Share Sounds presented by Ed Bowsher

Crowdfunders is our weekly look at the peer-to-peer and crowdfunding space, examining the latest news and developments in the fast growing world of alternative finance. On today's show, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher gets the scoop on frozen yoghurt company Sloane Brothers and discusses how crowdfunding can be used to support local community and political projects. Enjoyed Crowdfunders? You should try the Investment Trust Show, Share Radio’s examination of the world of investment trusts: https://audioboom.com/channel/shareradio-investmenttrustshow

The European Central Bank will continue its quantitative easing bond-buying programme into 2018, according to ratings agency, S&P. The agency says the ECB will need to do this to combat low core inflation and credit growth. Share Radio's Ed Bowsher was joined by Claus Vistesen, macroeconomist for Pantheon Macroeconomics who focusses on the Eurozone, to explore the issue.

A new 10-point industrial strategy has been unveiled by Theresa May - but will it deliver for businesses as the economy readies itself for Brexit hurdles? Edwin Morgan, Deputy Director of Policy at the Institute of Directors, spoke with Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for more on this story.

There's merger speculation that housebuilders Bovis Homes and Berkeley Group could join forces. It follows a story in the Sunday Times saying Schroders, the second largest shareholder, had written to the board to suggest the move. Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke to Charlie Campbell, Building Material & Housebuilders analyst at Liberum, for more.

As Donald Trump begins his first working week as president, he does so without key positions confirmed - what's behind the delay? Leslie Vinjamuri, an Associate Fellow in the US & Americas Programme at Chatham House, spoke to Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher about how the confirmation process works and how Trump compares to previous administrations.

UK dividends rose 6.6% in the last quarter of 2016 - great news for investors who focus on getting an income from their portfolios, but can it be sustained? And speculation that housebuilders Bovis and Berkeley would merge was triggered by Schroder, Bovis' second largest shareholder, writing to Berkeley suggesting a deal. Ed Bowsher spoke to Ken Odeluga, market analyst at City Index, for more on these and other market stories.

Donald Trump's inauguration has hit the dollar but helped the sterling up to its best level since before Christmas, while ratings agency S&P has predicted the European Central Bank will extend its quantitative easing programme into 2018. And optimism among financial services firms is at its lowest ebb since the crisis - but it's not just Brexit. Alastair McCaig, director of investment management at Fernwealth, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to discuss these and more of the big economic news of the day.

On the final day of Davos the discussion continues to revolve around Brexit and the state of globalisation. Today, speakers included Chancelor Philip Hammond and German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble. From the studio Ed Bowsher spoke to Share Radio Presenter and Davos correspondent Steve Clarke to round up what's happened this week.

The Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, has accused Jeremy Corbyn of "lamely giving up" while Britain "drives off a cliff" by activating article 50. This may leave the Lib Dems as the only mainstream political party that is opposing Theresa May's Brexit plans. For more on Farron's comments, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher is joined on the line by Asa Bennett, Assistant Comment Editor at the Telegraph.

Angry investors are pushing for Pearson's CEO to go after this week's profit warning and 30% fall in the share price. There's been better news for shareholders in the fashion chain for more mature ladies, BonMarche with good sales in the run-up to Christmas. And Synthomer impresses investors in its Q4 update. Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA, spoke with Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher on this and more company news.