World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
1MDB: Ex-Malaysia PM Najib Razak found guilty in state funds scandal
Ex-Malaysia PM Najib Razak has been jailed for 15 years for abuse of power and money laundering - Bisi Adebayo looks at the details. Japan approves a record-breaking budget with defence spending at a new high. And we head to to Nigeria, where 'Detty December' is proving to be big…
Review of the year 2025 - from Tariffs to Labubus
Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and…
Pakistani auctions its state airline live on TV
In Pakistan, the government has sold its national carrier, PIA, in an auction which was televised live. The airline sold for $482 million. Gideon Long speaks to Muhammad Ali, the privatisation adviser to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. We hear from two countries at the sharp end of Donald Trump’s…
The market moments that shaped the year
Leanna Byrne is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell to look back at the market moments that defined the year from tariffs and precious metals to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Plus,the latest US jobs figures show a fall in new applications for unemployment benefits. And India launches…
US economy better than expected
The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased but consumer sentiment is low, Rahul Tandon hears from a business about what things are like on the ground. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version…
Is the US economy in better shape than expected?
New figures suggest the US economy is powering ahead but questions remain about what that really means for businesses? Leanna Byrne looks at what’s behind the data. Also, US regulators have approved the first pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. And could North Koreans be working remotely for…
Another dramatic turn in the Warner Bros Discovery takeover
The American billionaire Larry Ellison has promised more than $40 billion of his money in support of Paramount to buy rival studio, Warner Bros Discovery. Where does this leave antitrust questions around a Paramount or Netflix takeover? Ed Butler hears from Phillip Berenbroick, who served as chief counsel for the…
Why is whiskey maker Jim Beam pausing production?
Leanna Byrne takes a look as Jim Beam, one of the most recognisable names in American bourbon, confirms it will pause production for a year at its main Kentucky distillery from January. India and New Zealand strike a new free trade deal, cutting tariffs and opening markets on both sides…
Is EU money enough for Ukraine?
Ukraine's position has been strengthened by a €90bn loan agreed by the EU after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets. But is it enough to keep the country going? In Sri Lanka, the International Monetary Fund has also approved a $206 million in emergency financing to help the…
TikTok lives to scroll another day
TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance has struck a deal with US and global investors to keep the app operating in America. But who really comes out on top? Could Japan’s interest rate hike offer relief to struggling households? Shipping giant Maersk has sent its first vessel through the Red Sea in…