World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Countries hold summit over Strait of Hormuz trade crisis
More than forty countries take part in a virtual gathering in a bid to reopen the vital shipping lane. The UK is playing host to the meeting, joined by other countries across the world caught up in the trade crisis caused by near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, due…
How will rising oil prices affect airlines?
Jet fuel prices are surging as the war in Iran unsettles airlines and global travel. Leanna Byrne examines what it could mean for ticket prices and the wider economy. Also, a new weight loss pill from Eli Lilly promises to shake up the booming obesity drug market. And as Apple…
Could there be a revival of the coal industry?
South Korea has lifted caps on electricity from coal and the Philippines and Vietnam are boosting coal-fired power. Sarah Rogers explores whether or not the coal industry could see a long-term revival. Plus, we hear from the man behind the 'i' in iMac as Apple turns fifty years old.
Two of the biggest names in your kitchen could soon be joining forces
Unilever, the company behind brands like Hellmann’s and Knorr, has agreed to combine its food business with US spice and flavour giant McCormick & Company. What does it tell us about where big consumer brands are heading next? Also, South Africa cuts fuel duties as the impact of the war…
Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most households
The Sri Lankan government has increased electricity prices for most households by more than 8% as fuel costs surge due to the Iran conflict. Plus, Bisi Adebayo looks at the impact the war is having on jet fuel costs and how British and American food giants, Unilever and McCormick, have…
Kharg Island: What role does it play in Iran’s economy?
The White House deflects questions about US threat to hit Iranian energy infrastructure. President Trump expects Iran to make a deal to end the war. He has said he'd strike targets including electricity plants, and Iran's main oil-exporting site, Kharg Island. Presenter Andrew Peach examines what this all means for…
Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel?
The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels? Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Organsiation fails to reach a deal on ecommerce tariffs…
BYD profits fall 19%: What’s driving the decline?
BYD has reported a 19% fall in annual profit, its first decline in four years, despite rising sales as price pressure in China weighs on margins. We look at what is driving the slowdow, and what it means for the wider electric vehicle industry. We also examine the increasingly competitive…
Fears of fuel shortages lead to panic buying in Australia
As prices soar, petrol and diesel pumps are running dry at hundreds of service stations across Australia. But is the shortage caused by panic buying rather than lack of fuel? We hear from India where generic replacements for the weightloss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are bringing cheaper drugs to the…
Meta shares slide after landmark ruling on social media addiction
Meta shares slide after landmark ruling on social media addiction. Shares of Alphabet, Google's parent company, were also down but not as sharp as Meta stock. Jurors found that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google, owner of YouTube, intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harmed the…