World Business Report
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
Episodes
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
Young people want jobs
International Labour Organisation reported that joblessness among young people rose globally in 2025. We take a look at the issue of youth unemployment.Elsewhere, President Trump says he'll declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, as the US threatens to subject Iran to economic isolation. We examine what further sanctions Washington might have in mind.And in Indonesia, the president has hit out
Tech giants grilled over Australian Social Media ban
Australian lawmakers have been questioning executives from the likes of Meta and Tiktok over the country's social media ban for under 16s.Data suggests the majority of Australian teens still use the platforms, despite December's law change. The companies have told politicians not to focus too much on this early data and that they don't need to face tougher penalties.Also, President Trump has annou
How Incheon Airport has become the world's busiest airport
Incheon Airport near the South Korean capital of Seoul has become the world's busiest international airport for the first time, handling more than 38 million international passengers in the first half of the year. We find out what is shifting air travel habits and what UK travellers want from airports.Elsewhere, we speak to the CEO of Watt Electric Vehicle Company about a new deal that will see it
Maersk en-route to success
Maersk's CEO exclusively tells World Business Express the company is investing more in alternative routes after the trouble in the Strait of HormuzThere's a new holder of the title of the world's busiest airportand step inside the human fridge in Japan
Los Angeles Lakers face takeover
The Los Angeles Lakers are to be sold for a reported record-breaking $12.5bn to American businessman Josh Kushner and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger. We hear from a former insider on what this means for one of the world's biggest sports brands. Elsewhere as Colombia recovers from a devastating earthquake, we hear about recovery efforts and the impact on its economy. Also, with less than a
US Prices: What's Getting More Expensive
The latest US inflation data is out, but with the cost of living still a major concern for households, how are Americans feeling about their finances? Plus, Colombia’s new president is set to declare an economic emergency after Monday’s devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake. And the chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s vast Tata conglomerate, is stepping down when his term ends nex
Total solar eclipse boosts tourism
As parts of Europe head for a "once-in-a-lifetime" total solar eclipse, we hear from one region in Iceland on how they are seeing a boost in tourism in a year when they have seen a decline in tourists from the US.Elsewhere, as the heat and droughts affecting Europe continue to hit the Rhine River, we get the impact on the German economy.Also, Nvidia raises $500bn for AI data centres for some of th
Nvidia raises $500bn for AI Data Centres
Some of the world's biggest banks and investment firms have partnered with the chip giant to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure.The money from the likes of Goldman Sachs, BlackRock and KKR will go towards Nvidia's own projects and those being built by its partners.Meanwhile, Trump Media, the company behind Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, has revealed that more than 10 customers
Why are billionaires investing in the Premier League?
A consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin are in talks to buy around a 30% stake in Liverpool football club. We find out why so many of the world's richest people keen to invest in the Premier League.Elsewhere rising temperatures are affecting economies across the world and we have been hearing from some of the areas af
China launches first regular Arctic shipping route
The "Ice Silk Road" will run along the north Russian coast on its journey between Ningbo on China’s east coast and Felixstowe in the UK. Sea Legend, the Chinese container shipping company behind it, say the region is emerging as a viable alternative to the world’s traditional shipping routes.Also, officials in Germany say falling water levels on the river Rhine could mean that it split into two se
The USA's employment slump
The US saw a weaker market after losing 23,000 jobs in July and it's figures are much worse than expected. We'll be hearing why the American economy isn't creating more jobs.Plus, could oil be the saviour of Venezuela's economic needs? As the conflict in the Middle East continues to choke global supplies, Venezuela has a unique opportunity to gain market share and investment through having the wor
US creates fewer new jobs than expected
Overall, the US economy shed 23,000 jobs in July in the latest sign of a cooling labour market. Traders say an interest rate rise is now less likely.Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, has been fined a record penalty of half a billion dollars in a court case over child safety.And a row has broken out in the UK as a local authority tries to stop people standing up in pubs.
The heatwave economy
This summer has been heatwave after heatwave, and countries like Turkey and Romania have seen a bumper harvest, we're taking a look at how the extreme heat is impacting farmers around Europe and what that could mean for food prices.We'll hear from a SpaceX employee who's been made a millionaire after selling his shares, and is it ever acceptable to wear shorts to the office?PHOTO CREDIT: EPA/Shutt
Cashing in on SpaceX
As some SpaceX shares become available to sell, it's potentially a massive payday for staff. We hear from a former worker about his plans for the money.Plus, across the world, communities are counting the costs of wildfires, conflict and geopolitical instability. The boss of Swiss Re speaks to Sarah Rogers about the impact on the insurance industry.
It's extra time at FIFA
FIFA's leadership is under scrutiny as Gianni Infantino hosts crisis meeting with senior officials as their are calls for him to resign. Ed Butler will be hearing what his future is looking like.Also how a record drought is cutting rail freight in Europe and why the Saudi Crown Prince is buying one of the world's top video game developers.Photo Credit: PA
Lift off for SpaceX?
Lift-off for Elon Musk's tech company, SpaceX, as it reports its first results since going public. We examine what the company is worth and hear investors' reaction.Also, we look at Spotify's latest user numbers and explore whether the music streaming giant could be running out of new listeners.Elsewhere, we hear from tech workers in Gaza, ten months after the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel
Why are oil company profits so high?
Oil companies are seeing their profits spike as the Iran war continues, but President Trump says they're making too much money. So why are profits so high? Sarah Rogers takes a look. Plus, how would you feel if the government was allowed to access data from your phone? US tech giant Apple has confirmed it has launched a new legal complaint against the UK government for trying to do just that.
Blues on the Danube
We explore the impact of the Danube river running at its lowest level in decades on freight, car production and nuclear reactors in the area. Elsewhere in a big few days for the media sector, we explore why superheroes are back, the latest on the sale of Electronic Arts and why Netflix is going into short form content.Also, why one of Europe's most wanted drugs fugitives is living freely and with
Ukraine takes aim at Russia's economy
Ukrainian drone strikes hit Wildberries warehouses across Russia, with 16 distribution centres damaged or destroyed in the past fortnight. As the country's biggest online retailer faces disruption and a Lukoil oil refinery is also hit, we examine why Ukraine is targeting Russian business infrastructure.Also, oil prices rise after Iran stops two vessels attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz. We
FIFA fallout: 'What's wrong with wanting to make money?'
Asian markets rebound strongly after a turbulent week for some of the world's biggest chipmakers. We look at what's behind the turnaround and whether investors are still worried about AI spending.
Also, opposition grows to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
And another Ukrainian drone attack targets Russia, while China's factory activity unexpectedly contracts.
UEFA Shows FIFA the Red Card
We hear why UEFA is threatening to boycott future World Cups in a major showdown with FIFA over plans to create a new commercial entity to run its tournaments. As the row intensifies, we'll ask what it means for the future of football's biggest business with the New York Times' Tariq Panja.Also, the BBC's Nawal Al-Maghafi reports from Iran after a new wave of US strikes, looking at the impact on a
Is this the start of the robot wars?
The US has moved to block new foreign-made robots from its market over national security concerns, with Chinese manufacturers expected to be hit hardest. Beijing says it could retaliate.
We also examine the health of the US economy, as growth disappoints and inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve's target.
And Australia's internet regulator takes legal action against Telegram over
Have FIFA scored an own goal?
We'll hear reaction from the world of football as Fifa offers federations $40 million each to rubberstamp its plan to sell some of its commercial rights. As FIFA sends a letter to football associations explaining the plan and giving them a deadline of mid-September to agreeAlso, we find out the bizarre story of why eBay had to pay one couple $56 million after a campaign of harassment.And why Cuba
Luxury fashion houses bag a return to sales growth
Jewellery and a strong North American market helped luxury goods giants LVMH and Kering grow sales even as promblems in the Middle East and China hampered the sector overall. We get insight from the former head of LVMH's head of North America.
Elsewhere, it's "the same again" for tech investors in Asia, as trading on the Kospi index is holted to stave off a rout after Korean chipmakers SK Hynix an
Is the World Cup up for sale?
FIFA faces a backlash from UEFA over plans to create a new company with private investors to run major tournaments, including the World Cup. So what could this mean for the future of football?Some of the world's biggest tech companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, have seen sharp falls in their valuations. What's driving the sell-off, and is it likely to continue?Peru has sworn in its first female
AI investors spark Asia shares sell-off
South Korea's Kospi index halts trading after huge falls for tech stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix. Are investors starting to fear the arrival of Chinese AI chipmakers? Also, firefighters in France and Spain are continuing to battle wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and seen tens of thousands of businesses forced to close. And one of London's most iconic l
Spains tourism is at tipping point
From Barcelona to Mallorca, anti-tourism protests have spread as residents say booming visitor numbers are driving up costs and putting pressure on local communities.Wildfires are threatening France's famous Bordeaux wine region, with tourists urged to stay away as the flames spread.And why Germany is making it harder for workers to call in sick.(Picture: A demonstrator carries a placard during a
Wildfires hit businesses across France and Spain
Wildfires are disrupting businesses, transport and tourism across France and Spain at the height of the summer holiday season.
Also in the programme, China's leading memory chip maker makes a blockbuster stock market debut.
And Indonesia faces fresh economic uncertainty after the surprise resignation of its central bank governor.
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.
