Charlene Young and Dan Coatsworth bring you this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast. Rising UK inflation kicks things off and they’ll also discuss the latest market movements as the middle east conflict continues. Dan digs into plans spin off Primark from Associated British Foods and what it could mean for shareholders and Charlene covers another uncoupling announcement – this time how the government wants to break the link between gas price shock and British energy bills.

Apple has named a new CEO as Tim Cook moves up to executive Chairman, TikTok has moved into payments. Is this new debit card venture actually smart innovation?

Dan speaks to Bloomberg Intelligence consumer analyst Conroy Gaynor about jet fuel shortages, the impact of the Middle East crisis on airlines, and what it means for investors as we head into peak travel season.

Finally, with the government launching a new campaign to encourage first‑time investors, Charlene and Dan explore how people can take those initial steps into investing and why funds are often a sensible starting point. To round this off we bring you a conversation between Danni Hewson and AJ Bell’s James Flintoft on how the AJ Bell funds have been performing.

[00:09] Intro