World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
The EU gets tough with TikTok
With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below…
Could the tech bubble burst?
After a week of significant drops across many AI and tech-related stocks, we speak to Nobel Prize winner Daron Acemoglu, and economist Cary Leahey of Columbia University in New York, to examine whether the tech bubble could be set to burst. With Nike under investigation by Donald Trump's administration over…
Is AI putting software at risk?
Almost $1 trillion has been knocked off the value of software and services companies as investors weigh whether artificial intelligence has been hit particularly hard, so we ask: what does that mean for the profession itself. We also look at why interest rates in Europe and the UK are on…
US hosts critical minerals landmark summit
The US is ramping up efforts to secure its supplies of critical minerals. Vice-president JD Vance has proposed creating a new critical mineral trading bloc to loosen China’s control over the sector. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Ed…
Wegovy maker, Novo Nordisk, warns of price squeeze
The maker of Ozempic says tougher competition from generics in India and China will hit profits this year. Leanna Byrne speaks to its chief financial officer. Plus, Spain moves closer to banning social media for under-16s. And the United States renews a trade deal giving 32 African countries duty-free access…
Disney appoints a new CEO
There’s a major shift at the top of the Walt Disney Company, as one of entertainment’s most iconic brands welcomes a new leader. Ed Butler examines who Josh D’Amaro is, why he’s been chosen, and what his appointment reveals about the wider state of the industry. Plus, how high street…
X offices raided in France
French prosecutors raided Elon Musk’s X offices in Paris as part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged illegal data extraction and possible links to child pornography. Also, US and India reach trade deal to slash US tariffs on the nation's goods to 18% from 50%. And the European Union has…
A US–India trade deal: What's in it?
Ed Butler examines the latest trade deal announced between the United States and India and what each side stands to gain. We also look ahead to President Trump’s meeting with Colombia’s president amid rising tensions. And is Latin pop music coming of age in mainstream American culture?
Has gold lost its lustre?
This precious metals rally has been tarnished after a sudden slide in prices. So what does this tell us about metals like gold, known to be the ultimate safe haven. Can we still call it a refuge when things get rocky? Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones
Trump nominates next US Federal Reserve chair
US President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, when the four-year-term of current chairman Jerome Powell's ends in May. Rahul Tandon hears from people who worked closely with Warsh. Also, the BBC visits Maracaibo, once the heart of Venezuela's booming oil…
President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh as US Fed Chair
The former Federal Reserve governor has deep ties to Wall Street, was previously interviewed for the job in 2017, and has been an outspoken critic of America's central bank. We’ll ask how financial markets have responded to the news. Also, Venezuelan MPs have approved a bill to open up its…
Toyota sets record sales in 2025
The Japanese auto giant Toyota says global sales set a new record last year, despite trade tensions. What did Toyota do differently to others? This week, gold has again hit another record high – even though the price has dipped slightly today. Our presenter Rahul Tandon hears from one country…
Dollar sinks to four year low
The dollar is normally seen as the ultimate safe haven, it's the currency most other currencies benchmark themselves against – so why is it taking a downward spiral? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in Beijing meeting President Xi and says steps have been taken to improve trade with…
Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs as it pushes AI and efficiency
US technology giant Amazon has confirmed it will cut 16,000 jobs around the world. Andrew Peach hears from former Amazon workers and AI experts. Also, why the German authorities have searched Deutsche Bank buildings in Berlin and Frankfurt. And how Harry Styles will overtake Taylor Swift by adding more London…
The Swiss franc flies high
The Swiss franc soars to its highest level against the dollar in more than a decade as investors flee the dollar in search of a safe haven. We look at what that means for Swiss exporters and the central bank. Plus, why have several big global companies announced job cuts,…
India and EU announce 'mother of all trade deals'
A free trade agreement dubbed the mother of all trade deals has finally been announced between the European Union and India after two decades of negotiations. What do businesses make of it? Across the globe then to hear why Canadians are boycotting ski resorts in America. In the US, a…
India and EU agree game-changing trade deal
The European Union and India have announced a landmark trade deal as both sides aim to deepen ties amid tensions with the US. It will allow free trade of goods between the bloc of 27 European states and the world's most populous country, which together make up nearly 25% of…
How are businesses impacted by protests in Minneapolis?
The Trump administration ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to step up the removal of undocumented migrants more than six weeks ago, triggering large scale protests across the US. Rahul Tandon speaks to business owners who say staff are too frightened to come into work. In France, the government moves a…
North Sea nations bet big on wind power
Ten European countries bordering or close to the North Sea, including Germany, France, the UK and Norway, have pledged $11.3 billion to expand offshore wind capacity by 2030. They describe it as a historic deal that will wean Europe off dependency on Russian energy. Plus, France starts debating a ban…
Ukraine's battle to keep the lights on
Andrew Peach speaks to the man in charge of keeping Ukraine's largest private energy company going in the face of relentless Russian drone attacks on the country's networks. And we look at how the US administration's decision to end protected visa status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians is hitting…