World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
US agrees to reduce Swiss tariff rates to 15%
Switzerland and the US have reached a trade deal which cuts US tariffs on Swiss imports from 39% to 15%. That's the same as on goods from its neighbours in the European Union. In return Switzerland will shift some manufacturing to America and Swiss companies will invest $200 billion in…
Billions wiped out as AI sector bears the brunt of tech sell-off
Leanna Byrne explores why global tech stocks have taken a hit this week, as investors dump AI favourites like Nvidia and Alphabet, wiping billions off market values. Google is offering to adjust parts of its advertising system to comply with a European Union order tied to a $3.4 billion antitrust…
European lawmakers dilute green rules
Lawmakers in Europe vote to limit green reporting rules for business. A boost for European competitiveness - or a backward step for the environment? And we examine the reasons why Starbucks workers in the US are going on strike.
The US is facing an economic blindspot
Leanna Byrne looks at the fallout from America's federal government shutdown, which has finally come to an end, but with a warning from the White House that October’s jobs and inflation numbers might never be released. Also, the Starbucks workers going on strike on Red Cup Day. And why Scotland…
Tariff relief for US consumers
We examine pledges to ease the tariff burden on some US grocery staples. How will a reduction in levies on coffee and bananas help the consumer? We also find out why food prices are going down in India and hear from Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz on what's driving increased global…
COP30: Amid protests, a call for a global carbon tax
In Brazil, Indigenous protesters have stormed the COP30 venue in Belém over broken land rights promises. Inside, climate talks continue with shipping under scrutiny. Leanna Byrne chats with the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation, who’s pushing for a global carbon levy despite US and Saudi opposition. Also, a Chinese…
Up in the air
We examine how the longest shutdown in the US history has affected the airline industry and hear from stranded passengers and furloughed air traffic controllers. And, on day two of the COP climate conference in Brazil, we talk a South African minister on what it will take to help poorer…
Crypto queen jailed for 11 years over $6 Billion bitcoin scam
Leanna Byrne gets reactions as a woman known as the Chinese crypto queen has been sentenced to jail in London for laundering billions in stolen bitcoin. Qian Zhimin was convicted of trying to launder more than sixty thousand bitcoins now worth around six and a half billion dollars. In Germany,…
Counting the cost of the longest-ever US shutdown
We hear from a worker who hasn't been paid in weeks and examine the wider impact on America's economy. And, what's happening on the opening day of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
Is the US government shutdown about to end?
Leanna Byrne looks at signs that the United States may finally be nearing an end to its record-breaking forty-day government shutdown. The Senate has voted to advance a bill to pay federal workers and reopen parts of the government but it still needs approval from the House. Also, two of…
US government shutdown grounds thousands of flights
There've now been more than two-thousand flight delays or cancellations in the US linked to the continuing government shutdown. International routes aren't being affected, but many air traffic controllers who've gone unpaid are calling in sick or taking other jobs. Jamaica is set to receive a $150 million payout from…
Jamaica to get $150 million from “catastrophe” bond
The World Bank has confirmed that Jamaica will receive a full $150 million payout from its catastrophe bond, which is the maximum possible, after Hurricane Melissa met the pre-agreed trigger conditions. Leanna Byrne hears from Jorge Familiar, the World Bank’s vice-president and treasurer. Also, one of the biggest broadcasters in…
Elon Musk’s record $1 trillion pay deal approved
Tesla shareholders have voted to approve a massive pay package meant to retain the services of its billionaire CEO Elon Musk. The deal requires Musk, who is already the world's richest man, to drastically raise the electric car firm's market value over a period of years. Also, U.S. passengers brace…
Global shipping giant Maersk raises its outlook
Maersk, a global shipping giant, has raised its full-year operating profit forecast to between $9 and $9.5 billion after better-than-expected third-quarter results. We hear from Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc. India and the European Union are intensifying their efforts to reach a trade deal by the end of the year. EU…
Zohran Mamdani vows to cut living costs after New York win
New York’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, is promising to tackle the city’s soaring cost of living. Ed Butler looks at what his victory could mean for businesses.Also, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk agree to slash the cost of blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy under a new Medicare deal. And…
Shein store opening in Paris draws protests
The Chinese online retailer Shein is opening its first permanent shop, using floor space in the prestigious BHV department store in the French capital Paris. But how is this seen in France? Leanna Byrne hears from a protestor and one of the managers of the building. Also, the Chinese government…
Supreme Court to consider legality of Donald Trump's trade war
Ed Butler talks with the owner of a Chicago toy importer who's brought his tariff fight all the way to the Supreme Court. From Wednesday, the Supreme Court will determine whether wide-ranging import taxes imposed by President Trump are legal. Also on the show, one of America's best-known TV economists…
Tesla’s shipments are powering down in China
Tesla's China-made electric vehicle sales of Model 3 and Model Y fell nearly 10% in October from a year earlier, reversing a 2.8% increase in September. Leanna Byrne hears from Mark Rainford, founder of Inside China Auto based in Shanghai. Nintendo said it aims to sell 19 million Switch 2…
US shutdown set to enter record sixth week
The US government’s been shut down for more than a month now, and if it carries on past this Wednesday it will become the longest shutdown in US history. A group of 500 leading travel-related businesses have signed a letter asking Congress to end the month-long impasse, citing worries about…
US Government shutdown close to becoming the longest in history
The US government shutdown appears on course to be the longest in history after President Trump made clear he has no plans to negotiate with Democrats over healthcare costs. Leanna Byrne hears from a worker and a food bank in New York. Also, Kimberly-Clark, the company behind Huggies and Kleenex,…