In this week’s show we discuss the temporary ceasefire in the Middle East – if it is really appropriate to call it that – and consider whether the announcement has done anything to lighten a global economic outlook that has looked increasingly gloomy for the past few weeks.

Investors have certainly priced in a fair amount of relief. We discuss if they are right to do so, and what happens next. Julian Hofmann has the details.

Our big read this week, meanwhile, is about a continent that could be particularly affected by the energy shock – Africa – albeit, as Chris Akers explains, it’s far from a monolithic bloc and there’s the potential for both winners and losers. Chris tells us about the UK companies that have set up in Africa and why the investment opportunities take in everything from resources to telecoms.

To finish, we delve into specialist engineer Senior, which feeds into many of the hot sectors of the moment, but it’s had a topsy turvy time of it in recent months. That has now culminated in a takeover approach – Mark Robinson discusses whether that represents good value for holders and whether a rival approach could emerge.