World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Confidence in the US economy sinks
A new survey by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research has revealed that consumer confidence in the United States has seen its largest drop since 1990. In Canada voters go to the polls on Monday, and a big issue will be the country’s future relationship with the US…
What are the economic implications of deep-sea mining?
Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order aimed at stepping up deep-sea mining within the US and in international waters. The Thursday order is the latest issued by the US president to try to increase America's access to minerals used by the aerospace, green technology and healthcare sectors. Andrew…
US and China: Who will blink first?
China has said no to any trade talks until the US withdraws its tariffs, but which of the World's two superpowers will blink first and bring the growing trade war to a halt? Rahul Tandon finds out how children's Christmas presents could fall victim to the US-China trade war, as…
India-Pakistan trade tension over Kashmir attack
As tensions rise, Pakistan says any attempt by India to limit its water supply will be seen as an act of war. This comes after India blamed Pakistan for the attack in India-administered Kashmir, and introduced a series of measures, including the suspension of a water-sharing treaty and the closure…
US and China: What's going on?
And Rahul Tandon talks to a former advisor to Jerome Powell about the US President's blistering attacks on the Federal Reserve chair.
China is ‘open’ to trade talks with the US
Beijing says the door for trade talks with the US is wide open, though it's also criticised President Trump's negotiating tactics. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Washington couldn't say it wanted to reach a trade agreement with China while simultaneously exerting extreme pressure. Shares in Tesla are up…
Trump suggests China tariffs will fall
President Trump says tariffs on China “will not be anywhere near 145%” but won’t be removed all together. It follows US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying he expected a ‘de escalation’ in US China tariffs. The International Monetary Fund has revised its global growth forecast in the wake of Trump’s…
IMF downgrades global economic growth
The International Monetary Fund has slashed its outlook for global growth, adding that US tariffs and market uncertainty will lead to a significant worldwide slowdown. India and the US are making progress in negotiating a bilateral trade deal after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US Vice…
Big falls on Wall Street as the week begins
Stocks tumble on Wall Street as the week begins. The reason seems to be President Trump's desire to replace the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell. The US Vice President JD Vance has met with India's prime minister Narendra Modi to discuss a trade deal. And the United Nations…
VP Vance is in Delhi to meet Modi amid tariff tensions
US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in the Indian capital, Delhi, where he is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid global trade tensions sparked by Washington's tariff policies. The talks are likely to focus on fast-tracking a much-awaited bilateral trade deal between the two countries…
Tension grows between President Trump and Jerome Powell
Tension has grown between President Trump and head of the Federal Reserve. Jerome Powell has faced fierce criticism from Donald Trump, who's accused him of being too slow to cut interest rates. We speak to Chinese manufacturers about the impact of tariffs on their business And a host of new…
Xi concludes regional tour in Cambodia hailing "ironclad friendship
As President Xi concludes his tour of key East Asian exporting nations, Will Bain explores what deepening ties with Cambodia could mean for the region which also faces the threat of high US tariffs. Also on the programme, the United States unveils plans to impose new port fees on Chinese-built…
Global trade uncertainty 'is off the charts'
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has warned that economic growth will suffer due to global trade uncertainty that is "off the charts" due to the growing US-China trade war. Meanwhile President Donald Trump says he's one-hundred per cent sure of a US-EU trade deal, and China's…
European Central Bank cuts rates warning of "exceptional uncertainty"
As the ECB cuts interest rates again, it would take a “wait and see” approach on whether planned tariffs trigger inflation across the Eurozone. With gold prices hitting a new record high — how do you actually go about buying the precious metal? And in the age of AI, could…
Warning issued over any US-China trade war
The World Trade Organisation's director general, Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, has warned that a trade war between the World's two largest economies could affect all countries globally. Rahul Tandon speaks to a boat building business in Michigan who fear the US-China tariff war could force it to shut down. And we…
WTO says exports from North America will slump 12%
The World Trade Organisation says exports from North America will slump 12%. The WTO also said global trade output will decline 0.2% this year Farmers in India are worried the price of saffron is being driven up by porcupines guzzling down the bulbs and damaging the land. We speak to…
Sudan's civil war is devastating lives and its economy
Two years into a civil war, Sudan is home to the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The International Red Cross is urging all sides to stop attacks on civilian infrastructure. Also, President Trump claims China has withdrawn from a contract with the American aircraft manufacturer, Boeing. As Peru’s economy grows more…
Luxury goods company LVMH shares take a tumble
Luxury goods company LVMH shares take a tumble as the company suffers a 3% decline in first quarter sales China's president Xi Jinping is heading to Malaysia in an attempt by Beijing to portray itself as a stable trading partner in contrast to the US And Boeing shares have taken…
Why is tech giant, Meta, in court?
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, faces a legal battle that could lead to its break-up. The landmark antitrust case kicked off in Washington today. Also in the US, consumer sentiment has taken a sharp downturn and inflation expectations have surged. What will this mean for everyday…
Xi Jingping hits back at US tariffs
Chinese leader Xi Jingping hits back at US tariffs as he starts his tour of East Asia, stating ‘The Trade war and tariff war will produce no winner’ OPEC - the cartel of oil producing countries - has cut its forecast for growth in oil demand for 2025- in part…