World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Anger erupts at petrol price hike in Nigeria
Petrol prices have increased sharply for the third time this year in Nigeria. Rob Young looks at why the oil producing nation continues to hike the cost of fuel and hear what impact it's having on those who drive for a living.We also hear about an innovative project in Kenya…
Hurricane Milton could cost insurers up-to $100 billion
Florida is counting the cost of Hurricane Milton, after the storm tore through the US state. Some estimates suggest it could top $100 billion. Rob Young talks to the state's chief financial officer – one of the most senior figures alongside the Governor - and asks how insurers will cope…
How are businesses preparing for Hurricane Milton?
Several million people in Florida have been told to evacuate ahead of the arrival of latest storm which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday night. We ask residents and business owners how are they coping? And we find out what will happen with the huge search giant Google after…
Should Google be broken up?
In this special world business report Will Bain looks at the impact of what could happen if Google is broken up by the Department of Justice (DOJ). We examine if Google is too big and whether regulators should get involved?
TikTok sued by 13 US states
More than a dozen states in the US have sued TikTok, accusing the social media platform of helping to drive a mental health crisis among teenagers. We hear the latest updates from the North American business correspondent Michelle Fluery. And we talk to the US truck driver who's currently delivering…
China imposes tariffs on more EU products
A growing trade war between China and the European Union heats up as China imposes tariffs on brandy imports.Also, Roger Hearing hears from the boss of Uber on the advantages of cheap Chinese electric cars…And Chile sees a welcome drop in prices at the till.Across to the US and The…
Hurricane Milton tears its way towards Florida
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a category five storm as it tears its way towards the US Gulf Coast and risks impacting businesses in the area. We talk to one of the business owners and look at the current situation.Also, we find out how expensive the future US presidential…
Maldives president in Delhi to seek aid and reboot ties
A lifeline for the Maldives as India signs a currency swap deal worth four hundred million dollars to help the island nation overcome mounting economic problems.Also, Roger Hearing looks at how employment in the tech sector in the US could affect the outcome of the election there next month.We look…
Oil markets react to speculation about where Israel may strike Iran
And, the home of the beautiful game gets ready for regulated sports' betting.
OpenAI value almost doubles to $157bn
OpenAI's value surges to $157bn in funding deal where the maker of ChatGPT raised $6.6bn from a pool of investors that include Microsoft. We also hear from North Carolina, where damages caused by hurricane Helene could have serious implications for the tech-industry. And we take a look at the effect…
Iran launches ballistic missiles at Israel
Iran has launched around 180 missiles but most of them were intercepted. The attack comes after Israeli troops invaded Lebanon, in a ground operation against Hezbollah. We get the latest. As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, collateral effects start to be seen in the oil market, where prices…
US dockworkers go on strike
Tens of thousands of dock workers in the US walk out in a dispute over pay and automation. Will Bain hears from our North America business correspondent Michelle Fleury, who's at the port of Newark. We also hear how the dispute could affect global supply chains, and the CEO of…
Strike poised to shut down major US ports
US ports brace for shut down as dockworkers strike is set to halt container traffic along the east and gulf coasts. We get the latest. The markets haven't welcome the arrival of Japan's new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba. We find out why. And we take a look at the 10-billion…
Japanese stocks fall after new PM calls snap election
Japan’s new PM has called an early election. Roger Hearing hears how the markets reacted to the surprise win of Shigeru Ishiba in the race to become president of the Liberal Democratic Party. The auto company Stellantis which owns Aston Martin, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Jeep has become the latest…
US imposes tariffs on Chinese goods
From today, a range of Chinese goods entering the US will have to pay steeps tariffs. The Biden administration has imposed a 50% duty on solar cells and 25% on steel, aluminium, EV batteries and key minerals. There is a 100% duty on electric vehicles to protect the American auto…
Is a trade war brewing between China and the US?
Is another trade war brewing between the world's two biggest economies? The United States has just increased the level of border taxes - tariffs - on electric vehicles as well as on solar panels and batteries from China. Beijing has vowed to respond. Rob Young looks at the reasons behind…
Japan’s hotly-contested leadership election
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will choose its new leader on Friday, after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s surprise announcement that he’s stepping down. But what do we know about those vying to take over from him? And how will a new leader effect the economy?Meanwhile, in Spain, union groups have…
Will China’s economic slowdown affect outside investment?
Devina Gupta looks at how China's slowing economy is helping some countries…Also, from cooling economies to cooling appliances that are becoming dangerous for our planet we look at the latest UN report and find out how a business in India is using solar energy to run a cold storage unit.And…
Pakistan’s IMF bailout package
Pakistan looks ahead to an anticipated $7bn IMF package as the country emerges from one of its worst economic crises since independence. Now, the government has amped up its efforts to raise nearly $46bn in taxes for the year - we hear from the former governor of the country’s state…
Is an IMF bailout ever enough?
We hear from a doctor in Pakistan who says he sees parents who do not have enough money to take their dead children home, highlighting the growing and devastating pressures poor families face as rising costs leave them unable to afford basic medication. Devina Gupta finds out if an IMF…