World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Can Japan afford its billion dollar economic package?
Japan has signed off a $135 billion stimulus package aimed at lifting wages, easing living costs, and boosting the economy. But can the country really afford it? We look at why some major airlines are banning power banks on flights. Is AI putting graduate careers at risk? The BBC speaks…
Is the Trump effect working on the US economy?
Is the “Trump Effect” working on the US economy? New figures show 119,000 jobs were added in September, sharply beating expectations after a slow summer. We’ll look at what’s driving the pickup. Also, novelists are increasingly worried that AI could replace them. Andrew Peach asks one writer whether a computer…
Nvidia results: three numbers that matter
Is the AI boom far from over? Yes, according to Nvidia, the world's most valuable company. The chip giant that's been at the heart of the boom has beaten market expectations again. We’ll break down the important numbers from its latest results. Why is Meta under pressure on two sides…
Do NVIDIA results suggest AI boom or bubble?
Nvidia has smashed market expectations with more than $57bn in revenues in its latest results. It's a sign from the world’s most valuable company that the AI boom may be far from over. Andrew Peach hears reaction from a company which owns Nvidia shares. Also, why the Dutch government has…
Nvidia results: What does it mean for AI?
The global markets are on edge, fears of an AI bubble burst are circling and investor anxiety is building as the world awaits Nvidia's earnings report. The chip giant which is the world’s most valuable company, has powered the AI boom and helped drive stock markets to record highs. But…
AI bubble rattles global markets
We look at the AI boom in detail, in the wake of comments by Sundar Pichai, the Google boss, in a BBC interview. He acknowledges the risks of a potential AI bubble. We hear the thoughts of the Nobel Prize-winning economist Daron Acemoglu as well as from a future of…
Three things we learnt from the Google Boss interview
Global stocks and shares have plunged for the fourth day in a row. The markets are falling as worries about AI valuations, the US economy and central bank rates hit sentiment. What happens if the AI bubble burst? We hear from the boss of Google in an exclusive BBC interview…
Thousands leave Myanmar after scam hubs raid
Myanmar government takes effort to dismantle Southeast Asian-based call centre scams and human trafficking networks. We hear more from Erin West, Founder and President of Operation Shamrock and former Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County. Also, why are we witnessing so many mergers in the US business environment? And…
How is Japan and China's spat affecting the economy?
Shares in Japanese retail and travel-related companies have fallen sharply in Tokyo, after China urged its citizens not to visit the country. The tensions spiked after Japan’s prime minister suggested Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan, which China claims is its sovereign territory. Meanwhile, why has Bitcoin…
US agrees to reduce Swiss tariff rates to 15%
Switzerland and the US have reached a trade deal which cuts US tariffs on Swiss imports from 39% to 15%. That's the same as on goods from its neighbours in the European Union. In return Switzerland will shift some manufacturing to America and Swiss companies will invest $200 billion in…
Billions wiped out as AI sector bears the brunt of tech sell-off
Leanna Byrne explores why global tech stocks have taken a hit this week, as investors dump AI favourites like Nvidia and Alphabet, wiping billions off market values. Google is offering to adjust parts of its advertising system to comply with a European Union order tied to a $3.4 billion antitrust…
European lawmakers dilute green rules
Lawmakers in Europe vote to limit green reporting rules for business. A boost for European competitiveness - or a backward step for the environment? And we examine the reasons why Starbucks workers in the US are going on strike.
The US is facing an economic blindspot
Leanna Byrne looks at the fallout from America's federal government shutdown, which has finally come to an end, but with a warning from the White House that October’s jobs and inflation numbers might never be released. Also, the Starbucks workers going on strike on Red Cup Day. And why Scotland…
Tariff relief for US consumers
We examine pledges to ease the tariff burden on some US grocery staples. How will a reduction in levies on coffee and bananas help the consumer? We also find out why food prices are going down in India and hear from Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz on what's driving increased global…
COP30: Amid protests, a call for a global carbon tax
In Brazil, Indigenous protesters have stormed the COP30 venue in Belém over broken land rights promises. Inside, climate talks continue with shipping under scrutiny. Leanna Byrne chats with the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation, who’s pushing for a global carbon levy despite US and Saudi opposition. Also, a Chinese…
Up in the air
We examine how the longest shutdown in the US history has affected the airline industry and hear from stranded passengers and furloughed air traffic controllers. And, on day two of the COP climate conference in Brazil, we talk a South African minister on what it will take to help poorer…
Crypto queen jailed for 11 years over $6 Billion bitcoin scam
Leanna Byrne gets reactions as a woman known as the Chinese crypto queen has been sentenced to jail in London for laundering billions in stolen bitcoin. Qian Zhimin was convicted of trying to launder more than sixty thousand bitcoins now worth around six and a half billion dollars. In Germany,…
Counting the cost of the longest-ever US shutdown
We hear from a worker who hasn't been paid in weeks and examine the wider impact on America's economy. And, what's happening on the opening day of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
Is the US government shutdown about to end?
Leanna Byrne looks at signs that the United States may finally be nearing an end to its record-breaking forty-day government shutdown. The Senate has voted to advance a bill to pay federal workers and reopen parts of the government but it still needs approval from the House. Also, two of…
US government shutdown grounds thousands of flights
There've now been more than two-thousand flight delays or cancellations in the US linked to the continuing government shutdown. International routes aren't being affected, but many air traffic controllers who've gone unpaid are calling in sick or taking other jobs. Jamaica is set to receive a $150 million payout from…