World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Africa's largest hydro-electric dam transforming the economy?
Ethiopia opens a power project it thinks could transform its economy. We'll hear from the project manager at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Also, new electric car batteries that promise to end your range anxiety, and power up our EVs in super quick time... Also, how to reduce the cost…
French MPs bid farewell to François Bayrou
France's political crisis has deepened with the government being toppled in the National Assembly through a no confidence vote. It forces prime minister François Bayrou to resign over plans to deal with the country's deficit by cutting public spending. Andrew Peach examines the family settlement confirming the long battle for…
French PM François Bayrou on the brink in crucial vote
The French prime minister, François Bayrou, is expected to be ousted in a confidence vote on Monday afternoon - which could lead to the collapse of his government. The Eurozones' second biggest economy is mired in debt - 114% of its annual economic output - and the prime minister has…
US immigration agents arrest workers at Hyundai plant
We're on the ground in the US state of Georgia where immigration agents have arrested nearly 500 people during a raid on a Hyundai battery-production facility. And, we'll break down the latest US jobs report, which showed hiring in America stalled last month. We'll explain what that means for the…
The economic hit of Afghanistan's earthquakes
Afghanistan is one of the world's poorest countries, and after its eastern region was hit by a level 6.0 earthquake killing thousands and displacing thousands more - we hear from Stephen Rodriques of the UN to find out the financial impact involved with rebuilding its infrastructure and supporting families who…
Trump's Fed nominee faces the senate committee
The US president's pick Stephen Miran is nominated to serve as governor of the central bank. Will he cut interest rates? The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. We hear from his former employee. Is it the end of the…
What's the impact of India's tax cuts?
The Indian government has announced massive tax cuts on items ranging from snacks and biscuits to electronic products and cars. But how will it affect the world's fastest growing major economy, and the businesses operating there? In the wake of Giorgio Armani's death at 91, Hannah Mullane speaks to author…
What’s fuelling the protests in Indonesia?
Nationwide protests have swept Indonesia this week, sparked by anger over police violence and government spending. In Jamaica, parliamentary elections are taking place. Roger Hearing finds out what's on voters minds. A Chilean drinks company is locked in a legal battle with actor Pedro Pascal over its brand name, ‘Pedro…
Why are government debts going up globally?
As government borrowing costs and debts rise around the world, we take a closer look at Japan, the UK and the US, and ask why? Hannah Mullane speaks to New Zealand's minister of immigration Erica Stanford as the Antipodean country plans to open up their housing market to foreign investors…
Is Washington DC a 'safe zone' for businesses?
US President Donald Trump says Washington DC is a 'safe space' after announcing he will send National Guard troops into Chicago . Do businesses agree? Elsewhere in the US, Google won a court case meaning it doesn’t have to sell its popular Chrome web browser. Russia and China are working…
Could China and Russia re-shape global energy?
With China and Russia agreeing to build a new gas pipeline through Siberia, we take a look at its global economic impact and what it could mean for the two countries as they become ever more reliant on each other. Elsewhere, Ed Butler discusses the economic forces driving the brutal…
Guyana Election: Oil boom and Venezuela tensions
Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, votes for a new leader amid an oil boom and rising tensions with Venezuela. Swiss food giant Nestlé has sacked its CEO over his romantic relationship. Is the English Premier League in an inflation spiral? Roger Hearing investigates, as record-breaking transfer fees dominate…
Is any intervention to the Fed a global risk?
The head of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, fears that any intervention by US president Donald Trump's administration into the Federal Reserve could have wider implications and be a global economic risk. We hear from Dr Yu Jie, of Chatham House, on the significance of today's summit between China,…
Fed governor Lisa Cook attempts to block President Trump from firing her
As Fed governor Lisa Cook fights to block President Trump from firing her, a first legal hearing on the matter ends without a ruling. But with ongoing tensions and concerns over political meddling, who would want the next Fed chair job when the role becomes vacant next year? We speak…
The legal battle between Fed Governor and US President
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook has sued President Donald Trump over his attempt to fire her, setting up a potential legal battle in court. The governor has asked the court to declare Trump's firing order "unlawful and void", and also named Fed Chairman Jerome Powell as defendant. How to keep…
The USA sticks to plans on charges for some small parcels
As the US Customs and Border Protection agency gets ready to end a tariff exemption on all global parcel imports valued under US$800, known as de minimis, the White House claims it will help curb the movement of drugs. We hear from Kate Muth of the International Mailers Advisory Group…
President Trump wants the US government to take a share when American companies succeed
How the US Republicans moved from the free market and a small state to big interventions in the American economy? Why Chinese EV makers have got ahead of Tesla? And if you're running a business in Russia, why you can't advertise on social media from next week? You can contact…
India labels Trump's tariffs 'unfair and unjust'
With Washington's time window for a USA-India trade deal closed, Indian exporters are now dealing with 50% tariffs on many goods sold to the States. US president Donald Trump says it's to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil, but India prime minister Modi has criticised the levies as "unfair,…
Trump's 50% tariff on India kicks in
Indian exporters now face 50% tariffs on goods heading to the US. We hear how they’re coping. Also, Europe’s car industry says the EU’s green plan to cut emissions could actually backfire. And over in America, Cracker Barrel tried to give its famous logo a makeover, but after an online…
US central bank governor to sue Trump
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook will file a lawsuit challenging her removal by President Donald Trump, marking a major escalation in the president's battle with the US central bank. So does President Trump have the power to fire the governor? Roger Hearing hears from a legal expert. And in just…