World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Anti-government protests over the economy in Iran turn deadly
In Iran, at least seven people have been killed in anti-government protests that were triggered by a sharp fall in the value of the currency, a rising cost of living and an economy that's labouring under Western sanctions. The price of cigarettes looks set to rise in India. What will…
How do economies hit by war rebuild in 2026?
Syria rolls out redesigned banknotes as part of a currency reform aimed at rebuilding after years of war. Russia, meanwhile, is pressing ahead with tax rises to help fund the war in Ukraine as the invasion nears its fourth year. Rahul Tandon asks what realistic economic choices remain for governments…
Bulgaria adopts the Euro
At midnight on 01 January, Bulgaria became the 21st country in the European Union to adopt the Euro currency. Also, Serbia's main oil refinery has been given more time to find a new owner, as it tries to avoid US sanctions against Russian-owned oil companies. And, we visit the Chinese…
How is streaming changing what we listen to and watch?
Netflix is screening its latest hit at the cinema and MTV is closing music-video channels. What can the latest moves in the entertainment business tell us about how streaming is changing our viewing and listening habits?
Global economic predictions for 2026
In our last episode before the end of the year, we ask: what could 2026 hold for the global economy? Will the US keep powering ahead, is China finally turning a corner, and how much further can interest rates really fall? And we speak to an applied futurist who advises…
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett retires
From buying his first shares at just 11 years old to now retiring at 95, we look back at what has made Warren Buffett one of finance’s most successful figures - and hear from someone who knows him about his legacy. China is the world’s second-largest economy and official figures…
Iran's store owners take to the streets in anger
Iranian shopkeepers are taking part in protests as the currency hits a record low against the US dollar, and annual inflation is running at over 40 percent. Denmark’s national postal service is delivering its last letter today, bringing an end to four centuries of letter delivery by the state-owned firm…
Iran traders protest as rial plunges
Traders in Iran have staged a second day of protests in Tehran, with many closing their shops and marching through key commercial areas to protest the collapse of the rial. Videos on social media show crowds chanting slogans against the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian, as officials warn against unrest…
Families seek answers a year after the South Korean plane crash
One year on from South Korea’s worst air crash, families say they’re still waiting for answers. Also, South Korea’s biggest e-commerce firm, Coupang, has agreed to pay over a billion dollars in compensation to its users for a massive data breach. We also look back at the hacking of one…
What is the economic impact of the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia?
We're looking at what's happening inside Cambodia, amidst that border conflict, with incursions going deeper into the territory from the Thai military. What are the economic consequences for Cambodia? Also we're looking at the sliding global oil price, and what Nigerians do for fun at the year's end. You can…
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…