World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Cost of Living Dominates US Midterms
With two weeks until the US midterm elections, Luke Wilson examines how rising living costs could influence voters and what the latest economic figures reveal. Also, Netflix reports its latest results after a difficult few months marked by job cuts and executive departures. And could Africa's economy grow faster than…
France takes a hard look at its finances
French lawmakers are continuing their scrutiny of next year's budget as the country reels from days of violent unrest. What began as protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools has escalated into some of the worst rioting France has seen in years.Thousands of people have been arrested,…
French businesses count the cost of riots
Around 2,000 businesses have been affected by riots and looting across France. We hear from those caught up in the unrest and examine the economic impact. Also, can Europe's biggest mobile operators build a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink? And Saudi Arabia postpones a major investment conference as Houthi attacks…
AI boom fuels China’s exports
The world's second largest economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, but worries persist in China over weak spending at home. China’s economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of the year, thanks to the AI boom driving investment in Chinese exports. But global trade tensions and continued…
Students protest in France, as fiscal concern mounts
Jean-Claude Trichet , former president of the European Central Bank, joins the programme to discuss economic stability. We hear his thoughts on the student protests in France and that country's fiscal struggles. Should the ECB intervene or can France sort this out on its own? And voters in the U.S…
Tesla shares rise after 'flying' car launch
Shares in Tesla have climbed after Elon Musk's carmaker launched its new 'flying' Roadster car. EU leaders are meeting in Brussels, with its two biggest members - France and Germany - calling for tougher action against Chinese imports, particularly chemicals and plastics. And violent clashes between police and protestors are…
The Tesla Roadster is finally here
Tesla is set to show off its latest EV, the Roadster, nearly nine years after it first unveiled the next-generation version of the electric sports car. We'll be hearing if Tesla's bet on an ultra luxury sportscar will pay off. It's another bumpy day for tech stocks as investors question…
Brazil cuts working week from six days to five
Brazil's Congress has approved a constitutional amendment that will cut the working week from 44 hours to 40 and give employees two days off per week without cutting their salary. The change represents the biggest overhaul to workers' rights since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988. Also on the programme,…
US inflation is on the rise again
US inflation figures are higher than forecast in September. With the price of diesel and food increasing, lower income Americans have been hit the hardest. We hear from a saw manufacturer in Iowa and a computer repair shop in New York on how they’re coping with the higher prices. In…
US inflation heats up
US inflation rose more than expected, climbing to 3.7% from 3.4% in the year to September. We'll look at what's driving the surprise increase in prices. China's exports are getting a boost from strong demand for AI-related products and electric vehicles. And despite tougher US sanctions, American exports to Cuba…
IMF warns of global GDP shock if AI bust happens
IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warns that if an AI bust occurs it would wipe 1% off global GDP rising to 1.8% in the U.S. The warning came as stocks and shares in global tech and semiconductors fell. In the U.S. data centres are a key battleground in the mid-term…
Formula 1 heads back to Africa
Rwanda will host the F1 African Grand Prix in a 10-year deal starting in the early 2030s. We delve into why F1 wants Africa back on the calendar. Earnings season gets underway with results from some of America's biggest banks. And Netflix has secured the rights in Spain and Andorra…
Counting the fuel costs of two major conflicts
As fuel prices continue to put pressure on the global economy, we ask which has the greatest impact: the conflict in the Middle East or Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Hundreds of supermarkets across France were hit by a cyber-attack that has left supermarkets empty. We're joined by a journalist in…
Missile attacks disrupt Saudi flights
We examine the impact of Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's aviation industry and wider economy, with thousands of flights cancelled. Also, Ukraine faces fresh power cuts following Russian attacks, as Washington's decision to import Russian diesel draws criticism. And a cyberattack on French supermarkets leaves fridges defrosted, food destroyed…
Trump strikes deal with Putin on diesel
President Trump claims Russia has agreed to supply the United States and other countries with millions of tonnes of diesel. And as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, President Zelensky has condemned the deal which will also ease sanctions so that Russia can supply the diesel. We get the…
Microsoft hit by US green card restrictions
We examine new US restrictions on green card sponsorship by Microsoft and other tech firms. Also, Adidas sues Australian fashion brand White Fox over its four-stripe designs And thieves steal $5.5 million worth of wine from a winery in Tuscany.
French FM tries to allay fiscal fears
France is under growing pressure over its finances. The government is spending much more than it brings in through taxes, while borrowing becomes more expensive. We speak to a French businessman to get his thoughts. We hear from the World Trade Organisation's chief economist, Robert Staiger about the significance of…
Is AI powering a global trade boom?
The World Trade Organization has more than doubled its forecast for global goods trade growth this year, with AI-related products driving much of the strong performance. Also, Samsung and TSMC report bumper results as demand for AI chips continues to grow. Plus, France's finance minister addresses concerns over rising borrowing…
US mortgage rates highest since 2023
Buying a home in America has just become even more expensive as mortgage rates have gone up for a seventh straight week to their highest level in nearly three years. We'll find out what's pushing the rate up further. We hear from the first black woman in the world to…
Indian businesses brace for higher interest rates
Interest rates rise in the world's most-populous country for the first time in four years: will it curb inflation? Also, are hybrid vehicle prices about to jump in the EU? World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World…