Oil shock: the impact on your money, mortgage and next holiday

Welcome to the latest episode of the AJ Bell Money & Markets podcast with Dan Coatsworth and Charlene Young.  This week we dive into everything from the surprising new additions to the UK inflation basket (yes… hummus and dashcams!) to the impact of rising oil prices on carmakers and travel firms. We also look at fast changing mortgage deals, the rush to use key tax year end allowances, and what could happen next with interest rates in the UK, US and beyond.  We’re also joined by a fantastic guest: Jonathan Guthrie, longtime Financial Times journalist, former Head of Lex, and now author – who shares brilliant insights on investing narratives, market crashes, and how investors can stay sane when markets wobble.  If you care about money, investing or markets – this one’s packed with value.  00:25 – What’s on today’s episode: Market narratives, inflation surprises, oil prices, mortgages, tax year end, and this week’s special guest.  01:26 – Dan looks at how financial markets have performed over the past week  03:30 – Changes to interest rate expectations and mortgage pricing – and what it means if you’re in the process of buying a home.  09:40 – Company highlights of the week. Good news from Diploma, Softcat and Moonpig.  13:02 – Charlene on this year’s inflation basket update. Why hummus and dashcams are in – and what’s out.  17:15 – Thinking about holiday plans or a car upgrade? How rising oil is impacting carmakers and the travel industry.  22:41 – Tax year end: last minute wins. There is still time to use valuable allowances.  28:13 – Dan talks to award-winning journalist Jonathan Guthrie about investing and market behaviour