World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
What’s behind the US job numbers?
The US jobs market shows signs of steady but subdued growth. Andrew Peach examines what’s driving the numbers, including the impact of tariffs and a tougher immigration crackdown. Also, Dutch brewer Heineken cuts thousands of jobs worldwide as beer consumption falls. And we look at the rise of “biohacking” and…
Jobs grow in the US – beating expectations
US employers added a greater-than-expected 130,000 jobs in January, helping nudge the unemployment rate lower to 4.3%, according to official government statistics released on Tuesday The figures could help ease fears about the health of the job market, after last year's sharp slowdown as firms wrestled with changes, including major…
Tourism on alert as Cuba run out of jet fuel
Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available, signalling a deepening energy crunch as the US seeks to squeeze Cuba’s oil supply. We find out what this means for tourism. Transparency International says corruption is worsening worldwide, with the global average score in its Corruption…
BP steps up cost cutting as profits slide
Oil giant BP is pulling back billions that had been earmarked for shareholders as it looks to steady its finances after a fall in profits. Leanna Byrne asks what it means for BP’s longer-term strategy in energy? Also, how unusual is it for a major artist to walk away from…
Social media on trial in LA
A landmark US trial begins today in Los Angeles, where plaintiffs say Instagram and YouTube were built to addict kids. We hear from our North America Technololgy Correspondent on what the families said today in court. Then to Japan, where Sanae Takaichi’s decisive election win is being read by markets…
Nikkei hits record after Takaichi victory
Long:Japanese stocks have surged after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s resounding election win, pushing the Nikkei to a record high. Andrew Peach looks at what it means for Japan’s economy. We’ll also hear about concerns from Indian farmers over the country’s interim trade agreement with the United States. And why a…
The EU gets tough with TikTok
With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below…
The key questions on tech sell off
We answer the basic questions you want answering about the AI-Induced sell off of tech stocks this week You'll hear why one of the world's biggest car makers Stellantis has seen its value cut by a fifth And as the Winter Olympics gets under way - we meet the owner…
Could the tech bubble burst?
After a week of significant drops across many AI and tech-related stocks, we speak to Nobel Prize winner Daron Acemoglu, and economist Cary Leahey of Columbia University in New York, to examine whether the tech bubble could be set to burst. With Nike under investigation by Donald Trump's administration over…
Is AI putting software at risk?
Almost $1 trillion has been knocked off the value of software and services companies as investors weigh whether artificial intelligence has been hit particularly hard, so we ask: what does that mean for the profession itself. We also look at why interest rates in Europe and the UK are on…
US hosts critical minerals landmark summit
The US is ramping up efforts to secure its supplies of critical minerals. Vice-president JD Vance has proposed creating a new critical mineral trading bloc to loosen China’s control over the sector. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Ed…
Wegovy maker, Novo Nordisk, warns of price squeeze
The maker of Ozempic says tougher competition from generics in India and China will hit profits this year. Leanna Byrne speaks to its chief financial officer. Plus, Spain moves closer to banning social media for under-16s. And the United States renews a trade deal giving 32 African countries duty-free access…
Disney appoints a new CEO
There’s a major shift at the top of the Walt Disney Company, as one of entertainment’s most iconic brands welcomes a new leader. Ed Butler examines who Josh D’Amaro is, why he’s been chosen, and what his appointment reveals about the wider state of the industry. Plus, how high street…
X offices raided in France
French prosecutors raided Elon Musk’s X offices in Paris as part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged illegal data extraction and possible links to child pornography. Also, US and India reach trade deal to slash US tariffs on the nation's goods to 18% from 50%. And the European Union has…
A US–India trade deal: What's in it?
Ed Butler examines the latest trade deal announced between the United States and India and what each side stands to gain. We also look ahead to President Trump’s meeting with Colombia’s president amid rising tensions. And is Latin pop music coming of age in mainstream American culture?
Has gold lost its lustre?
This precious metals rally has been tarnished after a sudden slide in prices. So what does this tell us about metals like gold, known to be the ultimate safe haven. Can we still call it a refuge when things get rocky? Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones
Trump nominates next US Federal Reserve chair
US President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, when the four-year-term of current chairman Jerome Powell's ends in May. Rahul Tandon hears from people who worked closely with Warsh. Also, the BBC visits Maracaibo, once the heart of Venezuela's booming oil…
President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as US Fed Chair
The former Federal Reserve governor has deep ties to Wall Street, was previously interviewed for the job in 2017, and has been an outspoken critic of America's central bank. We’ll ask how financial markets have responded to the news. Also, Venezuelan MPs have approved a bill to open up its…
Toyota sets record sales in 2025
The Japanese auto giant Toyota says global sales set a new record last year, despite trade tensions. What did Toyota do differently to others? This week, gold has again hit another record high – even though the price has dipped slightly today. Our presenter Rahul Tandon hears from one country…
Dollar sinks to four year low
The dollar is normally seen as the ultimate safe haven, it's the currency most other currencies benchmark themselves against – so why is it taking a downward spiral? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in Beijing meeting President Xi and says steps have been taken to improve trade with…