World Business Report
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
Episodes
Global shipping threatened by Houthi military advances
The Houthis now control the vital Red Sea waterway including the key shipping lane through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. We hear from maritime and security experts.
As oil prices hit an unprecedented six dollars per barrel in the U.S., we go to South Dakota and Massachusetts to speak to American business owners about the impact of higher prices and lower wages.
And on the twenty fifth anniversar
"It's like somebody turned the faucet off" - gas prices keep inflation high
Prices in the US rose by 3.4% in the year to August, with the cost of living being pushed up by higher gasoline prices. We hear how one business is being impacted. China sets targets to boost the percentage of EV's and autonomous vehicles on its roads. And athletes compete for a share of 10 million dollars at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest Hungary. Presenter: Luke
China’s President to travel to the BRICS summit in India
The visit to New Delhi is Xi Jinping’s first trip to India in seven years. But will this diplomatic overture lead to stronger business ties between the two countries? We go to our correspondent on the ground who tells us more. How much does the BRICS summit matter? A Brazilian economist tells us her view. An expert on Yemen explains the latest shipping crisis in the region, after Houthi rebels tak
ECB hikes rates to 2.5%
The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rate to 2.5%, as it steps up efforts to bring inflation under control. Will be taking a look at the kind of impact this is having and will other central banks follow suit. Oil as hit over a hundred dollars a barrel, with jet fuel costs in some parts of the world pushed even higher. And the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei goes on trial in New York
Is AI a threat to humanity?
An Anthropic researcher's post on X that there is a 10% chance that AI "could kill all humans" has been viewed more than ten million times. It comes as Jacob Coxon resigns from the company warning that the two top companies are not "acting responsibly." But others say the warnings are overblown. We hear from experts and the public. We go to the U.S. where Apple is launching a new product, the firs
World oil price hits $100
Oil prices rise above $100 a barrel for first time since July as tensions escalate in the Middle East, we'll be finding out what this means for consumers this winter. Some of Europe's biggest airlines call for firings over air traffic control outages in the UK as hundreds of flights are cancelled in the UK's busiest airport. And Apple gets set to unveil its latest products with a new boss at the h
UK bans trade with Israeli West Bank settlements
The UK has announced new measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a ban on trade with settlement businesses. The move follows a joint declaration supported by 12 countries, amid concerns over the expansion of settlements. Israel has responded by announcing the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and imposing entry bans on a number of British offici
Tariff tensions heat up
Canadian retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods worth around £20bn dollars have come into effect. We'll hear from a dairy farmer in Ohio about the impact of this.The boss of Dubai Airport says it's bouncing back, even while war in the Middle East continues. And Singapore's Prime Minister gets a 1 million dollar pay rise. Presenter: Luke Wilson
Producer: Barbara George
Thousands to be laid off as Europe's car industry suffers
Europe's carmakers are facing challenges from every direction. With Jaguar Land Rover announcing 4,000 job cuts worldwide and Volkswagen's plans to cut 50,000 jobs, we look at why some of the industry's biggest names are feeling the strain. And how much of this is being driven by the changing market in China?The boss of the biggest UK headquartered tech firm, chip design company Arm Holdings, has
Germany's far-right is gaining ground
A victory for the far-right in Germany the AfD fuels calls for faster growth in Europe's biggest economy as businesses call for an economic reform. Meanwhile China pumps tens of billions of dollars into its banks to try and boost growth. And Jaguar Land Rover becomes the latest carmaker to cut thousands of jobs Presenter: Luke Wilson
Producer: Barbara George
Fifty years of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Friends
It is birthday celebrations for Aardman Animations. The award-winning British studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep celebrates 50 years since it was founded in the UK.And we head over to the US as their latest figures shows they added more jobs than expected but wages are still falling behind inflation. While in Canada, job losses are hitting their retail and finance sectors. We hea
Volkswagen cuts 50,000 more jobs
The board of German car giant Volkswagen has approved a plan to cut another 50,000 jobs as part of the biggest restructuring in the group's history.It brings the total number of roles the carmaker - which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda as well as the VW brand - plans to shed by 2030 to 100,000, after announcing in March that it would cut 50,000 roles.Kenya's President William Ruto has told one of I
What will El Niño cost us?
The "supersized" El Niño weather system is hitting the global economy, with cocoa farmers in Ecuador already seeing prices for their products fall.As the Panama Canal operator limits the number of vessels passing through the waterway, we ask what further trade shocks are to come.And US basketball team the Los Angeles Clippers has been hit with a record $30 million fine by the National Basketball A
Record fine over US basketball player’s wages
The LA Clippers have been fined $30 million by the National Basketball Association after an investigation revealed that the club had circumvented salary rules to channel funds to their star player Kawhi Leonard. The fine is the largest in the league’s history - the Clippers said they will appeal against the decision.
Also, as the Dutch central bank moves more than 78 tonnes of gold from New York
Is this the biggest oil deal in history?
US oil giant Chevron says it will expand operations in Venezuela, with plans to invest more than $7 million to double its output there over the next five years.As Uber leaves the Nigerian market, we'll look at what that means for drivers and passengers who depend on the platform every day.Plus, the Venice Film Festival has rolled out the red carpet. So why does it feel a little less glamorous this
United States signs oil deal with Venezuela
A controversial oil deal gives the United States control of more than a fifth of Venezuela’s reserves.
Plus, could Kenya be running short of milk?
And thousands of US sailors deployed to the Strait of Hormuz reach dry land, after a record stretch at sea.
Presenter: Bisi Adebayo
Producers: Victoriya Holland and Huma Shah
Editor: Naomi Rainey
How will bond market turmoil affect you?
Escalating conflict in the Gulf is pushing oil prices ever higher. We explore the connection between energy prices and government borrowing to find out why falling bond prices across the world matter to jobs and inflation.
The appearance of Russia's finance minister at the G20 talks in North Carolina caused some awkwardness among his European counterparts. Beyond the embarrassing family photo shoo
Shein's Big IPO - and a smaller valuation
Shein finally makes its stock market debut in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to list in New York and London. And the company is now valued at around a quarter of its 2022 peak. We look at whether it really is third time lucky for the fast-fashion giant. China tightens the rules for its carmakers, warning against aggressive price cuts as brands such as BYD look overseas for growth. We hear from f
Apple's new chief
In the 15 years since he's been charge at Apple, Tim Cook has turned the consumer tech company into a multi-trillion dollar success. What does new CEO John Ternus need to do to keep Apple on top?
Also, what's on the minds of those running the world's biggest economies? We take the temperature at the G20 summit in North Carolina.
And as Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell become the latest in
US-Iran conflict: What next for oil and trade?
The US and Iran exchange fire for the first time in a month, as an oil tanker reportedly hits mines in the Strait of Hormuz. We look at what the renewed fighting could mean for oil supplies, shipping and the global economy.
Also, China and Russia hold talks as world leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
And after 15 years at the top, Tim Cook prepares to step down a
US Central Bank Chair says inflation isn't beaten yet
The head of the US Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, says policymakers "have work to do" if they are not confident cost-of-living pressures are easing for Americans.Policy makers from 10 nations neighbouring the Baltic Sea have been meeting today to discuss hybrid attacks on their countries. Earlier this month Leipzig Airport in Germany was shut after drones targeted planes.And a group of more than 80
Warsh strikes cautious tone on US interest rates
In his first speech at Jackson Hole as Federal Reserve Chair, Kevin Warsh said that while inflation data had been better than expected over the summer, it did not suggest the outlook had "meaningfully improved". However, he stressed that his remarks should not be seen as a guide to future interest rate decisions. And more than 80 British actors and voice artists are calling for stronger legal prot
AI firms call for countries to beef up their cyber defences... against AI
They warn cyber-attacks which use AI will become both more widespread and more sophisticated in a matter of months as the technology rapidly improves.UEFA is preparing criminal legal action against the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino.And a barrel of single malt scotch whisky bought in 1971 for $175 has been valued by auctioneers at $370,000.
Hormuz Oil Flows Recover
More oil is making its way through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the continuing war with Iran, with Kuwait and Qatar among the Gulf producers finding new ways to keep supplies moving. Could tighter restrictions on Facebook and Instagram actually make children safer online? A former Meta engineering director and whistleblower says changes agreed in a multibillion-dollar US settlement won't go far e
Meta agrees to pay up to $18Bn in record legal settlement
The Facebook and Instagram owner was accused by several US States of having addictive products that harm children.Shares in US chip designer Nvidia rise in after hours trading after its 2 quarter results beat market expectations. It remains the world's most valuable company.And we hear about the amazing business acumen of the country music star Dolly Parton who died yesterday.
Meta agrees $18bn settlement
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to an $18bn settlement with 29 US states over claims that its platforms harmed children.
The deal, which is subject to court approval, would require Meta to introduce new rules for teenage users, including daily limits and overnight blocks. The collapse of what was once one of China’s biggest property developers is now threatening to
Canada hits back at the US with $20Bn tariffs on US goods
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced ‘dollar-for-dollar’ counter-tariffs on a swath of U.S. goods — with a sliding scale of 15, 25 and 50 per cent.Ed Butler speaks to an shipping expert and asks if anyone really knows how much oil and gas is currently being exported from the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz.And Volkswagen's Chief Executive has embarked on tour of German plant
Can Washington really cut Iran off from the global economy?
We take a look at what the latest US sanctions could mean for Iran's trading partners. Plus, India's taking "express" action to bring down soaring onion prices, and Lego has built record sales. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo
Producer: Barbara George
Iran faces 'greatest financial offensive ever'
The US has announced a host of sanctions against Iran and threatened its supporters in what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said is "the single greatest financial offensive ever".Trade relations between Canada and the United States have sunk to a new low after weeks of urgent talks fell apart over the weekend.Meanwhile Ed Butler takes a look at the growing trade tensions between the European Unio
US warns Iran of "the single greatest financial offensive ever"
What could new sanctions mean for Iran's economy and its trading partners? Meanwhile, President Trump announces plans for a 50% tariff on Canadian vehicles from 2027. Also, Singapore announces a $55,000 incentive aimed at encouraging people to have more children. And China showcases its growing humanoid robot industry.Presenter: Bisi Adebayo
Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott
Title: El Niño: What could it mean for the global economy?
Long: Meteorologists warn a developing El Niño could be the strongest in living memory, with scientists saying next year could become the hottest on record. We look at what that could mean for businesses and global trade as low rainfall forces the Panama Canal to restrict shipping.
Also, Premier League clubs spend billions on new players despite new financial rules.
And how a low-budget animated
El Nino causes the economy to heat up
A strong weather system which causes the globe to heat up is already having an impact on business with the Panama Canal reducing the number of ships which can pass through and certain food prices in India risingJapan's inflation hits its highest level of the yearand the Golden Ball - why a football could sell for $10 million
America's $40 trillion debt
US government debt has topped $40 trillion for the first time, raising fresh questions about America’s finances and the cost of borrowing.
We also look at a new trade deal between Switzerland and China.
And the workplace behaviours most likely to land employees in trouble with their bosses.
(Photo:A screen displays the total U.S. National Debt, which surpassed $40 trillion for the first time acco
Moderna shares get a shot in the arm after cancer vaccine results
Moderna shares soared more than 172% after strong results for its vaccine for melanoma skin cancer. Elsewhere, the Evergrande saga came to a dramatic conclusion in a Shenzhen court.
And what will Walmart spend its $3 billion Trump tariffs rebate on?World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brin
The economic cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledges that Ukrainian attacks and sanctions are affecting his country’s economy, while insisting there have been no critical consequences. In this special episode, we examine the economic pressures created by Russia’s war in Ukraine, and look at how the conflict has transformed the drone industry, with Ukraine planning to produce millions of drones this year.
US - Canada trade: Deal or No Deal?
The US has paused 50% tariffs on Canada, hours before they were due to come into effect as the countries firm up a trade deal. Donald Trump said a deal has been reached, but the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said there was still important work to be done.In China, the world's biggest humanoid robot manufacturer, Unitree Robotics, has seen its share price soar more than 500% on its stock mark
Meta on trial
Tech giant Meta on trial over claims it deliberately keeps young people scrolling. Four US states are seeking billions of dollars from the company, as part of a wider case brought by 29 states.New trade tariffs set to be imposed on Canada by the USA unless there's a late breakthrough in trade talks.And why does the owner of the LA Lakers, the LA Dodgers and part owner of Chelsea FC need to raise a
Is social media about to change forever?
Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta is heading into a legal battle against a group of US states that argue it deliberately designed its products to be addictive for younger users. It could pose the biggest threat yet to social media operations with the states demanding changes.In Canada, pressure is rising to reach a trade deal with the US or be hit with Donald Trump's new 50% tariff on
50% Tariff Warning: The US-Canada Trade War Escalates
The US has threatened Canda with a 50% tariff on goods, with billions of dollars of trade at stake. But can Canada persuade President Trump to change course? We take a look into the talks that have been happening so far.
We’ll also explore Chinese tech giant Alibaba’s latest move in the AI race.And we ask if changing jobs is becoming a gamble fewer workers are willing to take?
What a katsu curry can tell us about the Japanese economy
We speak to the creator of the Katsu Curry Index about what the price of the iconic Japanese dish can tell us about the yen, inflation and the country's tourism boom. Elsewhere we dig into the Chinese economic data released today and ask if European companies should be worried by a retail spending slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. World Business Express - Finance, economy and busines
Trump's favourite word is back
New import taxes have been placed on more than 60 trading partners of the United States. Businesses in Australia and Norway give us their reactionTech stocks continue to struggleand should AI have a 'kill-switch'Presenter: Barbara George
Editor: Justin Bones
Petrol and gasoline prices set to go higher
The price of oil has gone back above $100 a barrel which could mean higher prices at the pump. It's after attacks on at least one tanker in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed HouthisPlus a shortage of eggs in Myanmar has led to prices soaringand the footballers rewarded for winning the world cup in Tomatoes Presenter: Gideon Long
Senior Producer: Naomi Rainey
Editor: Justin Bones
Brazil hit by US tariffs
New 25% US tariffs on selected Brazilian imports are raising trade tensions. What impact could they have on Brazil's economy?Also in the programme Malaysia's ambition to become Southeast Asia's next data centre powerhouse. And why a campaign encouraging Japanese office workers to wear shorts is causing controversy. Presenter: Gideon Long Producer:
Barbara George
Editor: Naomi Rainey.
