While the start of 2021 was bleak, with the world still in the grip of a pandemic that had already ravaged major economies, the outlook now is more positive. There is a sense of hope, thanks to rapid progress on the vaccination drive and coronavirus restrictions easing once again. The global recovery is backed by huge levels of monetary and fiscal support, as well as improving growth and earnings that have translated into significant rallies in most equity markets. However, rebounding economies also bring uncertainty. Inflation is ramping up and monetary support will soon start to unwind, putting countries’ employment levels at risk.

With geopolitics also back on the agenda, as the Biden administration engages with the world once again, any decision there has the power to move markets. At the same time, the vaccination programme has been uneven, with emerging markets getting the short end of the vaccine stick. And let us not forget – the Covid crisis is far from over. So, as we enter the second half of the year, what is the outlook from here?

Host Alice Haine is joined by Samy Chaar, chief economist at Swiss private bank Lombard Odier, who guides listeners on what to expect next.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work, it has also accelerated our switch to using contactless cards and e-wallets to pay for goods and services. Millions of people have opted for cashless payments since global lockdowns came into force in March last year amid concerns about the spread of infection through bank notes and coins.

In March, a survey by moneytransfers.com, which used YouGov data to rank 21 countries that are likely to accept a fully cashless economy, found that consumers in India, the UAE and Indonesia were the most likely to choose digital payments. Meanwhile, another study by Standard Chartered last September found that 64 per cent of respondents expect the UAE to be a fully cashless society by 2030.

Co-hosts Felicity Glover and Alice Haine discuss the future of cash and whether or not it will continue to play an important part in our financial lives post-pandemic.

It’s been more than a year since our 2020 travel plans were disrupted because of the Covid-19 pandemic – and many of us are keen to get back in the air, visit family or take a well-deserved holiday. With vaccination programmes now in place in many countries around the world and travel corridors opening up, it's time to start planning our summer vacations.

There are a number of financial factors to consider before taking the leap, including the cost of flights, health insurance and whether or not airlines will continue offering flexible tickets in case our travel plans have to be cancelled at the last minute. The good news is that there are quite a few flight deals being offered by the likes of Emirates, Etihad and low-cost airline flydubai – but it's best to get in early to take advantage of the lower prices.

Host Felicity Glover is joined by Hayley Skirka, The National’s travel correspondent, who shares her recommendations for the best travel deals this summer.