World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Canada wants closer ties with the European Union
Canada's PM Mark Carney is in Europe to discuss an EU-Canada Associate Member deal. President Trump suggests such a deal would be ‘hostile act’. Motorists in Nigeria express fury at the rising cost of petrol and diesel. And thousands of staff at a UK bank are demanding concessions after the…
How can the EU make a social media ban a success?
The European Union has announced plans for a social media ban for young people at the same time that tech bosses have backed restrictions for similar age groups. Luke Wilson hears from a researcher of Digital Child Futures about what makes a successful ban. Plus, as Americans Todd Boehly and…
Fed raises US interest rates by 0.25%
The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the first time since 2023 the bank focuses on inflation fight. Chair Kevin Warsh defied Donald Trump’s calls for lower borrowing costs. 2026 summer wheat exports from Russia and Ukraine will be 60% lower than pre-war average. Attacks on ports and shipping are…
US businesses brace for Fed decision
As businesses in the US prepare themselves for a potential interest rates hike, Luke Wilson hears from a dairy farmer about how it could impact his bottom line. Plus, as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen backs a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of…
Can Bessent tame the bond market?
In recent weeks the US Treasury Secretary has tried to tame the bond markets. But can Scott Bessent succeed where so many before him have failed? Also the luxury brand LVMH appears to be losing some of its shine. Why has the luxury giant lost its appeal and how much…
How rising fuel is affecting German industry
As fuel prices rise across the world, Luke Wilson hears from an economist in Germany about the impact on the country's industry. Plus, how are costs to borrow money affecting mortgage rates?
Does AI need a kill switch?
Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark speaks to the BBC about the dangers of AI development and need for regulation, as the world's biggest AI bosses call for a pause in development, we find out does AI need a kill switch? Also, Africa’s biggest ever share sale has been launched, Aliko Dangote…
Is an AI 'slowdown' even possible without China?
As bosses of AI companies call for a 'slowdown' in the development of the technology, the BBC's Luke Wilson explores if it's even possible without China onboard. Plus, Africa's biggest ever public share has opened in Nigeria and how are oil prices reacting to the closure of a key pipeline…
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…