On this week’s AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast, the Bank of England’s latest rate decision, Big Tech updates from Microsoft, Meta, Amazon and Alphabet, and what the UAE’s exit from OPEC could mean for oil prices as Brent crude climbs. Dan Coatsworth and Danni Hewson discuss BP’s bumper first‑quarter profits and Shell’s $16bn bid for Arc Resources, weak underlying UK retail sales, and the collapse of Claire’s Accessories. Dan also explores why several UK-listed companies have recently fallen into administration. Dan talks to Morningstar’s Grant Slade about mounting political uncertainty ahead of the 7 May local elections and what a change in prime minister could mean for the economy and financial markets. The pod team also debate whether buy‑to‑let still makes sense under the new Renters’ Rights Act. This week’s big interview features investing heavyweight Cathie Wood from Ark Invest who shares her 2026 outlook, including why she’s buying Tesla, selling AMD and remains relaxed about OpenAI’s latest setback. 00:00 Bank of England interest rate decision 00:50 Big Tech earnings: Microsoft, Meta, Amazon and Alphabet 03:03 Oil prices rise as UAE exits OPEC 09:18 BP Q1 profits and Shell’s Arc Resources bid 16:58 UK retail sales slowdown and Claire’s collapse 21:04 Why UK‑listed companies are entering administration 24:02 Grant Slade on local elections, politics and market uncertainty 38:53 Buy‑to‑let and the new Renters’ Rights Act 43:16 Cathie Wood on Tesla, AMD and OpenAI

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