Share Sounds

Share Radio's Nigel Cassidy, and Chris Bailey of Financial Orbit joined Georgie Frost in the studio. Our question is: In the last 2 years, what do you think has been the biggest financial event? And the guys discussed the biggest market headlines they've come across this morning.

The European Commission has hit back at claims that Brussels is meddling in the general election. Theresa May has accused EU officials of trying to influence the vote by misrepresenting the UK's position. The Commission says it doesn't "Brexitise" its "important policy work", and insists it's "too busy to engage" in the row.

Welcome to the This is Money show on Share Radio. From major supermarkets to micro-entrepreneurs we’ll be focusing on businesses big and small. Growing competition, inflation and a weak pound are all spelling problems for the retail sector whilst plans to scrap tax breaks threaten small businesses with bigger bills. Running through the various other issues from 4G to the strength of the high street Georgie Frost is joined by Editor Simon Lambert and Consumer Affairs Editor Lee Boyce. Plus how the new, forgery proof pound coin might not prove as secure as hoped.

We turn to the currency markets now. John Hardy, Head of FX Strategy at Saxo Bank, joined Nigel Cassidy and Chris Bailey earlier to look at the themes and movements in the pound, dollar and euro.

We're recalling the early days of Share Radio now. We've been on air for almost two and a half years. Once person who was here from the very beginning was Billy Bambrough, the editor of economics and politics website verdict.co.uk. And Billy explained what it was like when Share Radio went on air at the very beginning.

British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group has said its first-quarter operating profit before exceptional items rose by 9.7% to €170m (US$186.6mn), up from €155m in 2016 and well ahead of analysts forecast for €140.5m.

Sarah Tucker and Simon are joined by veteran travel journalist John Carter. He reminisces about the vast change in our attitude towards travel in the past two generations.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron appears to have cemented his position as the front-runner after his clash with far-right rival Marine Le Pen in Wednesday evening's final TV debate. For more, Simon speaks to Gino Raymond, Professor of Modern French Studies at the University of Bristol.

On today's wrap: Oil falls to its lowest level since late November, HSBC reports a 19% fall in profits, activity in the UK's service sector accelerates in April and much more. Simon is joined by Share Radio's senior analyst, Ed Bowsher.

Share Radio's Ed Bowsher is joined by Moneyweek's Merryn Somerset Webb for their weekly catch up. This week - is India really an attractive place for investors? The two discuss the emerging market and more.