In BIG PICTURE NEWS, US inflation rises, Trump makes big announcements, France suggests scrapping holidays, Reeves promises to cut red tape and OPEC keeps its outlook unchanged. In FINANCIALS & INVESTMENT NEWS, US banks report, Starling considers a US listing, investors snap up US tech stocks, M&A bankers have a tough time and BlackRock suffers a massive withdrawal. In EMPLOYMENT TRENDS, Robert Walters is still gloomy and scammers target embattled graduates. In MISCELLANEOUS NEWS, Apple buys rare earth magnets, Fujitsu's AI success is obscured and B&M shares fall. AND FINALLY, I bring you a bit of music...