World Business Report
Business & Finance
About
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
Episodes
- Why is US consumer confidence at a record low?
This episode examines the paradox of low US consumer confidence despite strong job and stock market performance. It also covers a Mexican trade mission to Canada, changes to Instagram's privacy settings, and rising gaming console prices.
- Donald Trump warns EU of new tariffs by July 4
This episode of World Business Report discusses Donald Trump's tariff threats toward the EU, the ASEAN conference in the Philippines amidst regional tensions, and a fatal mining accident in Kenya.
- EU and airlines disagree on fuel shortage concerns
This episode discusses airline flight cuts due to fuel costs, EU passenger compensation requirements, and rising costs within the fashion industry. It also explores the legal aspects of holiday accommodation disputes.
- Air Asia boss admits high fuel costs are hard to manage
Tony Fernandes discusses challenges with high fuel costs at Air Asia. The episode also covers Maersk's response to potential transit charges at the Strait of Hormuz and Madagascar's fuel shortages linked to the war in the Persian Gulf.
- How Ted Turner changed the media landscape
This episode looks at the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner following his death. The program also examines the impact of Middle East conflict on global aluminium prices and tourism trends within the US ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
- India and Vietnam look to deepen economic ties
This episode covers the drop in oil prices amid reports of a potential US-Iran deal, investor perspectives from the Gulf, India-Vietnam trade relations, and competition in the weight-loss drug market.
- Tensions rise in the Persian Gulf
Sam Fenwick discusses the tensions in the Persian Gulf, including reports on the US-Iran situation, oil prices, and the impact on tanker crews. The episode also features a segment on the high street following the passing of GAP co-founder…
- What's life like for seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz?
This episode of World Business Report discusses the welfare of seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic discussions among European finance ministers, and controversy surrounding the Met Gala.
- Hostility fears escalate in the Persian Gulf
Andrew Peach examines rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, the financial hurdles for new English Premier League clubs, and the growth of crime within the vintage clothing industry. The program also features global business news from Asia,…
- GameStop wants eBay for $56bn
GameStop announces a $56bn bid for eBay with the goal of competing against Amazon. Additionally, the US military begins escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla acquire a majority stake in the Rajasth…
- Trump announces 25% tariffs on cars from the EU
This episode of World Business Report discusses US tariffs on EU vehicles, China's new trade policy regarding African nations, and confusion in France over bakery opening laws on May 1st.
- Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields
This episode discusses the impact of potential fertiliser shortages on global crop yields, rising interest in electric vehicles at Renault, and the reduction of US import duties on Scotch whisky.
- Oil hits new highs - how bad will it get?
This episode of World Business Report discusses the rise in oil prices, Saudi Arabia's decision to stop funding the LIV Golf tour, and India's response to an increase in digital financial scams.
- Oil prices on a rollercoaster ride
The episode discusses the recent fluctuations in Brent crude oil prices following comments from President Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz. It also covers challenges facing Gulf oil producers and Saudi Arabia's decision to end funding…
- Powell says he will stay on as Federal Reserve Governor
In this episode, we discuss Jerome Powell's decision to remain a Federal Reserve Governor after his chairmanship. We also examine the rise in maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia and the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle Eas…
- You could be paying more for fuel for longer as oil price rises again
This episode examines the reasons behind rising oil prices despite the UAE's exit from OPEC. It also discusses a report alleging that Meta is in breach of EU law regarding child safety on its platforms.
- How will leaving OPEC impact the UAE's oil production?
This episode examines the United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC after 60 years. It also covers the legal dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, and explores the environmental impact of lab-grown diamonds.
- United Arab Emirates is quitting the Opec and Opec+
The UAE has announced its departure from OPEC and OPEC+ after nearly 60 years. Meanwhile, BP reports high profits amidst rising oil prices, and Mexico City faces pressure to finish infrastructure projects ahead of the World Cup.
- Is Sierra Leone's diamond industry under threat?
This episode of World Business Report examines the closure of diamond mines in Sierra Leone, the court case between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, and the potential resurgence of coal amid LNG export uncertainty.
- How is the rise in jet fuel prices impacting the global aviation industry?
The episode discusses how rising jet fuel prices may impact the solvency of airlines. It also covers a legal dispute between two tech companies in California.
- US consumer confidence and electric vehicles
This episode explores declining US consumer confidence due to economic concerns and global tensions, examines the growth of electric vehicle company BYD, and looks at the rising popularity of the board game Warhammer.
- Expect global markets to fall, says Bank of England
The Bank of England warns of potential global stock market declines, while Chinese AI firm DeepSeek releases a new model. Additionally, the Beijing car show highlights advancements in electric vehicle technology amid rising fuel prices.
- Is a $110bn Paramount–Warner deal about to reshape Hollywood?
Rahul Tandon examines the $110 billion merger between Warner Brothers Discovery and Paramount Skydance, alongside BP's shareholder issues regarding climate reporting and potential workforce reductions at Meta.
- Warner Brothers Discovery agree to Paramount acquisition
This episode of World Business Report discusses the shareholder approval of Warner Brothers Discovery's acquisition of Paramount, ongoing labor protests at Samsung in South Korea, and the economic impact of the US-Israeli conflict with Ira…
- Iran seizes cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz
This episode covers Iran's seizure of cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the potential impact of a US blockade, and business developments in Ukraine following EU loan news. Additionally, the podcast discusses first-quarter profit results…
- EU frees up money for Ukraine
The European Union has approved a $100 billion loan for Ukraine following the resolution of concerns regarding oil pipeline access. The episode also explores the current retail environment in Iran and the shift in perception regarding the…
- US senators grill new Fed chair
Andrew Peach and George Conboy discuss Kevin Warsh’s US Senate banking committee hearing. The episode also covers US-Iran relations, American oil companies, and the shift toward sports tourism in the Canary Islands.
- The new head of the Fed?
This episode of World Business Report discusses Kevin Warsh's nomination for Federal Reserve chair, leadership changes at Apple with Tim Cook stepping down, and the impact of conflict in the Middle East on the German economy.
- US businesses begin claiming tariff refunds
This episode explores US businesses seeking tariff refunds, the 50% increase in electric car sales driven by rising fuel costs, and the role of nostalgia in advertising.
- Tensions in the Gulf as US seizes Iranian ship
Global financial markets react to rising US-Iran tensions following the seizure of an Iranian ship. The episode also investigates reports of traders placing bets ahead of major announcements by US President Donald Trump.
- IMO warning for ships in the Strait of Hormuz
This episode discusses the IMO's advice on navigating the Strait of Hormuz, the impact of Middle East conflict on global oil prices, the IMF and World Bank's resumed relations with Venezuela, and the BAFTA Games Awards.
- Oil price plunges after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is open again
Following Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is open to shipping, Brent Crude prices fell by 10 percent. The news led to a decline in oil company shares and a rise in airline stocks, while the report also covers the current stat…
- Jet fuel warning in Europe
This episode covers the growing global jet fuel crisis and its impact on airlines, updates on Netflix following a drop in quarterly profits, Sweden's return to traditional classroom materials, and a shift in business strategy for footwear…
- Could Europe have ‘maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left’?
Fatih Birol of the IEA warns about potential jet fuel shortages in Europe due to Middle East conflicts. The episode also discusses China's economic growth and the impact of a refinery fire on Australia's fuel supplies.
- Trump threatens to fire Fed chairman
This episode of World Business Report discusses President Trump's threat to fire Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, Pakistan's diplomatic role in the Middle East conflict, and travel delays at European airports due to a new entry system.
- Pressure on US to ease global economic pain
Finance ministers at a meeting in Washington have expressed concerns regarding global economic strain linked to conflict in the Middle East. The episode also covers weak luxury sales, wage disputes in India, hedge fund tariff strategies, a…
- IMF warns conflict could tip global economy into recession
Andrew Peach discusses the IMF's warning on global recession risks, rising energy and food costs, and the impact of conflict on the airline industry. The episode also examines the implications of the American tipping culture on service and…
- IMF warns of global recession
The IMF warns that a worst-case economic scenario could drop global growth below 2% in 2026. The program also examines the fraud conviction of Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan and the upcoming auction of a gold pocket watch from the sinking o…
- Trump’s shipping blockade, the Philippines’ tax breaks, and Hungary’s political shakeup
In this episode, we examine the economic impact of a shipping blockade on Iranian oil exports, tax changes in the Philippines, and the political transition in Hungary. Additionally, we look at the legacy of Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle and h…
- US blockade begins on Strait of Hormuz
This episode of World Business Report discusses the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the political transition and economic challenges in Hungary, and pays tribute to the late Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle.
- First Iranian oil for India in seven years
India has resumed Iranian oil imports following a waiver on US sanctions. Additionally, the boy band BTS has officially started their latest world tour.
- What the US-Iran ceasefire means for oil prices, flights and bills
This episode of World Business Report examines the economic impact of the US-Iran ceasefire on global oil prices, shipping, and the travel industry. It covers the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the implications for airline o…
- Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most households
The Sri Lankan government has raised electricity prices for most households following a surge in fuel costs. Additionally, the episode examines the impact of the conflict on jet fuel prices and discusses a business deal between Unilever an…
- Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel?
This episode of World Business Report discusses the factors behind the sharp rise in diesel prices, the potential for increased subscription costs following a World Trade Organization failure on ecommerce tariffs, and the growth of India's…
- US allows Russian oil sales to tackle rising prices
The US has granted India a waiver to purchase Russian oil to address global supply concerns. Additionally, the Qatari energy minister has warned of potential energy export shutdowns, and vote counting is underway in Nepal.
- Can Gulf countries export oil before storage runs out?
This episode examines the potential impact of halted travel through the Strait of Hormuz on crude oil shipments from Iraq and Kuwait. It also covers China lowering its economic growth forecast to its lowest point since 1991.
- Strait talking: Energy markets rocked as conflict intensifies
Natural gas prices rose in Europe following the closure of Qatar's LNG base, while concerns over the Strait of Hormuz led to an increase in crude oil prices. The chief of Yara warns that potential supply disruptions could impact global cro…
- Iran: War in Middle East rattles global markets
This episode of World Business Report discusses the impact of Middle East strikes on global markets, air travel, and oil prices. It features insights from investors, analysts, and insurance industry experts regarding the ongoing conflict.
- Could US access to Greenland's minerals be the answer to President Trump's territorial ambitions?
This episode discusses potential US interest in Greenland's minerals, touching on foreign ministers' talks in Washington. It also covers China's record export numbers and the bankruptcy protection filing by Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Review of the year 2025 - from tariffs to Labubu
The World Business Report reviews 2025, covering the global impact of tariffs and the popularity of the Labubu doll, as reported by correspondents.