Share Sounds

Each week the Investment Trust Show discusses the major issues, factors and news that impact on investment trusts. In this weeks edition the focus is on private equity investment trusts. Joining Ed Mitchell in the studio is Ian Barrass, Manager of the Henderson Alternative Strategies Trust and Share Radio's senior market analyst, Ed Bowsher. By phone, Nick Britton, Head of Training at the AIC as well as Hamish Mair, Director and Head of Private Equity Funds at The F&C. This week the topics include a host of questions on investing in private equities, such as the risks and potential returns, as well as day to day volatility of share prices.

Ed Mitchell is joined in the studio by Seamus Nevin of the IOD to discuss new net migration figures which have sparked a debate between the two sides involved in the EU Referendum.

The South African economy is "in crisis" according to the country's finance minister. Speaking ahead of this week's Budget Speech, Pravin Gordhan admitted the country was struggling with a difficult set of economic circumstances. Share Radio's Robert Van Egghen reports on an embattled economy where the threat of a downgrade to junk status looms on the horizon.

Dave Millett, Founder and Managing Director of telecoms broker, Equinox, talks about Ofcom’s report ruling on whether BT can keep its Openreach broadband arm. BT seems to have escaped the immediate threat of selling off its wholesale arm, but it faces a stricter regulatory straitjacket under wide-ranging proposals which would allow other operators to lay fibre optic lines alongside its network. Dave discusses the decision.

Gareth Mann, CEO of big data products company, Digital Contact, joins Nigel Cassidy and Paul Sedgwick to look at how social media analysis can correctly predict the Brexit referendum result, in light of UK Fin Tech Week. As the EU Referendum approaches, can small and innovative data companies make the right predictions?

This is 'Crowdfunders', the show that covers the fast-growing world of alternative finance. We join Share Radio's Ed Bowsher, and in today's show, the guests are looking at an example of a business that listened to its customers and reversed course on a controversial business strategy. In this instance it was one of the biggest peer to peer lending businesses, Ratesetter. We'll hear from one of Ratesetter's founders on what happened. The show will also look at a new bond issued by Swindon Borough Council, the world's first ever 'Council solar bond!' And on top of that, an interview with the chairman of an innovative sportswear business, Skins, that is raising money from investors on the Seedrs equity crowdfunding platform.

This Friday the people of Ireland will head to the polls to choose their next government. Sinn Fein, for decades known as the political wing of the IRA, is rising in the polls with its anti-austerity campaign. The party could even become the official opposition. Share Radio's Robert Van Egghen reports on a country divided by austerity and an unequal economic recovery.

This is Share Daily, a look back at some highlights from Share Radio over the last 24 hours. It's your opportunity to catch up with the best of Share Radio , where we bring you news and views on stocks and shares, talk to successful entrepreneurs and offer advice which could make and saves you money. In today's programme, Glenn Thompsett looks at the Enterprise Investment Scheme, personal data and smartphones, and how negative interest rates affect the insurance industry.

The London Stock Exchange yesterday confirmed it was in detailed discussions with its German rival about an all-share merger. The exchanges have considered combining forces before. They agreed to merge in 2000 before a rival bid for the LSE from Sweden’s OM Gruppen scuppered the deal. The LSE then rejected a formal £1.3bn offer from Deutsche Börse in January 2005. So will it be third time lucky? Jasper Lawler, Market Analyst at CMC Markets, joins to discuss.

Simon Smith, Director and Head of Research at FX Pro, joins Share Radio to talk about the latest in the foreign exchange market. Sterling is still at lows against the dollar, so what is causing this? Simon also looks at safe havens, which are soaring, and discusses China ahead of the G20 Summit. Also, can you spot Simon's five hidden Bob Marley song references.