World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Why is US consumer confidence at a record low?
US job numbers are rising and the stock market is booming near record highs. So why are consumers feeling so pessimistic about the economy? As a Mexican trade mission visits Canada, the two countries look to deepen economic ties. Also Instagram’s direct messages are no longer fully private, and gamers…
Donald Trump warns EU of new tariffs by July 4
Last week, the US President threatened to raise the tariff on the import of EU cars to 25% if the European Parliament delayed a new EU/US tariff agreement. The annual conference of ASEAN, the grouping of South East Asian states, is meeting in the Philippines with the shadow of the…
EU and airlines disagree on fuel shortage concerns
As airlines cut flights over high jet fuel costs the EU's transport commissioner says passengers must still be compensated. We hear from the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on how the industry is responding to rising costs and supply chain issues. And would you sue for guaranteed access to a…
Air Asia boss admits high fuel costs are hard to manage
Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of the low cost carrier, has been speaking to the BBC. He says the current high fuel costs are more complex for the airline to manage than covid was. Danish shipping giant Maersk says it will be able to adapt if charges are introduced for…
How Ted Turner changed the media landscape
Ted Turner, founder of CNN died today. We hear from Brian Selter, CNN media correspondent and Lisa Napoli who was an intern in its early days to look back on his life and legacy. It’s also been another turbulent day with oil prices fluctuating dramatically as President Donald Trump believes…
India and Vietnam look to deepen economic ties
Oil prices drop after reports that the US and Iran are close to a peace deal. Donald Trump says the war could end with an agreement, and warns strikes will return if not. From the Gulf, we hear how the conflict is already reshaping investor thinking. India is chasing $20…
Tensions rise in the Persian Gulf
With the US and Iran trading fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire wobbling and oil prices continuing to rise, Sam Fenwick discusses the latest developments as the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to fray. We hear from Nikolas Tsakos, founder and CEO of one of the world's…
What's life like for seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz?
The ceasefire between Iran and the US is looking increasingly fragile after another day of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions rise, so are concerns about the welfare of the 20,000 seafarers believed to be stranded around the passage. In Brussels, European finance ministers have been meeting to…
Hostility fears escalate in the Persian Gulf
Are ships moving in the Persian Gulf and could it lead to the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran? Andrew Peach finds out more on the latest developments and speaks to maritime expert Captain John Konrad. Meanwhile, with two clubs celebrating joining the English Premier League, we hear…
GameStop wants eBay for $56bn
Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon. Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project…
Trump announces 25% tariffs on cars from the EU
The US President Donald Trump has announced a new hike on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, accusing the EU of not adhering to their trade deal. In the meantime, Beijing has announced that fifty-three African states will be enjoying trade-free trade with China - all except one,…
Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields
A third of the world's fertiliser is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. Farmers' are now predicted to produce smaller crops this year, affecting 10 billion meals a week. French car maker Renault says there's been a huge increase in interest in electric vehicles since the start of the war…
Oil hits new highs - how bad will it get?
We hear how oil prices have been swinging sharply, with Brent crude briefly hitting 126 dollars a barrel as tensions in the Gulf raise concerns about supply and the wider global economy. Saudi Arabia is to stop funding the LIV Golf tour after spending billions to lure top players away…
Oil prices on a rollercoaster ride
The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back. Markets were reacting to comments from President Trump about maintaining Strait of Hormuz blockade. Gulf oil producers are running out of storage space for oil production, as exports remain restricted. And Saudi Arabia is pulling…
Powell says he will stay on as Federal Reserve Governor
Jerome Powell says he will continue to stay on as Federal Reserve Governor, even after his chairmanship ends. We look at what this means for the future of the US central banking system. Three ships have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia in the past week. We look into…
You could be paying more for fuel for longer as oil price rises again
Oil prices have jumped despite the UAE exit from the OPEC groups of oil producing countries - we'll be looking at why. And more pressure is pilling on social media as a report finds Meta is in breach of EU law for failing to stop under 13 from using Facebook…
How will leaving OPEC impact the UAE's oil production?
The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ after nearly 60 years of membership, we find out what triggered them to leave. In the US, we hear what is being said in the major court battle between Elon Musk and ChatGPT founder Sam Altman. And we ask if lab-grown…
United Arab Emirates is quitting the Opec and Opec+
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it is quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations after nearly 60 years. As people continue to feel the pain at the pumps, energy giant BP has announced massive profits - meanwhile oil prices continue to climb. And with…
Is Sierra Leone's diamond industry under threat?
Diamond mines across Sierra Leone are closing, deepening economic uncertainty and raising fears of further conflict. Our presenter Ed Butler travels to the country’s mining region to uncover what’s behind the shutdowns. In the US, a court case is underway between the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, and the head…
How the rise in jet fuel prices impacting the global aviation industry?
Airline's could start going bankrupt the boss of one aviation company tells World Business Express. And why two tech titans are heading to the courts in California. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones