World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
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…
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,…
Hurricane Melissa set to hurt Jamaican economy hard
Hurricane Melissa leaves Jamaican economy with a huge trail of damage and a massive repair bill to sort out. Some reports suggest the country could face losses of over $14 billion. Presenter Will Bain hears from people on the ground in the country. We also examine why there has been…
Hazelnut supply crisis threatens chocolates like Nutella
Italian confectionery giant Ferrero, maker of Ferrero Rocher and Nutella, is in a standoff with Turkish hazelnut dealers. Why? Turkey, the world’s largest hazelnut producer, has been hit by poor weather, a bad harvest, and pest infestations, sending prices soaring. In Jamaica, a catastrophe bond will release millions to help…
China and US agree closer ties after trade talks
The US President Donald Trump believes a trade deal could be signed "pretty soon", after holding talks with President Xi Jinping of China. Presenter Andrew Peach hears from US farmers after China agrees to buy soyabeans from the US. Can Canada really become an energy superpower? We hear how it…
Are we close to a US-China trade deal?
After what President Trump calls an “amazing” meeting in South Korea, the US and China strike a trade truce. But is it really a full deal? We break down what’s behind the tariff talks. In South Africa, millions of dollars are being pumped into tackling its chronic youth unemployment problem…
China and US hold talks to end deadlock on global tariffs
The much-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping takes place in Korea. Presenter Sam Fenwick hears from both sides ahead of a crucial talks between the two leaders. The owner of a US based coffee roastery based in New York talks to us about the how his…
Nvidia hits historic $5 trillion valuation
The world’s most valuable company, Nvidia, has hit a historic $5 trillion valuation after unveiling new contracts to supply AI chips and revealed plans to build seven supercomputers for the U.S. government. Plus, Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen says the company’s parent firm blocked them from launching a Palestine-themed…
Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa causes major disruption as the Jamaican economy comes to a standstill. Tourists are also stranded on the island with the closure of all major airports. Business leaders from the US and Japan meet to discuss trade, investment and supply chains. Amazon confirms plans to cut thousands of jobs,…
Have the US and Japan formed a stronger alliance?
US President Donald Trump and Japan's new prime minister have pledged a stronger alliance and closer economic ties during his visit to Tokyo. The two leaders have signed new investment deals including one covering rare earth minerals. The UN warns the world is falling badly behind in tackling climate change…
Handshakes and trade deals as Trump tours Asia
US President Donald Trump has kicked off his trip to Asia by announcing a string of new agreements and a peace accord involving Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The White House has called it historic but businesses are looking for more detail. We speak to two entrepreneurs in Chicago and…
Trump seeks trade deals on his Asia tour
He's currently in Tokyo where trade and investment are high on the agenda. Japan is already America's biggest investor and promises to pump another 550 billion dollars into the US as part of a trade deal. In Argentina, Javier Milei's far-right party wins Sunday’s midterms. Milei remains committed to pushing…
US federal workers miss their first paycheques since shutdown
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have missed their full paycheques for the first time since the beginning of the government shutdown three weeks ago, with Democrats and Republicans still blaming each other for the lapse in federal funding. We hear from a US federal employee at the Department of…