World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
US lifts Iran naval blockade following US-Iran deal
The US has lifted its Iran naval blockade following the US-Iran deal. Both countries have signed a deal but what does it actually mean for the two nations? We head to Cuba where the government’s unveiled sweeping reforms, trying to steady an economy that’s really under pressure. And the Governor…
Eyes on the Strait of Hormuz as oil tankers start moving
US and Iranian officials have signed a 'memorandum of understanding' to end the war which began in March. Oil and LNG prices are expected to fall as ship traffic resumes. Dozens of Ukrainian drones have struck the biggest oil refinery in Russia's capital Moscow. Many parts of Russia have suffered…
Is Russia running short on fuel?
Donald Trump’s new Federal Reserve chair, Kevin Warsh, has held interest rates steady at his first policy meeting, despite being appointed with a clear expectation that borrowing costs would fall. What does it mean for ordinary business owners in the States? And we look how motorbike couriers smuggling Iranian fuel…
Ready, Fed, Go!
US Fed Chair Kevin Warsh who was appointed by Trump is to set to oversee his first meeting, but will he hold rates steady? In Japan, six major ice cream makers have been raided following accusations that they have unfairly raised prices. And the Boss of Mondelez who own Cadbury…
SpaceX overtakes Amazon to become world's fifth most valuable firm
Elon Musk's SpaceX has overtaken Amazon to become the world's fifth most valuable company after a surge in its share price. Why are people keen to invest in commercial space? Also, Cuba's tourism feels the impact of US oil blockade as fewer people visit the country . We hear from…
Why is consumer spending falling in China?
China's consumer spending and investment have fallen to levels unseen since the pandemic but what does that mean for their economy going forward? Also Donald Trump shares more details on that Iran-US deal at the G7. And we'll be finding out why tourism is declining in the Caribbean island of…
How will a US and Iran deal affect global shipping?
The US and Iran agree deal to end war and could lead to supplies of gas and oil flowing more freely across the world. We hear from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and from one of the world's biggest container shipping firms - Hapag-Lloyd. And as the…
Will energy prices come down after US and Iran deal?
The US and Iran have reached an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We will be hearing what this mean for oil prices in the global market. In the UK there's a ban on under 16's on social media. The UK says it it going further than other countries…
Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire
Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX shares soared following the company's stock market debut in New York. Andrew Peach examines what's driving the company's remarkable rise from its Starlink satellite business to the enduring appeal of the Musk brand. Also on the programme, Switzerland is preparing…
SpaceX Begins Trading in Landmark $1.8 Trillion Listing
Today is the day SpaceX begins trading on public markets after raising around $75 billion in one of the largest listings on record, valuing the company at nearly $1.8 trillion. Broader markets are also edging higher, with investors weighing whether enthusiasm around SpaceX is part of a wider surge linked…
It's official: 2026 is an El Niño year
El Niño has officially begun, according to scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Will Bain examines what the climate phenomenon could mean for food prices, energy markets, economic growth and weather patterns around the world. We'll also look ahead to Friday's huge Initial Public Offering in shares…
SpaceX Prepares for a Historic Market Launch
Wall Street is preparing for what could be the biggest IPO in history as SpaceX gets ready to begin trading on the public markets. We look at the final steps before launch, what investors can expect, and what the listing could mean for the wider technology and space sectors. Also…
US inflation hits three-year high
Gideon Long dives into the latest US inflation figures after prices rose at their fastest pace in three years. We hear from American business owners on the front line of rising costs. We also turn to China, where inflation remains far lower than in the United States, and examine what…
US Inflation Hits Three-Year High as Energy Prices Surge
The cost of goods in the United States is rising at its fastest pace in three years, with inflation driven mainly by soaring energy prices since the start of the war in Iran. Economists say the energy shock is feeding through into broader price pressures across the world’s largest economy…
UK watchdog investigates mega takeover with Paramount and Warner Bros
The UK competition watchdog started the investigation into Paramount Skydance's $110bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery. We ask the former CMA director how will it affect the deal? Also, why is Switzerland going to restrict the number of the population in the country? And we look into one of the…
China and North Korea: Strengthening Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has wrapped up a two-day visit to North Korea featuring military honours, public displays of friendship and talks with Kim Jong Un. While few concrete agreements emerged, the trip sends a clear signal that Beijing wants to strengthen its relationship with its isolated neighbour. Plus, Indonesia's…
Another legal setback for Trump
A federal judge has overturned the $100,000 H 1B visa application fee ordered by President Donald Trump saying it's an unlawful tax. IATA, the airline industry's main body says it likely to miss its key emission target. And China's Xi Jinping is in North Korea. What's he after?
Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions
Global stock markets have fallen sharply after a sell-off in technology shares combined with growing uncertainty over tensions in the Middle East. South Korea's Kospi index briefly suspended trading after plunging at the open, while Japan's Nikkei also suffered heavy losses. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping is in North Korea…
Is the FIFA World Cup boosting the US job market?
US hospitality industry leads on new jobs growth, but is AI still impacting hiring for white-collar roles? Moscow says the Russian economy is proving resilient in the face of international sanctions - we hear how the economy hits the local business from the Russian business owner in St Petersburg. And…
US jobs growth way better than expected
US jobs growth was way better than expected last month. The world’s biggest economy added twice as many jobs as economists had forecast: 172,000 versus predictions of around 88,000. Many of the new jobs were in the hospitality sector as pubs, bars and restaurants ramped up hiring ahead of the…