Geopolitics is back in the driving seat for markets as Middle East tensions shake energy prices, government borrowing costs climb and investors revisit whether ‘quality’ shares are due a comeback. We cover the latest updates from Next, Novo Nordisk, HSBC and Diageo, and we speak to Hugh Yarrow of Evenlode Income on why sticking with quality businesses can pay off. Plus on the personal finance side: why cash ISA deposits keep rising, and the everyday luxuries people refuse to give up.

Timestamps:

[01:19] Geopolitics and markets: Iran/Middle East developments 

[03:44] Government borrowing costs: what’s driving yields higher 

[06:29] Next’s latest results

[09:56] Novo Nordisk and weight-loss drugs 

[11:50] HSBC’s profits fall 

[13:17] Diageo’s World Cup boost 

[17:27] Interview: Hugh Yarrow (Evenlode Income) on investing in quality companies 

[33:08] Fuel watch: the impact of oil-market tensions 

[36:57] Cash ISAs soar in popularity

[44:23] Cost-of-living: the ‘luxuries’ people won’t give up