Pagnamenta, The Times Energy Editor and Marcus Leroux, The Times Industrial Correspondent, discuss the main issues, including what it means for you, the consumer. Marcus also takes a punt at guessing how much lower the oil price could go and argues that the next couple of years could be a "watershed" moment for the North Sea oil industry. So is fracking a viable alternative? Robin says that with the oil price so low (which he thinks will remain the case for at least the next year), the controversial industry could find itself in economic trouble. So why do it? You can find out and follow the developments from the oil industry and all other financial news, as it breaks every week day on our Business Now live blog:...  See acast

Is the Federal Reserve waiting for a “perfect moment” that will never materialise to raise interest rates? That’s the view of Alexandra Frean, The Times US Business Editor, who says the Fed is in danger of missing their moment. She tells us why the upcoming Fed meeting on interest rates is seen as so important to investors and also explains the effect China has on the possibility of a rate rise. Do US voters care that much about the economy though? Not if the Republican nominations is anything to go by, she argues. Meanwhile Kathryn Hopkins, The Times property correspondent, tells us why she has started to sound like a broken record when it comes to housing supply and demand in the UK. Safe as houses? Think again. Richard Fletcher, The Times Business Editor, quizzes Kathryn on whether changes made by the Chancellor to buy-to-let mortgages means trust is ebbing away from brick and mortar as a safe investment. They all join presenter Robert Miller in this week’s podcast from The Times’ Business team....

Are demanding shareholders behind the billion-dollar boom in mergers and acquisitions? Deirdre Hipwell, The Times M&A correspondent, explains why a change of mood among shareholders is helping drive what is being called a “golden era” for the dealmakers. One company that was vulnerable to a take-over last year was Balfour Beatty, which is about to reveal its interim results. The construction giant has issued a string of profit warnings recently but Robert Lea, The Times industrial editor, tells us why any sign of good news at the troubled company will have others firms running to make a take-over bid. He also talks us through the upcoming results for Serco and G4S. Will Serco’s new chief executive Rupert Soames give investors more details on his turn-around plan for the embattled outsourcing giant? And Alexandra Frean, US economics editor, explains why British companies trying to break America shouldn't get hung up about where they come from. They all join presenter Robert Miller in this week’s podcas

Communication is key. Any business will tell you that. Even the Bank of England, as we head towards the first 'Super Thursday' - the day when the central bank will dump its interest rate decision, the minutes from that meeting and its Inflation Report on us all in one go. But will it have the desired effect of giving a cohesive message or will it be information overload? In this week's podcast Philip Aldrick, Economics Editor, takes a closer look and warns there could be some teething problems and discusses how it could affect households. Joining Phil is The Times Industrials Correspondent Marcus Leroux, who discusses the upcoming results from Rio Tinto, Gresnillo and Genel Energy. With many commentators saying commodities are in a 'second meltdown', what can we expect from these companies? And at what point in the trough are we? Are things going to get worse? Finally, Miles Costello, The Times Financial Correspondent, discusses the recent changes to pensions. As roughly 85,000 have tried to take our... &#

Did George Osborne’s 5:2 diet affect his thinking when he set the country’s export targets? That’s the view of Kathryn Hopkins, The Times property and economics correspondent, in this week’s podcast. She and Phil Aldrick, economics editor, explain why the Chancellor was mad to set such a high target for 2020. But with the UK’s GDP in the second quarter set to show a pick up from the first quarter, Phil Aldrick tells Richard Fletcher, Business editor and presenter of the podcast, why the UK economy is starting to look a lot more positive. A stronger economy could push the Bank of England towards rising interest rates however. That’s the only thing that will stop house prices from rapidly rising, argues Kathryn Hopkins, who says house prices could be as much as 25 per cent higher within five years. One bank that will be keeping a keen eye on the mortgage market is Lloyds. The Times’ Banking editor Katherine Griffiths explains why, and also talks us through the upcoming results for Barclays and RBS....

Two-part special: First up Bruno Waterfield, The Times Brussels Correspondents, takes a close look at Greece and all the drama of the last couple of week's which finally saw the country and its creditors reach a deal. But it was only a deal to open talks. So what next. Bruno also talks us through that excruciating 17-hour summit and explains how he got through it. Next up Nic Fildes, The Times Technology & Communications Editor, and Richard Fletcher, The Times Business Editor, answer the question of whether or not the tech sector is over-valued and in a bubble. They also take a look at Apple, Microsoft and Yahoo! who all report next week. What can we expect? They join Robert Miller, the presenter, in this week's podcast. You can find out if all the predictions were right as the news breaks on our new look Business Now live blog, which pops out so it is easier to read: www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business Subscribers to The Times can also sign up to morning and lunchtime business emails, so you can keep up

Earnings season kicks off next week in the US, with four of the big banks on Wall Street reporting, along with KFC and Pizza Hut owner Yum! Brands. Alexandra Frean, The Times US Business Editor, talks us through what to expect. Investors will be looking for reassurance, having been tossed around in recent months, as markets get hit by Greece and now China. Will they get it? Back in the UK, a couple of big retailers will be reporting full-year results. Sports Direct has given investors a roller coaster of a ride with the share price swinging hugely over the past year. Dixons Carphone has continued to defy those critics who said their merger was like "two drunks propping each other up", Can they both continue their strong sales and profit growth? Richard Fletcher, The Times Business Editor, explains. They are joined by Rebecca Clancy, Breaking News Editor and presenter Robert Miller in this week's podcast. You can find out if all the predictions were right as the news breaks on our new look Business Now...

This week the government will deliver its first budget since it won a majority government in the latest general election. Traditionally the first budget after an election has been fairly painful to allow for more generous giveaways when the next election comes round. This one will be no different. But which sections of society will it be painful for? Richard Fletcher, Business Editor, Philip Aldrick, Economics Editor and Kathryn Hopkins, Economics & Property Correspondent join presenter Robert Miller to look ahead to what we can expect. What does it mean for business? What, if any, will be the rabbit out of the hat? And what will Osborne order for takeaway the night before? (Kathryn used to work at the Treasury and gives us her insights). You can find out if all the predictions were right as the news breaks on our new look Business Now live blog, which pops out so it is easier to read:www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business. Subscribers to The Times can also sign up to morning and lunchtime business emails.

Will Greece really leave the eurozone? Is default on the horizon? What options are left for the debt-laden country? In this week's podcast Bruno Waterfield, The Times Brussels correspondent, explains how he has never known an atmosphere like the one in Brussels at the moment. The European Union, not normally a place where people are rude to each other is getting "pretty unpleasant". Is there an end to this Greek saga or are we looking at another bailout? Meanwhile, back in the UK, Philip Aldrick, economics editor, looks ahead the final estimate of UK GDP. Was growth in the first quarter really only 0.3 per cent? Finally, with Greene King reporting its full-year results next week, which are not expected to fizz, Dominc Walsh, leisure correspondent, looks at the future of the pub industry. You can find out if all the predictions were right as the news breaks on our new look Business Now live blog, which pops out so it is easier to read:www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business Members of The Times can also sign up...

With the general election result providing the certainty that markets and investors had hoped for, expectation has been that the property market would start to heat up. But has that happened? With yet more housing data out next week, Kathryn Hopkins, our property correspondent, discusses the UK property market and the problem of a skills shortage in the industry. Next week also sees the annual general meeting of Tesco. It's been a tough year for Britain's largest supermarket with the discovery of a £263 million black hole, a change in management and the loss of thousands of jobs. Andrew Clark, our deputy business editor, discusses whether or not there will be angry investors and fireworks or is Tesco making enough progress to move away from the scandal of the past year? Finally, Alexandra Frean, our US business editor, discusses the controversial topic of tax inversion before moving on to the even more controversial topic of GM food - is good or bad? You can find out if all the predictions were right...

For 75 months the Bank of England's rate-setting committee has left rates unchanged at 0.5 per cent. No action is actually expected until the second quarter of next year, but this month's minutes from the Monetary Policy Committee could show that two of the nine members have voted for a rate rise. Any hint of a hawkish tone and sterling will bounce, says Philip Aldrick, our Economics Editor. Over in the US, it wasn't that long ago that a rate rise was expected this month. That's no longer the case, but, as Alex Frean, our US Business Editor points out, the US Fed are likely to move before the end of the year. On the corporate front we will get full-year results from Poundland. As Richard Fletcher, The Times Business Editor, points out, the discounter has recently been downgraded by its house broker for the coming year meaning all eyes will be on its outlook. Unlike in the US, discounters in the UK are not quite as entrenched. You can find out if all the predictions were right as the news breaks on... &#

The markets barely moved when US first-quarter GDP was downgraded last week. The revision, from growth of 0.2 per cent to a 0.7 per cent contraction, wasn’t as bad as expected and many blamed the unusually cold winter. But could US shoppers hold the key to another reason? Next week we get retail sales, and given that consumption makes up two-thirds of the American economy, Alex Frean, our US Business Editor, discusses if shoppers have been spending or saving their money. She also talks about the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Back in the UK, and Richard Fletcher, our Business Editor, examines whether or not we are seeing the death of the supermarket, with Tesco and Sainsbury’s updating the market next week. Finally, Robert Lea, our Industrial Editor, asks if Flybe, the regional airline, can survive or if it will be “bullied” out by the big boys. He also looks at whether FirstGroup should be split up. You can find out if all the predictions were right as the news breaks on our...

After the latest GDP figure for the first quarter confirmed disappointing growth, all eyes will be on the latest PMI data, covering manufacturing, construction and services. On some days we might cry and on others we may smile. That's the view of Patrick Hosking, our financial editor, who joins Andrew Clark, our deputy business editor and Alistair Osborne, our chief business commentator as Robert Miller presents the latest Times Business podcast. They are also discussing next week's Bank of England interest rate decision. While nothing is expected for the 66th consecutive month, they give their views on when (and by how much) wee can expect one. On the corporate front we take a look at Halfords which has its first set of full-year results under new management (with a few personal shopping experiences thrown in). You can find out if all the predictions were right, as the news breaks, on our new look Business Now live blog, which pops out so it is easier to read: www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business Times... &

Europe has a big week ahead as David Cameron lays out the Conservative Party’s agenda in the Queen’s Speech and finance ministers from the world's largest economies (minus the suspended Russia) meet at the G7 summit in Germany. Key initiatives emanating from both these events could have a far-reaching impact on both British business and the country’s economy, which is expected to get an added boost from a revision to the annual GDP figures next week. Join Robert Miller, our presenter, Andrew Clark, deputy business editor, Philip Aldrick, economics editor, and Kathryn Hopkins, economics and property correspondent, to find out what to expect, where the finance ministers will socialise in Dresden, and which big companies, alongside Ireland’s Ryanair group, will be reporting results. Times subscribers can also sign up to the Times Business morning and lunchtime emails so you can keep up to date, wherever you are. Sign up here: home.thetimes.co.uk/myNews Subscribe on iTunes:...  See acast.com/priv

Has Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, overstepped the mark with his call to the new Conservative government to call a referendum on EU membership “as soon as possible”? Or, as conspiracy theorists might suspect, does it suit the Tories’ purposes to get as much support as possible for an early vote on a question which is raising much concern among British business. In The Times Business podcast this week, Phillip Aldrick, economics editor, Robert Lea, industrial editor, and Andrew Clark, deputy business editor, discuss this issue and more with Robert Miller, our presenter. At a time when Britain’s lacklustre productivity is causing a big economic headache, Andrew and Robert reveal their take on how big UK companies such as Marks & Spencer, Babcock, Burberry, Royal Mail and National Grid are faring. And for the fashion-minded among you, Andrew even gives his view on M&S’s hotly anticipated new leopard skin coat and suede skirt which he said has set hearts aflutter among the...

Interest rates, the Bank of England inflation report, your average weekly earnings and what's next for the house builders all covered in this week's Times Business podcast. Joining Robert Miller this week to discuss all these topics are Richard Fletcher, business editor, Philip Aldrick, economics editor and Kathryn Hopkins, property correspondent. The latest interest rate decision is out on Monday, delayed because of the election, and while nothing is expected, we could be offered a clue as to when a rate hike might occur in Wednesday's quarterly Inflation Report. As Andrew Sentance, for MPC member wrote for The Times last month, when the central bank does raise rates it should be gradual, both to avoid a big hike in the future and to provide scope to cut interest rates at some point, if needed [http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/columnists/article4404480.ece]. We'll also get a snapshot of unemployment which could see the rate fall further from last month's 5.6 per cent, and there could also be...

In the Times Business podcast we take a look at the biggest stories coming up in election week. Joining our presenter Robert Miller are Richard Fletcher, business editor, Philip Aldrick, our economics editor and Andrew Clark, our deputy business editor. It’s impossible to avoid the topic of the election and with the state of the economy playing a central role in the parties’ electioneering, focus will turn to the PMI data for the private sector, which could provide the last throw of the dice, but for which party? You can find out if all the predictions were right, as the news breaks, on our Business Now live blog: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business Times subscribers can also sign up to the Times Business morning and lunchtime emails so you can keep up to date, wherever you are. Sign up here: https://home.thetimes.co.uk/myNews  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.