Obstructive planning laws are curtailing the supply of homes in the UK, the regulator says. Meanwhile, the quality of building is slipping, suggesting we’re wrapped up in the wrong red tape.

The UK slumps into recession even as people’s spirits and retail sales rise. Meanwhile, trouble may be brewing in American inflation.

The Magnificent Seven was the buzz phrase of 2023 as seven stocks drove so much of the return from US equity markets. America isn't the only place with a concentration issue though: it’s the same picture in Europe and the UK. The team look forward and discuss what risks and opportunities may lie ahead as a result of this phenomenon. They then turn to the defence sector and why there might be some meaningful changes afoot to drive more government spending in this area. Finally, Canadian e-commerce company Shopify is on the agenda as the team outline the company's broad appeal, along with the ups and downs of their journey owning this name.

The US S&P 500 stock market index broke through 5,000 for the first time, hitting a record high last week as investors shrugged off worries that interest rates may not fall as fast as many had hoped.

US jobs strength pushes back interest rate cut forecasts yet further. Meanwhile, higher rates and changing business needs keeps squeezing commercial property.

France goes to the polls for the first round of voting, the two candidates for the White House spar and the Euro knockout phase begins.