Taking Stock

Hosted by Newstalk

Business

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Episodes

292

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-IE

About the show

Taking Stock takes a global view of the big business stories and the trends affecting the world economy. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

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November 6, 202645 min

Heat Storms and Blue Waves

This week on Taking Stock with Susan Hayes Culleton: We examine the implications of the Democratic Blue Wave with author and commentator Rana Foroohar, and what it could mean for America and the global economy. We also explore the growing economic impact of climate change and the emergence of so-called ‘Heat Storms’ with Maurice Tamman of Reuters. Plus, Nikou Asgari of the Financial Times joins us to discuss the Binance hack and what it says about the security of cryptocurrency markets.

October 30, 202648 min

The economics of processed food

This week on Taking Stock with Susan Hayes Culleton, as the dust settles on the UK Budget, we ask whether high-income earners are being overlooked and if tax policy is creating incentives for some to step away from work, with insights from Amy Borrett and Alan Smith of the Financial Times. We also examine the economics behind processed food, from mass-produced burgers to sugar-laden drinks, with Professor Garrett Broad of Rowan University. Plus, Ciara O’Brien of The Irish Times joins us to explain how Spotify continues to survive and thrive in the age of AI.

October 23, 202644 min

Alberta says No and LIV Golf falters

This week on Taking Stock with Susan Hayes Culleton, we unpack the big stories shaping business, sport and politics. Russ Mould of AJ Bell joins Susan to assess what the latest earnings calls from the tech giants reveal about the health of the sector and what's next for the so-called "tech bros". We also hear from Brian Keogh of the Irish Independent on why the LIV Golf project has ultimately fallen short of expectations. And David Ljunggren of Reuters explains why Alberta rejected the path to independence and what the result could mean for separatist movements around the world.

October 16, 202646 min

AI, Energy and Pets

This week on Taking Stock, Susan Hayes Culleton explores the business stories shaping our economy and markets. From the rise of AI-powered “hyper-scalers” and their impact on global bond markets with Financial Times journalist Michelle Chen, to the growing energy demands of Big Tech in Ireland with Donal MacNamee of the Business Post. Plus, as pets increasingly become a bigger part of family life, vet Laura Cuddy breaks down the real economics of owning a cat or dog.

October 9, 202647 min

Is the Euro in trouble?

On this week’s Taking Stock with Susan Hayes Culleton, we ask would you pay higher PRSI for a better pension? Economist Austin Hughes joins us to debate. We also unpack the euro’s slide with Rebecca Christie of Bruegel and ask whether Europe should be worried. Plus, as Lidl enters the mobile market, Daragh Cassidy of Bonkers.ie explains how your phone bill is really calculated and whether you're paying too much.

October 2, 202642 min

Sir Jeremy Hunt on Taking Stock

This week on Taking Stock, Susan Hayes Culleton sits down with former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt for a wide-ranging conversation on economic crises, Brexit, leadership, and the future of the British economy. Plus, Susan explores why we need a yearly budget when she talks to economist Emma Howard.

September 25, 202644 min

Canadian crossing, simple savings and what to tell our children about AI

Could Canada ever really join the EU? We discuss the economic and political implications with Euronews correspondent Shona Murray. Ahead of the Budget, Munroe O'Dwyer of PwC Ireland explains what Personal Investment Accounts could mean for savers. And economist Daniel Susskind joins us to discuss his new book, What Should My Children Do? How to Flourish in the Age of AI.

September 18, 202645 min

Is AI too big to stop and do Europeans work less?

This week on Taking Stock, Susan Hayes Culleton speaks with economist Chris Giles about the realities of European work culture and productivity. She explores the changing fortunes of Airbnb with Jack Power of the Irish Times as European cities push back against the accommodation giant. Plus, Susan asks Chris Stokel-Walker whether the rapid rise of AI has become impossible to slow despite growing concerns from industry leaders.

September 11, 202644 min

The Falklands, turning off algorithms and what happens after Monday

This week on Taking Stock, Emmet Oliver sitting in for Susan, talks to Financial Times journalist Ciara Nugent who explains why the Falkland Islands remain strategically important in today's geo-economic landscape. Author Jeremy Campbell joins us to discuss the lessons from his new book After Monday and shares practical insights on achieving long-term business success. Plus, Ciara O'Brien examines Australia's move to give social media users the ability to opt out of recommendation algorithms and what it could mean for the future of the internet.

September 4, 202650 min

Meloni's political staying power

This week on Taking Stock the Financial Times' Amy Kazmin joins us to discuss the remarkable staying power of Italy's Giorgia Meloni. Finance expert and co-host of ‘The Most Important Thing’ podcast Alan O'Sullivan debunks seven investing myths that can trip up even experienced investors. And Ian Barnett of BDO makes the case that Ireland's business culture is too quick to pull the plug on companies that might still be saved.