World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
US Black Friday sales
Bisi Adebayo examines the sales statistics for Black Friday in the US to find out how confident the US consumer is feeling in an economy squeezed by higher prices and tighter budgets. And as Chancellor Merz writes to the EU Commission to ask for a reprieve on a deadline to…
India economy grows faster than expected
India’s economy grew 8.2% year-on-year for the period of July-September. The figures are largely being attributed to a boost in consumption, which makes up 60% of India’s GDP. General strikes are taking place across Italy today over the government's proposed 2026 budget law. And why are American retailers hiring a…
Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades
With Hong Kong's emergency services dealing with their deadliest fire in decades, that's so far claimed the lives of 83 people at Wang Fuk Court, we look at the safety of the world's tallest buildings. Andrew Peach hears how relations between the United States and Venezuela are deteriorating, and what…
What a cyberattack means for Asahi beer
Japanese brewing giant, Asahi, has delayed publishing its latest financial results because of the major cyberattack that began in September. Leanna Byrne hears from an expert in Japan. Also, why has Venezuela banned six international airlines, including Iberia, TAP and Turkish Airlines? And the Swiss tariff deal with the US…
What does the UK budget show us about global debt challenges?
What’s the right approach when major economies are weighed down by growing debt? As the UK Government unveils its latest budget, Will Bain examines how debt is increasingly shaping economic decisions. We also look at the rise of California-based live-stream shopping platform Whatnot, now valued at around $11 billion and…
Taxing more to cut the debt
The UK's net financial debt this year will be £2.6tn, meaning "one in every £10 the government spends is on debt interest". How are UK markets reacting to this? Leanna Byrne examines with our experts. Also, in Australia, two 15-year-olds are taking their government to court over a new law…
Half of Venezuela flights cancelled
An airline industry body in Venezuela tells Will Bain flights in and out the country have already been cut by half, with major disruption looming as a dispute over the safety of Venezuelan airspace intensifies. Also, are American consumers starting to feel the pinch? We examine a series of data…
Can the UK Budget balance the books?
Britain's finance minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is expected to raise taxes for both individuals and businesses in the UK's budget tomorrow. We hear from a restaurant owner on his concerns for the hospitality sector. And why Serbia says its main oil refinery may shut down within days. Presenter: Leanna Byrne…
Goodbye Doge
The US federal government's Department for Government Efficiency, Doge, has ended its cost-cutting mission eight months early. Bisi Adebayo examines whether it achieved what it set out to do. And as the latest iteration of the Wicked movie franchise hits the big screen, we ask what its success can tell…
Vodafone boss on the threat to the world’s internet
We hear from Vodafone's boss Margherita Della Valle on rising threats to vital undersea internet cables. We're days out from the UK's budget, what do we need to know? Britain's finance minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is under presure to balance the country's books. And Japan once dominated the chip industry,…
G20 summit opens in South Africa, despite US absence
Today, as world leaders gather in South Africa, Andrew Peach takes a look the agenda for the G20 and asks whether it matters that Donald Trump isn't there. Plus, The International Committee of the Red Cross is cutting thousands of jobs after losing aid funding. And why millions of Mexicans…
Can Japan afford its billion dollar economic package?
Japan has signed off a $135 billion stimulus package aimed at lifting wages, easing living costs, and boosting the economy. But can the country really afford it? We look at why some major airlines are banning power banks on flights. Is AI putting graduate careers at risk? The BBC speaks…
Is the Trump effect working on the US economy?
Is the “Trump Effect” working on the US economy? New figures show 119,000 jobs were added in September, sharply beating expectations after a slow summer. We’ll look at what’s driving the pickup. Also, novelists are increasingly worried that AI could replace them. Andrew Peach asks one writer whether a computer…
Nvidia results: three numbers that matter
Is the AI boom far from over? Yes, according to Nvidia, the world's most valuable company. The chip giant that's been at the heart of the boom has beaten market expectations again. We’ll break down the important numbers from its latest results. Why is Meta under pressure on two sides…
Do NVIDIA results suggest AI boom or bubble?
Nvidia has smashed market expectations with more than $57bn in revenues in its latest results. It's a sign from the world’s most valuable company that the AI boom may be far from over. Andrew Peach hears reaction from a company which owns Nvidia shares. Also, why the Dutch government has…
Nvidia results: What does it mean for AI?
The global markets are on edge, fears of an AI bubble burst are circling and investor anxiety is building as the world awaits Nvidia's earnings report. The chip giant which is the world’s most valuable company, has powered the AI boom and helped drive stock markets to record highs. But…
AI bubble rattles global markets
We look at the AI boom in detail, in the wake of comments by Sundar Pichai, the Google boss, in a BBC interview. He acknowledges the risks of a potential AI bubble. We hear the thoughts of the Nobel Prize-winning economist Daron Acemoglu as well as from a future of…
Three things we learnt from the Google Boss interview
Global stocks and shares have plunged for the fourth day in a row. The markets are falling as worries about AI valuations, the US economy and central bank rates hit sentiment. What happens if the AI bubble burst? We hear from the boss of Google in an exclusive BBC interview…
Thousands leave Myanmar after scam hubs raid
Myanmar government takes effort to dismantle Southeast Asian-based call centre scams and human trafficking networks. We hear more from Erin West, Founder and President of Operation Shamrock and former Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County. Also, why are we witnessing so many mergers in the US business environment? And…
How is Japan and China's spat affecting the economy?
Shares in Japanese retail and travel-related companies have fallen sharply in Tokyo, after China urged its citizens not to visit the country. The tensions spiked after Japan’s prime minister suggested Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan, which China claims is its sovereign territory. Meanwhile, why has Bitcoin…