World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
The USA's employment slump
The US saw a weaker market after losing 23,000 jobs in July and it's figures are much worse than expected. We'll be hearing why the American economy isn't creating more jobs. Plus, could oil be the saviour of Venezuela's economic needs? As the conflict in the Middle East continues to…
US creates fewer new jobs than expected
Overall, the US economy shed 23,000 jobs in July in the latest sign of a cooling labour market. Traders say an interest rate rise is now less likely. Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, has been fined a record penalty of half a billion dollars in a court case…
The heatwave economy
This summer has been heatwave after heatwave, and countries like Turkey and Romania have seen a bumper harvest, we're taking a look at how the extreme heat is impacting farmers around Europe and what that could mean for food prices. We'll hear from a SpaceX employee who's been made a…
Cashing in on SpaceX
As some SpaceX shares become available to sell, it's potentially a massive payday for staff. We hear from a former worker about his plans for the money. Plus, across the world, communities are counting the costs of wildfires, conflict and geopolitical instability. The boss of Swiss Re speaks to Sarah…
It's extra time at FIFA
FIFA's leadership is under scrutiny as Gianni Infantino hosts crisis meeting with senior officials as their are calls for him to resign. Ed Butler will be hearing what his future is looking like. Also how a record drought is cutting rail freight in Europe and why the Saudi Crown Prince…
Lift off for SpaceX?
Lift-off for Elon Musk's tech company, SpaceX, as it reports its first results since going public. We examine what the company is worth and hear investors' reaction. Also, we look at Spotify's latest user numbers and explore whether the music streaming giant could be running out of new listeners. Elsewhere,…
Why are oil company profits so high?
Oil companies are seeing their profits spike as the Iran war continues, but President Trump says they're making too much money. So why are profits so high? Sarah Rogers takes a look. Plus, how would you feel if the government was allowed to access data from your phone? US tech…
Blues on the Danube
We explore the impact of the Danube river running at its lowest level in decades on freight, car production and nuclear reactors in the area. Elsewhere in a big few days for the media sector, we explore why superheroes are back, the latest on the sale of Electronic Arts and…
Ukraine takes aim at Russia's economy
Ukrainian drone strikes hit Wildberries warehouses across Russia, with 16 distribution centres damaged or destroyed in the past fortnight. As the country's biggest online retailer faces disruption and a Lukoil oil refinery is also hit, we examine why Ukraine is targeting Russian business infrastructure. Also, oil prices rise after Iran…
FIFA fallout: 'What's wrong with wanting to make money?'
Asian markets rebound strongly after a turbulent week for some of the world's biggest chipmakers. We look at what's behind the turnaround and whether investors are still worried about AI spending. Also, opposition grows to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. And another Ukrainian…
UEFA Shows FIFA the Red Card
We hear why UEFA is threatening to boycott future World Cups in a major showdown with FIFA over plans to create a new commercial entity to run its tournaments. As the row intensifies, we'll ask what it means for the future of football's biggest business with the New York Times'…
Is this the start of the robot wars?
The US has moved to block new foreign-made robots from its market over national security concerns, with Chinese manufacturers expected to be hit hardest. Beijing says it could retaliate. We also examine the health of the US economy, as growth disappoints and inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve's target…
Have FIFA scored an own goal?
We'll hear reaction from the world of football as Fifa offers federations $40 million each to rubberstamp its plan to sell some of its commercial rights. As FIFA sends a letter to football associations explaining the plan and giving them a deadline of mid-September to agree Also, we find out…
Luxury fashion houses bag a return to sales growth
Jewellery and a strong North American market helped luxury goods giants LVMH and Kering grow sales even as promblems in the Middle East and China hampered the sector overall. We get insight from the former head of LVMH's head of North America. Elsewhere, it's "the same again" for tech investors…
Is the World Cup up for sale?
FIFA faces a backlash from UEFA over plans to create a new company with private investors to run major tournaments, including the World Cup. So what could this mean for the future of football? Some of the world's biggest tech companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, have seen sharp falls in…
AI investors spark Asia shares sell-off
South Korea's Kospi index halts trading after huge falls for tech stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix. Are investors starting to fear the arrival of Chinese AI chipmakers? Also, firefighters in France and Spain are continuing to battle wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes…
Spains tourism is at tipping point
From Barcelona to Mallorca, anti-tourism protests have spread as residents say booming visitor numbers are driving up costs and putting pressure on local communities. Wildfires are threatening France's famous Bordeaux wine region, with tourists urged to stay away as the flames spread. And why Germany is making it harder for…
Wildfires hit businesses across France and Spain
Wildfires are disrupting businesses, transport and tourism across France and Spain at the height of the summer holiday season. Also in the programme, China's leading memory chip maker makes a blockbuster stock market debut. And Indonesia faces fresh economic uncertainty after the surprise resignation of its central bank governor.
Paramount Skydance pauses its $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery
Paramount agrees to pause its Warner Bros deal after dozen US states seek to block this deal. We look at the impact of US tariffs of between 10 and 12.5% on imports from many of America’s major trading partners. And how OpenAI's recent rogue attack on a fellow company may…
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 reaction Tech stocks continue to struggle and should AI have a 'kill-switch' Presenter: Barbara George Editor: Justin Bones