Artificial intelligence, illusions and algorithms - the new market forces

It’s the best money show on the radio. Of that we are in no doubt.

What is in doubt, though, is what’s behind our ‘economic recovery’ and the small matter of the future of Britain.

Georgie and Simon are joined by ace This is Money investment and business reporter Ellie Lawrie to pore over the week’s strange events.

To the soundtrack of the Prime Minister’s pro-Brexit speech at the Conservative Party conference, the FTSE 100 was hitting near record highs.

Behind the headlines, the story was somewhat different.

The FTSE 100 index of leading shares is mostly made up of foreign companies so when their earnings are converted into pounds, they’re suddenly worth a lot more. That’s why the market is rising.

But some clever maths shows that in real-terms the market is in fact down.

Confused? Listen now.

Also in the show

A flash crash smashed sterling, Are we being controlled by algorithms and should we be worried?

Among the platitudes aimed at loyal voters, PM Theresa May’s speech also included a promise to end corporate greed and corrupt banks. That would be a good thing but how would she pull it off?

Wills – two in three of us haven’t got one and that’s an unnecessary problem.

What would you do with £50,000? With rates so low, the traditional ‘overpay your mortgage’ answer is outdated.

Fivers – should we keep them as collectors’ items or spend them? It’s a cashless society. Could they become valuable.

As Christmas toys hit the shops, we ask what was your favourite toy? Did you kill Tamagotchis or make things with Lego?

Enjoy.