World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Global shipping threatened by Houthi military advances
The Houthis now control the vital Red Sea waterway including the key shipping lane through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. We hear from maritime and security experts. As oil prices hit an unprecedented six dollars per barrel in the U.S., we go to South Dakota and Massachusetts to speak to…
"It's like somebody turned the faucet off" - gas prices keep inflation high
Prices in the US rose by 3.4% in the year to August, with the cost of living being pushed up by higher gasoline prices. We hear how one business is being impacted. China sets targets to boost the percentage of EV's and autonomous vehicles on its roads. And athletes compete…
China’s President to travel to the BRICS summit in India
The visit to New Delhi is Xi Jinping’s first trip to India in seven years. But will this diplomatic overture lead to stronger business ties between the two countries? We go to our correspondent on the ground who tells us more. How much does the BRICS summit matter? A Brazilian…
ECB hikes rates to 2.5%
The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rate to 2.5%, as it steps up efforts to bring inflation under control. Will be taking a look at the kind of impact this is having and will other central banks follow suit. Oil as hit over a hundred dollars a…
Is AI a threat to humanity?
An Anthropic researcher's post on X that there is a 10% chance that AI "could kill all humans" has been viewed more than ten million times. It comes as Jacob Coxon resigns from the company warning that the two top companies are not "acting responsibly." But others say the warnings…
World oil price hits $100
Oil prices rise above $100 a barrel for first time since July as tensions escalate in the Middle East, we'll be finding out what this means for consumers this winter. Some of Europe's biggest airlines call for firings over air traffic control outages in the UK as hundreds of flights…
UK bans trade with Israeli West Bank settlements
The UK has announced new measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a ban on trade with settlement businesses. The move follows a joint declaration supported by 12 countries, amid concerns over the expansion of settlements. Israel has responded by announcing the closure of the British consulate…
Tariff tensions heat up
Canadian retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods worth around £20bn dollars have come into effect. We'll hear from a dairy farmer in Ohio about the impact of this. The boss of Dubai Airport says it's bouncing back, even while war in the Middle East continues. And Singapore's Prime…
Thousands to be laid off as Europe's car industry suffers
Europe's carmakers are facing challenges from every direction. With Jaguar Land Rover announcing 4,000 job cuts worldwide and Volkswagen's plans to cut 50,000 jobs, we look at why some of the industry's biggest names are feeling the strain. And how much of this is being driven by the changing market in…
Germany's far-right is gaining ground
A victory for the far-right in Germany the AfD fuels calls for faster growth in Europe's biggest economy as businesses call for an economic reform. Meanwhile China pumps tens of billions of dollars into its banks to try and boost growth. And Jaguar Land Rover becomes the latest carmaker to…
50 years of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Friends
It is birthday celebrations for Aardman Animations. The award-winning British studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep celebrates 50 years since it was founded in the UK. And we head over to the US as their latest figures shows they added more jobs than expected but wages are…
Volkswagen cuts 50,000 more jobs
The board of German car giant Volkswagen has approved a plan to cut another 50,000 jobs as part of the biggest restructuring in the group's history. It brings the total number of roles the carmaker - which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda as well as the VW brand - plans to…
What will El Niño cost us?
The "supersized" El Niño weather system is hitting the global economy, with cocoa farmers in Ecuador already seeing prices for their products fall. As the Panama Canal operator limits the number of vessels passing through the waterway, we ask what further trade shocks are to come. And US basketball team…
Record fine over US basketball player’s wages
The LA Clippers have been fined $30 million by the National Basketball Association after an investigation revealed that the club had circumvented salary rules to channel funds to their star player Kawhi Leonard. The fine is the largest in the league’s history - the Clippers said they will appeal against…
Is this the biggest oil deal in history?
US oil giant Chevron says it will expand operations in Venezuela, with plans to invest more than $7 million to double its output there over the next five years. As Uber leaves the Nigerian market, we'll look at what that means for drivers and passengers who depend on the platform…
United States signs oil deal with Venezuela
A controversial oil deal gives the United States control of more than a fifth of Venezuela’s reserves. Plus, could Kenya be running short of milk? And thousands of US sailors deployed to the Strait of Hormuz reach dry land, after a record stretch at sea. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Victoriya…
How will bond market turmoil affect you?
Escalating conflict in the Gulf is pushing oil prices ever higher. We explore the connection between energy prices and government borrowing to find out why falling bond prices across the world matter to jobs and inflation. The appearance of Russia's finance minister at the G20 talks in North Carolina caused…
Shein's Big IPO - and a Smaller Valuation
Shein finally makes its stock market debut in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to list in New York and London. And the company is now valued at around a quarter of its 2022 peak. We look at whether it really is third time lucky for the fast-fashion giant. China tightens…
Apple's new chief
In the 15 years since he's been charge at Apple, Tim Cook has turned the consumer tech company into a multi-trillion dollar success. What does new CEO John Ternus need to do to keep Apple on top? Also, what's on the minds of those running the world's biggest economies? We…
US-Iran conflict: What next for oil and trade?
The US and Iran exchange fire for the first time in a month, as an oil tanker reportedly hits mines in the Strait of Hormuz. We look at what the renewed fighting could mean for oil supplies, shipping and the global economy. Also, China and Russia hold talks as world…