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

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.

No change to monetary policy is expected this week, but investors will be eager for any clue about the Bank of England’s thoughts on inflation and interest rate cuts.

UK retail sales slumped in December while inflation went in the other direction. Is the UK now in recession, albeit the mildest of the mild?

Housing costs make up a big part of people’s spending, yet they can often obscure what’s going on with inflation.

A gruelling year for investors actually delivered decent returns. But how much of that strong performance is in anticipation of 2024?

A Santa rally is in full swing for stocks and bonds, capping off a year of large swells for investors. While returns flow, climate policy is ebbing at COP28 in Dubai.

A bout of runaway inflation could persuade some people that no inflation would be better than any at all. That’s a dangerous path to take.

After a miserable year for living standards, Brits are feeling much better about their lives and their futures. But how much will that move the dial for retail spending and economic growth?

The government has more cash to work with after better-than-expected GDP growth and higher tax receipts. How will the extra money be used?

Updates on inflation and unemployment arrive this week. Will they give investors more clarity about the paths of interest rates?