World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
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…
Paramount takes over Warner Bros in mega deal
Paramount Skydance has officially taken over Warner Bros Discovery in a $110bn merger that is set to change the entertainment industry. We hear what this mean for cineme goers across the globe. As Lionel Messi prepares to play his final match for Argentina, we look at the extraordinary fortune the…
Education protests continue in France
Mass protests and school blockades have swept across France as teenagers, teachers, and unions demand more investment in dilapidated classrooms and smaller class sizes. India says its trade talks with the United States have now reached a “plateau”, after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up negotiations in the US without…
Markets rally after surprise Brazilian election result
Brazil's presidential election fails to return a frontrunner. This sets up a second-round runoff later this month between right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro finishes and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. There’s increasing concern about the pressures on airlines as fuel forces up costs. One airline, AirBaltic has announced more…
Spain's housing crisis leads to snap General Election
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez seeks new mandate after Parliament rejected housing reforms. The election will be held on November 29. More oil is leaving the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman than in the days before the US/Israel war on Iran began. Will oil prices start to fall? And…
Why has Nike lost its shine?
In a bid to head off a US diesel export ban, G7 countries agree to release 100mn barrels of diesel and crude. We ask if the plan will be enough to keep global supplies flowing. And a home for one euro in some of the most beautiful regions of Europe…
G7 agrees to release diesel from strategic reserves
Thieves target holders of cryptocurrencies in their own homes. As crypto coins have risen in value, reports of these violent robberies linked to digital assets have emerged in the UK, France and the US. And British pop star Olivia Dean has been accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers'…
G7 agrees to release diesel from strategic reserves
Thieves target holders of cryptocurrencies in their own homes. As crypto coins have risen in value, reports of these violent robberies linked to digital assets have emerged in the UK, France and the US. And British pop star Olivia Dean has been accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers'…