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.