World Business Report
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
Episodes
SpaceX Prepares for a Historic Market Launch
Wall Street is preparing for what could be the biggest IPO in history as SpaceX gets ready to begin trading on the public markets. We look at the final steps before launch, what investors can expect, and what the listing could mean for the wider technology and space sectors. Also on the programme, the European Central Bank has raised interest rates for the first time in almost three years as polic
US inflation hits three-year high
Gideon Long dives into the latest US inflation figures after prices rose at their fastest pace in three years. We hear from American business owners on the front line of rising costs.
We also turn to China, where inflation remains far lower than in the United States, and examine what the latest figures reveal about the strength of the world's second-largest economy.
And with the FIFA World Cup
US Inflation Hits Three-Year High as Energy Prices Surge
The cost of goods in the United States is rising at its fastest pace in three years, with inflation driven mainly by soaring energy prices since the start of the war in Iran. Economists say the energy shock is feeding through into broader price pressures across the world’s largest economy.Meanwhile, Taiwan’s TSMC, a key player in the global AI boom and the centre of the US-China tech rivalry, has
UK watchdog investigates mega takeover with Paramount and Warner Bros
The UK competition watchdog started the investigation into Paramount Skydance's $110bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery. We ask the former CMA director how will it affect the deal?Also, why is Switzerland going to restrict the number of the population in the country?And we look into one of the most successful IPO - SpaceX.
China and North Korea: Strengthening Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has wrapped up a two-day visit to North Korea featuring military honours, public displays of friendship and talks with Kim Jong Un. While few concrete agreements emerged, the trip sends a clear signal that Beijing wants to strengthen its relationship with its isolated neighbour.Plus, Indonesia's central bank has unexpectedly raised interest rates in an effort to stabil
Another legal setback for Trump
A federal judge has overturned the $100,000 H 1B visa application fee ordered by President Donald Trump saying it's an unlawful tax.IATA, the airline industry's main body says it likely to miss its key emission target.And China's Xi Jinping is in North Korea. What's he after?
Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions
Global stock markets have fallen sharply after a sell-off in technology shares combined with growing uncertainty over tensions in the Middle East.South Korea's Kospi index briefly suspended trading after plunging at the open, while Japan's Nikkei also suffered heavy losses. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping is in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un. We look at what the visit could mean for tra
Is the FIFA World Cup boosting the US job market?
US hospitality industry leads on new jobs growth, but is AI still impacting hiring for white-collar roles?Moscow says the Russian economy is proving resilient in the face of international sanctions - we hear how the economy hits the local business from the Russian business owner in St Petersburg.And the legacy of the co-founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings, who departs the streaming giant today after
US jobs growth way better than expected
US jobs growth was way better than expected last month. The world’s biggest economy added twice as many jobs as economists had forecast: 172,000 versus predictions of around 88,000. Many of the new jobs were in the hospitality sector as pubs, bars and restaurants ramped up hiring ahead of the World Cup. The figures cover the lead up to the tournament, being jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Can
Why water bottles have been given a red card by FIFA
As Elon Musk's SpaceX seeks a valuation of nearly one-point-eight trillion dollars, which would make it the largest initial public sale in history, we find out what that could look like.Elsewhere Armenia has today secured €50m in aid from European union to offset Russian trade restrictions, we find out the impact on business.And as a Nepali man who went missing on Mount Everest is found alive... w
Can Trump's latest tariff plan on 60 countries stick?
The head of manufacturers association in Switzerland weighs in on what's at stake from President Trump's latest policy on trade.Also, what's gooing on behind the scenes at 60 Minutes, as a major network boss weilds the axe at the highest rating US current affairs programme.And Michelle Obama says it's good for Gen Z workers to experience bad bosses and boring jobs.. but is she right?
The US seeks to refloat its tariffs policy
The US proposes new duties of at least 10% on 60 countries in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Donald Trump’s earlier tariffs
US trade representative Jamieson Greer argues that the 60 nations, which cover most of the world including the European Union and Canada, have not done enough to crack down on forced labour.Plus, the OECD gives its latest assessment of the global econ
Who gets to regulate AI?
President Trump signed an executive order to vet AI models before they are released. The hope is to prevent AI-enabled cyberattacks, but what will it mean for the investment boom?Also, Spain has the second highest unemployment rate in Europe despite also being one of the fastest-growing economies. We find out why.The UN has warned that this year's El Nino will be the worst in decades. This is expe
Toy Story is back!
More than 30 years after the original movie, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back as Woody and Buzz in the fifth instalment of one of the most lucrative franchises in film history. Plus, with inflation rising above 3%, is a rate hike back on the table for the Eurozone? And, Nvidia doubles down on Taiwan despite the self-governed island's tensions with China.
How will Nvidia reinvent your laptop?
Big tech firms race to cash in on the AI boom. Anthropic, the firm behind chatbot Claude went public in the US, filing paperwork for a stock market listing later this year while Nvidia launched a new processor they say could reinvent the PC in the age of artificial intelligence.In India, fertilizer supplies are under strain from shipping disruptions caused by the Middle East war. Our correspondent
Nvidia “re-invents the computer” with new chip
Tech giant Nvidia says it will launch a new “superchip” for personal computers, marking a major new venture for the world’s most valuable company. Plus, Softbank eclipses Toyota to become Japan’s biggest company by market value, and we look at what a rise in fertiliser prices – triggered by war in the Middle East - means for farmers in India.
Has Blue Origin blown its reputation?
With an uncrewed Blue Origin rocket exploding during a hot fire test at Cape Canaveral, Florida, we speak to former NASA engineer Sinead O’Sullivan about how much of a setback it is for Jeff Bezos business in the space race while Elon Musk's SpaceX firm's IPO gets ever closer. Leanne Byrne finds out why the US travel industry is warning that plans being considered by Donald Trump's administration
Gulf conflict overshadows defence gathering in Singapore
The Shangri-la forum is Asia's largest annual defence conference. Politicians, military and industry figures are all in attendance.AI giant Anthropic is valued at more than its rival Open AI.And Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket self-combusts spectacularly on the launch pad in Florida.
Why is Patagonia suing a drag queen?
Outdoor apparel company, Patagonia, has sued a drag queen named Pattie Gonia for allegedly causing "irreparable" damage to its brand.Mangoes have become a hot commodity following a steep increase in shipping prices due to the ongoing war in Iran. This follows reports of 90% losses to India's 'king of mangoes' crop after unusual weather. The European Union has imposed a €200m fine on Chinese-owned
Russia's economy stumbles as war with Ukraine intensifies
The Russian rouble has surged to its strongest level in more than three years on the back of widening trade imbalances and high interest rates.Cofffee prices have jumped around the world in recent years. What's the cause?And a Google engineer has been charged with breaking insider trading law to make bets on a prediction market betting site.
DJ J Worra "AI is scary. I've been fooled by it"
DJ J Worra says she's been fooled by AI but believes the human touch will always supercede it. It comes after Spotify launch a new tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of their favorite songs from participating artists and songwriters.Oil prices have fallen more than 5% after Rubio says that US will give Iran talks 'every chance to succeed', with Iran reporting details of draft peace pr
A slice of the AI pie
Workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea have voted for a massive pay deal. It will mean some workers – particularly those in the AI chip department – receiving a bonus of more than $400,000. Also in the programme, why it's going to be a very expensive Eid al-Adha this year for Muslims due to global inflation.Presenter: Leanna ByrneProducer: Barbara George
BP sack boss over 'bullying' behaviour
Oil giant BP has removed its chairman Albert Manifold with immediate effect over concerns including "bullying" and "overbearing" behaviour by himPetrol and diesel prices in India continue to rise, reflecting a weak rupee, heavy taxes and lingering geopolitical risks. And EU agricultural ministers met in Brussels today to come up with a long-term strategy to solve the rising cost of fuel and fertil
Former F1 boss on Ferrari's electric gamble
Former F1 team manager Professor Andrew Graves gives us his take on Ferrari's electric gamble as they unveil their latest product, an electric vehicle they are calling the Luce. And we hear from an Indian fruit farmer as their mango crop is crushed by extreme weather.
Pope Leo says AI must be “disarmed”
Pope Leo has warned that artificial intelligence poses potentially existential risks to humanity and should not be used to concentrate power in the hands of just a few people.Oil prices have fallen sharply on hopes of a deal that could bring an end to the US-Israel war with Iran.And the Italian luxury car giant Ferrari has launched its first ever ever fully electric vehicle called Luce, with a pri
Oura ring sets eyes on Wall Street
The Finnish company behind the brand Oura, the maker of the health and wellness tracking ring has now filed to become a public company in the U.S. The company is valued at about $11 billion. And Pope Leo has raised his strong concerns on the development of Artificial Intelligence.
Hike, Cut or Hold? What will the new Fed head do on interest rates
The new chair of the world's most powerful central bank is being sworn in at the White House today. Kevin Warsh becomes the 17th Chair of the Federal Reserve at a very tense moment for the US and global economies.He's an advocate for cutting rates. something President Trump has long demanded.Also, why were 2 boxes of Japanese Melons worth $36,500?
AI, billions and the race to go public
Artificial intelligence companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and SpaceX are preparing for potential stock market listings in 2026, as investor interest in the sector pushes combined company valuations towards the trillion-dollar mark. President Trump has also decided against signing a planned executive order on AI regulation today, a move being closely watched by technology companies and investor
Inside Space X's IPO plan
Elon Musk's space X is going public, in what could be the biggest initial public offering in history. Leanna Byrne speaks to Dr Stephanie Hare about the significance of the IPO.We also hear from Azadeh Moshiri in India about why the cockroach has unexpectedly become India's new political mascot.
Why did Bolt's CEO fire whole HR team?
Ryan Breslow let go of 30% of his workforce, plus his entire HR department. He defended this by saying they 'created problems that didn't exist.' And, AI giant Nvidia is the first company to be worth $5 trillion, following their fiscal first-quarter earnings announcement. This comes after their CEO was in Beijing with President Trump last week where he said he'd like to sell more microchips to Chi
Trump leaves, Putin enters
Hot on the heels of the US President, the Russian leader is the latest to meet with President Xi in Beijing, signing over 20 agreements on trade and technology.The two leaders failed to come to an agreement on a long awaited Russian gas pipeline between the countries. China is Russia's top trading partner and also its biggest customer for oil and gas.Elsewhere, we hear from Greenland where Preside
Why did a former Google CEO get booed?
The former Google CEO got heckled at a graduation ceremony at the University of Arizona. The editor-in-chief of their student paper The Daily Wildcat tells us why. We also discuss fuel price hikes in India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his European visit in Norway. And with data centres springing up all over the world, the communities living near them share how they cope with the disru
Kenya's government cuts fuel prices after deadly protests
Deadly protests in Kenya have forced the government to cut diesel prices after a sharp jump in fuel costs, driven by supply pressures from the Middle East conflict.Roads into the Nairobi were blocked, tyres burned and public transport disrupted as anger grows over fuel hikes.A nationwide transport strike has now been called off for a week as negotiations take place.And what next for Elon Musk afte
Musk and Altman are 'toddlers'
Tech journalist Kara Swisher describes Elon Musk and Sam Altman as 'toddlers' as their trial concludes. In a unanimous verdict, the jury agreed that Elon Musk's claims essentially expired after waiting too long to file his lawsuit. Plus we hear from a New York cabbie who expects a deal to be made as over 3,000 transport workers staged a strike following the breakdown in talks with the Metropolitan
Major rail strike brings New York to a halt
Long Island Rail Road workers walk out, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters scrambling for alternatives and raising concerns about the wider economic impact of the disruption.Elsewhere, rising fuel prices around the world have led to a nationwide strike by public transport operators in Kenya. While in India the rupee has hit a historic low, with oil prices are up and imports becoming more e
Trump heads home after high-stakes China talks
As the US president leaves Beijing for Washington, it's clear both parties are eager to improve their economic relationship. We reflect on the last two days with American and Chinese experts.Across the pond, it's been a dramatic week for British politics too as Prime Minster Keir Starmer faces calls to step down. How will this affect the UK's economy amidst instabilities already caused by the Midd
Trump and Xi talks come to a close
Ahead of President Trump's and President Xi's China summit, there were hopes of deals agreed on both trade and tariffs. But has anything actually been achieved? Leanna Byrne finds out.
And less than a month from the start of the World Cup, fans and hoteliers are getting nervous at the impact of escalating prices for tickets, transport and taxes. Can fans afford to make the journey?
Also, we hear w
Will Donald Trump's visit to China benefit the global economy?
The US president and his Chinese counterpart struck a positive tone at a banquet dinner in Beijing today. But what was actually achieved in a day of meetings between the two world leaders?Protests have broken out in Havana following ongoing power blackouts described as the worst in decades. Cuba's energy minister admits that they've run out of diesel and fuel oil because of the US-led blockade.And
The start of the deal: Trump and Xi meet
Presidents Trump and Xi meet in Beijing: What's at stake for both in terms of trade and tariffs?
And Honda reports its first annual loss in 70 years. Has the Japanese car giant misjudged its electric vehicle strategy?
Also, Cuba runs out of diesel and fuel oil as a US-led blockade of oil to the country squeezes supply.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping discuss tariffs, trade, and AI
US President Donald Trump is in China to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping. They're expected to discuss their current tense trade relationship, the Middle East war, and negotiate an extension of their trade truce agreed in October that paused tariff escalation between the two nations.India has raised import tariffs on gold and silver purchased abroad to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserve
Trump flies to China for talks with Xi
Tariffs, tech competition, the Iran war and Taiwan top the agenda for the two superpowers. Trump, last visited in 2017. He returns to a stronger, more assertive China. Tens of thousands take to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest the economic policies of Argentina's President Javier Milei. And India hikes the tariff on imports of gold and silver from 6% to 15%.
US price worries: customers tighten purse strings
Are higher prices in the US starting to show up in household bills as inflation moves closer to 4%? We’ll be looking at where that pressure is coming from, how long it might last, and what it means for businesses and consumers already feeling the squeeze. Also today, after an awkward intervention from President Macron, we get the mood from the tech-focused Africa Forward summit, where leaders and
What's life like for seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz?
The ceasefire between Iran and the US is looking increasingly fragile after another day of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions rise, so are concerns about the welfare of the 20,000 seafarers believed to be stranded around the passage.In Brussels, European finance ministers have been meeting to discuss the economic impact of the war.And why is the Met Gala, fashion's biggest night under a
GameStop wants eBay for $56bn
Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon.Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom”.And steel boss Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine maker Adar Poonawalla have bought a majority stake in
EU frees up money for Ukraine
The European Union has unlocked a $100 billion loan for Kyiv - money that’s been stuck for months. Hungary had been holding it up, arguing it wasn’t receiving Russian oil through a key pipeline that runs across Ukraine. That line was damaged after a Russian strike earlier this year, but Kyiv says repairs are now complete and oil is flowing again.Plus, we get a rare insight into what it’s like tryi
The new head of the Fed?
Kevin Warsh - Donald Trump’s nominee for the post as chairman of the Federal Reserve, the US central bank - appears before senators in a bid to convince them he is the right man for the job. Some senators have threatened to block him unless a criminal probe into the current Fed chair Jay Powell is dropped.Plus, the end of an era at Apple as Tim Cook steps down as CEO. We look at his replacement.An
Tensions in the Gulf as US seizes Iranian ship
Global financial markets have headed south again after tensions between the US and Iran took a turn for the worse over the weekend. American forces attacked and then seized an Iranian cargo ship just east of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has responded by saying it will retaliate. Plus, the BBC’s Nick Marsh has been looking at a story that’s been quietly building in financial markets. Traders plac
First Iranian oil for India in seven years
For the first time in seven years, India has bought its first cargo of Iranian oil. India hasn't purchased any Iranian oil since 2019 because of US sanctions, but those restrictions were waived last month. Leanna hears from the BBC's Archana Shukla. Plus, its a big day for K-pop fans right across the globe as BTS, one of the world's biggest boy bands, have officially kicked off their new tour. Lea
What the US-Iran ceasefire means for oil prices, flights and bills
The US and Iran have come to a temporary ceasefire, but for many businesses and consumers, the pressure may be far from over.Hundreds of ships are still backed up in the Strait of Hormuz, with many waiting for clearance from Iran before they can move.Plus, what it means for flights, holidays and passenger confidence as airlines proceed cautiously.Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Matt Lines
Editor
Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most households
The Sri Lankan government has increased electricity prices for most households by more than 8% as fuel costs surge due to the Iran conflict.Plus, Bisi Adebayo looks at the impact the war is having on jet fuel costs and how British and American food giants, Unilever and McCormick, have agreed a deal to combine parts of their food businesses.
Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel?
The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels?Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Organsiation fails to reach a deal on ecommerce tariffsand we look at the growth of fast fashion in India
US allows Russian oil sales to tackle rising prices
The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, says he will grant India a 30-day waiver to buy sanctioned oil from Russia to help ease supply concerns in the global market.It comes as the Qatari energy minister warns that all energy producers in the Gulf region could shut down exports within weeks.Plus - we hear from Nepal where votes are being counted in what’s being dubbed the young versus old electi
Can Gulf countries export oil before storage runs out?
As global oil prices continue to climb, crude oil supplies from Iraq and Kuwait could stop shipping within days if travel through the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually halted.
Plus, China cuts its economic growth forecast to the lowest level since 1991.
Strait talking: Energy markets rocked as conflict intensifies
Natural gas prices spike in Europe after Qatar closes its LNG base. Meanwhile the Strait of Hormuz closure sends crude oil higher and its importance in the shipment of fertiliser ingredients could have major effects on global crop production this year, the boss of Yara says
Iran: War in Middle East rattles global markets
Airlines have grounded flights, one of the world’s busiest airports has shut, and oil prices are climbing after strikes in the Middle East. We hear from investors and analysts as they react in real-time to the US-Israel war with Iran. And we find out how the disruption is affecting air passengers and the wider travel industry.Plus - we learn how the insurance market is responding to fast-moving ev
Could US access to Greenland's minerals be the answer to President Trump's territorial ambitions?
Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers are about to hold talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting could shape investment, mining and military spending across the arctic. Plus, China has announced record export numbers and its biggest-ever trade surplus. We examine what this means. Also, Saks Fifth Avenue has applied for bankruptcy protec
Review of the year 2025 - from tariffs to Labubu
Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and collector craze of 2025 - the Labubu doll.(Picture: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at t
