Taking Stock

The Economics of Valentine’s Day

Taking Stock

Show Notes

This week on Taking Stock Susan Hayes Culleton looks at the behavioural economics around Valentine’s Day when she talks to Emma Howard of TU Dublin With the news that Cuba is running out of Jet Fuel Susan talks to Jude Webber of the Financial Times about the state of the island nation. Plus, how can you have a 100-year loan? Susan is joined by Leoine MacCann of Irish Life Investment Managers to look at Alphabet and the 100-year bond fund.

More from Taking Stock

Oct 23, 2026

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.

Oct 16, 2026

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.

Oct 9, 2026

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.

Oct 2, 2026

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.

Sep 25, 2026

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.

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