World Business Report
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
Episodes
Markets rally after surprise Brazilian election result
Brazil's presidential election fails to return a frontrunner. This sets up a second-round runoff later this month between right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro finishes and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.There’s increasing concern about the pressures on airlines as fuel forces up costs. One airline, AirBaltic has announced more than 500 jobs lossesAnd we look at the financial fallout
Spain's housing crisis leads to snap General Election
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez seeks new mandate after Parliament rejected housing reforms. The election will be held on November 29.More oil is leaving the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman than in the days before the US/Israel war on Iran began. Will oil prices start to fall?And workers in India from different sectors are being used to train robots of the future.
Why has Nike lost its shine?
In a bid to head off a US diesel export ban, G7 countries agree to release 100mn barrels of diesel and crude. We ask if the plan will be enough to keep global supplies flowing.
And a home for one euro in some of the most beautiful regions of Europe sounds like a steal, but what does it really cost to take on an abandoned house?
Picture: Mina Kim, REUTERS
G7 agrees to release diesel from strategic reserves
Thieves target holders of cryptocurrencies in their own homes. As crypto coins have risen in value, reports of these violent robberies linked to digital assets have emerged in the UK, France and the US.And British pop star Olivia Dean has been accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers' soul classic Just The Two of Us in a legal case filed in California.
G7 agrees to release diesel from strategic reserves
Thieves target holders of cryptocurrencies in their own homes. As crypto coins have risen in value, reports of these violent robberies linked to digital assets have emerged in the UK, France and the US.
And British pop star Olivia Dean has been accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers' soul classic Just The Two of Us in a legal case filed in California.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal walkout could cost millions
One of the biggest names in world sport, Cristiano Ronaldo, has left the Portuguese national teams training camp, amidst speculation he could retire from international football. Ronaldo is the most famous Portuguese footballer of all time, the most well paid athlete in the world according to Forbes and his net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion. So how much is he worth on and off the pitch to the
US government borrowing costs hit the highest level since 2002
Government borrowing costs are rising sharply around the world, led by a sell-off in US government bonds. The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury has climbed above 5.3%, its highest in more than two decades. Also, a US judge has cleared the way for Paramount’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Manchester City’s main sponsor, Etihad Airways, is considering legal action against
Ukraine introduces emergency power cuts in Kyiv
Ukraine has begun introducing emergency power cuts in Kyiv as Russia steps up its attacks on energy infrastructure. Kyiv has been preparing for a renewed onslaught before winter begins, by building fifteen small scale power plants in heavily fortified concrete bunkers. We find out how businesses are operating.
Also, will a major new oil refinery in Kenya increase oil sales in Africa?
Andy Burn
Kenya breaks ground on a major new oil refinery
The construction of a $16bn dollar oil refinery in Lamu, coastal Kenya is expected to create about 60,000 jobs and be completed within three years. It hopes to provide 1,000 megawatts of power generation, twice the capacity of his Lagos refinery, serving the needs of the Lamu refinery and beyond.
It’s being backed by Africa’s richest man, the Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon Aliko Dangote. But the
Trump: AI companies to self-regulate
On Tuesday Trump, Musk and tech CEOs signed a document they have referred to as the "Accord on Super Intelligence." We go to the U.S. to hear the latest. Manchester City has been found guilty of all charges by the Premier League. A former chairman of the club tells us there's only one appropriate punishment. And in Spain young and old have protested for housing rights — after an 87-year-old was fo
US ban on Canadian exports comes into effect
A US ban on several Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy and motorcycles, has come into effect as a trade war between the two neighbours drags on. We hear from two business owners about the impact on their US sales.Also, inflation in Spain has risen more sharply than expected, hitting the highest rate in more than three years.And FIFA v UEFA continues, as football's world governing body accu
Musk's SpaceX Starship orbits earth
Starship carried out two laps of the Earth – rather than the planned six – before SpaceX decided to end the mission early and bring it back to Earth. There was concern launch would not go ahead as planned when engineers found an issue with one of its six engines before the mission started. In the U.S. there is backlash against data centres. We go to Pennsylvania to speak to a veteran activist abou
How will the latest US-China trade deal impact businesses?
The US and China are cutting tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. What does it mean for trade between the two countries? Plus, what’s pushing oil prices higher again? And why are some people in Ethiopia’s Tigray region struggling to access their money?
Presenter: Bisi Adebayo
Producer: Victoriya Holland
Editor: Naomi Rainey
Manchester City found guilty of breaking Premier League rules
Independent panel finds City guilty on more than 100 charges after a lengthy investigation into financial rule breaches.Talks between US and China continue during President Xi's visit to Washington DC.And nearly three million Volkswagen and Audi cars are being recalled worldwide over a steering problem.
Much ceremony little substance between Xi and Trump
Both leaders toasted each other, agreed to an economic future together and little concrete has been announced.We hear how the visit has been received in both China and the US.Also, we hear from the boss of a shipping company on the challenges of navigating attacks and disruption, and also what it’s meant for his bottom line.
What does China and the USA want from the state visit?
On today’s episode, we take a look at the stories shaping global business and markets.
We discuss China’s state visit to the United States with Claire Reade, exploring the key issues and what the visit could mean for relations between the two countries.Cary Leahey joins us to discuss what’s trending in the markets, from the latest moves to the themes investors are watching.We also look at the UN’s
Trump welcomes Xi to the White House
Xi Jinping has arrived at the White House to hold talks with Donald Trump, as the world's two biggest economies agree to extend their trade truce by two months China's stock markets have had their worst trading day in a month, with investors frustrated at the news.Elsewhere, Cambodia's Prime Minister has insisted the country will no longer be a haven for scam centres as a summit takes place there
Presidents Trump and Xi prepare to talk trade, tariffs and tech
China's Xi Jinping visits Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump. Also, how Cambodia is fighting financial scams. And why McDonalds is betting big on chicken.(Picture: U.S. President Trump Meets With China's President Xi At Zhongnanhai. Credit: Getty Images)
President Xi goes to Washington
President Trump will welcome China's leader to the US capital ahead of talks ranging from tariffs to energy costs to the future of AI.The trip is Xi's first state visit to the US in just under a decade and his third meeting with Trump since the US president began his second term in office.Meanwhile, the head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that advanced economies need to reduce borro
UN General Assembly: will diplomacy talks help the global oil market?
We're assessing where a busy day of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly has left the global oil market. Face-to-face talks have begun between the US and Iran. But President Trump also concedes that a peace deal is unlikely before November. Can the stretched global oil supply survive that long? Also with Ed Butley, why are Xboxes on the wane, and why do women screenwriters write better movies? (Pi
Could a shortage of tankers keep oil prices high?
The prices companies are paying for shipping the fuel have risen 12 fold in the last few months.In that time Brent Crude oil has fallen below 100 dollars a barrel, relieving some pressure that the rising prices have put on inflation around the world.But there are concerns that the shortage in tankers could reverse those falls.Also, Volkswagen's top executive in China says the country's domestic ca
What the paramount warner merger could mean for Hollywood
Paramount Skydance has settled a lawsuit with dozens of US states, removing a major hurdle to its $110bn (£82.8bn) merger with Warner Bros Discovery. We hear from the Hollywood film editor.Also in the show, we are looking ahead to talks between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping this week and we hear of more passenger chaos, this time in US airports.(Picture: Paramount water tower at Paramount Studio
Novo Nordisk shares slide
Shares in Novo, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy have fallen more than five per cent as the Danish pharmaceutical company sets out its future growth strategy. China and the US talk AI ahead of talks between the countries' leaders this week. And thousands protest in Barcelona against overtourism and plans to expand the city's airport. Presenter: Luke Wilson
Producer: Barbara George
Saudi Arabia halts October crude deliveries to some European refineries
The situation is a result of reduced deliveries of crude oil via Saudi Arabia's East/West pipeline which was attacked by Houthi rebels from Yemen.Warren Buffett's son Howard replaces him as Chair of Berkshire Hathaway.And we why US College football is coming to Wembley Stadium in London.
Japan is raising rates again
Japan's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level since 1995, we'll be finding out how one business is feeling and will more rate hikes be the new normal. The Australian government is considering a total ban on smart glasses in its offices and schools over security concerns. And Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé has ended his partnership with Nike after two decades. Presenter: Guy Ki
Canada wants closer ties with the European Union
Canada's PM Mark Carney is in Europe to discuss an EU-Canada Associate Member deal. President Trump suggests such a deal would be ‘hostile act’.Motorists in Nigeria express fury at the rising cost of petrol and diesel.And thousands of staff at a UK bank are demanding concessions after the company said it wants employees to work from the office more often.
How can the EU make a social media ban a success?
The European Union has announced plans for a social media ban for young people at the same time that tech bosses have backed restrictions for similar age groups. Luke Wilson hears from a researcher of Digital Child Futures about what makes a successful ban.Plus, as Americans Todd Boehly and Mark Walter sell their stakes in Chelsea, where does this leave the football club?
Fed raises US interest rates by 0.25%
The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the first time since 2023 the bank focuses on inflation fight. Chair Kevin Warsh defied Donald Trump’s calls for lower borrowing costs.2026 summer wheat exports from Russia and Ukraine will be 60% lower than pre-war average. Attacks on ports and shipping are to blame. Experts tell World Business Report that global wheat prices are likely to rise.One of Ed S
US businesses brace for Fed decision
As businesses in the US prepare themselves for a potential interest rates hike, Luke Wilson hears from a dairy farmer about how it could impact his bottom line.Plus, as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen backs a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the EU we ask, just what could that relationship look like?
Why are you paying more to borrow money?
In recent weeks the US Treasury Secretary has tried to tame the bond markets. The cost of bonds affects how much you pay for borrowing such as mortgages and credit cards. But can Scott Bessent succeed where so many before him have failed?Also the luxury brand LVMH appears to be losing some of its shine. Why has the luxury giant lost its appeal and how much is the second-hand market to blame?Elsewh
How rising fuel is affecting German industry
As fuel prices rise across the world, Luke Wilson hears from an economist in Germany about the impact on the country's industry.Plus, how are costs to borrow money affecting mortgage rates?
Does AI need a kill switch?
Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark speaks to the BBC about the dangers of AI development and need for regulation, as the world's biggest AI bosses call for a pause in development, we find out does AI need a kill switch?Also, Africa’s biggest ever share sale has been launched, Aliko Dangote wants millions of Nigerians to own a piece of his oil refinery, to help his plans for expansion.
And Russia’s
Is an AI 'slowdown' even possible without China?
As bosses of AI companies call for a 'slowdown' in the development of the technology, the BBC's Luke Wilson explores if it's even possible without China onboard. Plus, Africa's biggest ever public share has opened in Nigeria and how are oil prices reacting to the closure of a key pipeline in Saudi Arabia.
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
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.
