World Business Report

IMF warns of global GDP shock if AI bust happens Oct 13, 2026 1573 IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warns that if an AI bust occurs it would wipe 1% off global GDP rising to 1.8% in the U.S. The warning came as stocks and shares in global tech and semiconductors fell. In the U.S. data centres are a key battleground in the mid-term elections, with many communities opposing them. We go to Arizona and Ohio to hear from those on the ground. Formula One has

Formula 1 heads back to Africa Oct 13, 2026 537 Rwanda will host the F1 African Grand Prix in a 10-year deal starting in the early 2030s. We delve into why F1 wants Africa back on the calendar. Earnings season gets underway with results from some of America's biggest banks. And Netflix has secured the rights in Spain and Andorra for the next men's football World Cup. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

Counting the fuel costs of two major conflicts Oct 13, 2026 1587 As fuel prices continue to put pressure on the global economy, we ask which has the greatest impact: the conflict in the Middle East or Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Hundreds of supermarkets across France were hit by a cyber-attack that has left supermarkets empty. We're joined by a journalist in Paris who tells us how shoppers have reacted. And why are so many of us watching horror movies? What d

Missile attacks disrupt Saudi flights Oct 12, 2026 540 We examine the impact of Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's aviation industry and wider economy, with thousands of flights cancelled. Also, Ukraine faces fresh power cuts following Russian attacks, as Washington's decision to import Russian diesel draws criticism. And a cyberattack on French supermarkets leaves fridges defrosted, food destroyed and businesses facing millions in potential

Trump strikes deal with Putin on diesel Oct 9, 2026 1587 President Trump claims Russia has agreed to supply the United States and other countries with millions of tonnes of diesel. And as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, President Zelensky has condemned the deal which will also ease sanctions so that Russia can supply the diesel. We get the latest from an economist. The President and Vice-Chairman of Microsoft Brad Smith has

Microsoft hit by US green card restrictions Oct 9, 2026 535 We examine new US restrictions on green card sponsorship by Microsoft and other tech firms.Also, Adidas sues Australian fashion brand White Fox over its four-stripe designs And thieves steal $5.5 million worth of wine from a winery in Tuscany.

French FM tries to allay fiscal fears Oct 8, 2026 1737 France is under growing pressure over its finances. The government is spending much more than it brings in through taxes, while borrowing becomes more expensive. We speak to a French businessman to get his thoughts. We hear from the World Trade Organisation's chief economist, Robert Staiger about the significance of Artificial Intelligence in global trade. The BBC's Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy ex

Is AI powering a global trade boom? Oct 8, 2026 537 The World Trade Organization has more than doubled its forecast for global goods trade growth this year, with AI-related products driving much of the strong performance.Also, Samsung and TSMC report bumper results as demand for AI chips continues to grow.Plus, France's finance minister addresses concerns over rising borrowing costs.

US mortgage rates highest since 2023 Oct 7, 2026 1587 Buying a home in America has just become even more expensive as mortgage rates have gone up for a seventh straight week to their highest level in nearly three years. We'll find out what's pushing the rate up further.We hear from the first black woman in the world to own and run a billion-dollar company who says she had to forgive herself for being 'black, female and smart' when setting up her busi

Indian businesses brace for higher interest rates Oct 7, 2026 537 Interest rates rise in the world's most-populous country for the first time in four years: will it curb inflation? Also, are hybrid vehicle prices about to jump in the EU? World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are dr

Paramount takes over Warner Bros in mega deal Oct 6, 2026 1577 Paramount Skydance has officially taken over Warner Bros Discovery in a $110bn merger that is set to change the entertainment industry. We hear what this mean for cineme goers across the globe.As Lionel Messi prepares to play his final match for Argentina, we look at the extraordinary fortune the football superstar has built alongside his record-breaking career.And we will tell you why the price o

Education protests continue in France Oct 6, 2026 536 Mass protests and school blockades have swept across France as teenagers, teachers, and unions demand more investment in dilapidated classrooms and smaller class sizes.India says its trade talks with the United States have now reached a “plateau”, after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up negotiations in the US without the breakthrough many had hoped for.OpenAI’s chief strategy officer has a

Markets rally after surprise Brazilian election result Oct 5, 2026 1587 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 Oct 5, 2026 506 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? Oct 2, 2026 1587 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 Oct 2, 2026 537 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 Oct 2, 2026 537 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 Oct 1, 2026 1586 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 Oct 1, 2026 537 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 Sep 30, 2026 1586 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 Sep 30, 2026 537 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 Sep 29, 2026 1586 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 Sep 29, 2026 536 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 Sep 28, 2026 1586 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? Sep 28, 2026 537 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 Sep 25, 2026 1587 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 Sep 25, 2026 536 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? Sep 24, 2026 1587 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 Sep 24, 2026 536 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 Sep 23, 2026 1586 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 Sep 23, 2026 537 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? Sep 22, 2026 1585 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? Sep 22, 2026 537 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 Sep 21, 2026 1586 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 Sep 21, 2026 537 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 Sep 18, 2026 1586 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 Sep 18, 2026 536 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 Sep 17, 2026 1587 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? Sep 17, 2026 537 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% Sep 16, 2026 1587 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 Sep 16, 2026 541 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? Sep 15, 2026 1587 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 Sep 15, 2026 537 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? Sep 14, 2026 1669 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? Sep 14, 2026 538 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.

Trump's favourite word is back Jul 24, 2026 525 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 Jul 23, 2026 537 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 Jul 22, 2026 536 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.

Episodes

Recommended