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World Business Report

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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Episodes

How much could Taylor Swift's wedding cost?

With just 57,000 posts created in June, half the number expected, the US jobs market is showing signs of cooling. We talk to a restaurant owner about why it's getting harder to hire. And the latest on the computer gremlins causing chaos at European airports. We hear from the family of a businessman delayed by 12 hours and a travel expert: Are glitches in the new EU-wide border control system going to spell a summer of misery for non-European travellers? Also, if you were to hold your wedding in ...

Jul 02, 202626 min

Warnings you could get stuck in queues on EU borders

Is the US jobs market starting to lose momentum? Also, Europe's new border system is leading to long queues at some airports this summer. And India has told Meta to delay a new WhatsApp feature over fraud concerns. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

Jul 02, 20269 min

Why are central banks still worried about inflation?

As Eurozone inflation lowers to 2.8% in June, heads of the US and European central banks have say inflation isn't beaten yet. We look at why top bankers are still worried about inflation and what's actually driving it. Also on the programme we speak to one of the Gulf's oldest oil companies about why the Gulf oil industry will have to build back better to secure supply chains. And as one of California's own becomes a trillionaire, the state prepares to vote on taxing exactly that kind of wealth....

Jul 01, 202626 min

EU imposed €3 fee on small parcels in hit to Shein, Temu and AliExpres

The European Union has introduced a customs charge of just over $3 on low value items bought outside of the bloc. We hear from the EU commission MP who explained us why these measures are so important. The US president Donald Trump made more than $1 billion last year, from business dealing in cryptocurrency. And the toxic pufferfish with razor sharp teeth that are invading the waters around Greece, causing a huge problem for the country's fishing industry. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victo...

Jul 01, 20269 min

The Yen: How low can it go?

The Yen has hit a forty year low, despite the Japanese government spending billions on attempts to prop it up. We look at the impact on domestic business and exporters. Also, as sportswear giant Nike reports its full-year results, we speak to a brand expert to find out why the world's biggest sportswear name appears to have lost its way. And as the world's favourite safe haven loses its shine, we ask what falling gold prices can tell us about the health of the global economy. Presenter: Samantha...

Jun 30, 202626 min

Japan's currency hit its weakest level in nearly 40 years

Japan's Yen drops to its weakest level in nearly 40 years. One business owner in Tokyo tells us the company is struggling to hang on. Are further interest rate rises on the way for the Eurozone? We ask a leader at the European Central bank forum. And a new deal for steel as the EU prepares to bring in tighter rules.

Jun 30, 20269 min

Could This Be Britain's Next Prime Minister?

Andy Burnham has unveiled his plan to spread economic growth beyond London as he moves closer to becoming Britain’s next prime minister. We ask whether devolution — giving more power to England’s regions — could boost growth, and what it would mean for businesses. Also on the programme, the US Supreme Court blocks President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove a Federal Reserve governor, in a ruling that could shape the future independence of America’s central bank. We also ask why Comcast has decid...

Jun 29, 202626 min

South Korea bets $880bn on chips and AI

South Korea has announced plans to pump in least $880bn to strengthen its semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence capabilities in the coming years. And Comcast prepares to spin off NBCUniversal and Sky in a major media shake-up.

Jun 29, 20269 min

New York rent freeze: What next?

New Yorkers breathed a sigh of relief at the news of a rent-price freeze for a million apartments. In a recent win for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a housing board approved his pledge to prevent leases from going up and we hear about what this means for both the landlords and tenants. Our market expert also explains the potential pros and cons of this. And, as Europe's heatwave persists with temperatures reaching highs of 40C, we find out whether the region's infrastructure is prepared for this kind of...

Jun 26, 202626 min

Asia leads tech stock sell-off

Asia is bearing the brunt of the latest technology stock sell-off, as concerns that the excitement around artificial intelligence may have pushed prices too high. The late arrival of India's monsoon and below-average rainfall are causing concern for the country's 300 billion dollar agriculture sector. And King Charles’s property management firm, the Crown Estate, has made a profit of more than £1bn for the third year running.

Jun 26, 20269 min

What does the World Cup, Barbra Streisand, Levi's, and Heinz have in common?

FIFA is blocking logos from brands like Levi's, Heinz, and Beats at the World Cup. We find out why, and how the banned brands are turning the ban into a viral marketing moment. Micron Technology has overtaken Meta, Tesla, and Apple in market valuation, but most people have never heard of it. So what does this chipmaker actually do, and how much is it cashing in on the AI boom? The International Maritime Organization has "temporarily" paused its sailor evacuation plan in the Strait of Hormuz afte...

Jun 25, 202626 min

Europe's heatwave: Too hot to tour?

Tourism is taking a hit as an intense heatwave grips Europe. Several countries have issued red weather alerts as temperatures soar. We hear from tourists and a tour guide sweating it out in Paris. Oil prices have fallen to their lowest point since the war began. But when will consumers feel it? Around the world, gamers are bracing to spend $80 on Grand Theft Auto VI. And we speak to the COO of Patreon on why the creator economy is booming and who's actually making money from it? Presenter: Leann...

Jun 24, 202626 min

Heatwave blasts western Europe

Record June temperatures have been recorded in several countries, with highs of 44C. As the continent swelters, workers struggle in the heat. Power failure in Russian occupied Crimea after more overnight drone raids by Ukraine. And prices for Grand Theft Auto 6 have been revealed.

Jun 24, 20269 min

Heatwave blasts western Europe

Record June temperatures have been recorded in several countries, with highs of 44C. As the continent swelters, workers struggle in the heat. Power failure in Russian occupied Crimea after more overnight drone raids by Ukraine. And prices for Grand Theft Auto 6 have been revealed.

Jun 24, 20269 min

Farming during Europe's intense heatwave

Farmers across Europe are trying to protect their crops as an intense heatwave grips the continent. Several countries have issued red weather alerts as temperatures soar. Meanwhile, an operation is under way to evacuate thousands of seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Why have fuel sales to the public been suspended in Russian occupied Crimea? We also look at how trade between the UK and the EU has evolved a decade after Brexit And what's going on with Space-X shares now? Presenter: Lean...

Jun 23, 202626 min

Russia's economy is hurting

Ukrainian drone attacks are causing fuel headaches for Russian motorists. Fuel purchases are restricted in much of Russia, with petrol pumps running dry in occupied Crimea. Tech stocks around the world have fallen sharply, led by Elon Musk's rocket and AI firm SpaceX. And it's exactly ten years since the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union.

Jun 23, 20269 min

UK PM announces resignation

Sir Keir Starmer says he will step down as Labour leader and UK prime minister. What does the political uncertainty mean for the British economy? Cape Verde has become one of the stories of the FIFA World Cup - what impact is the tournament having on its economy? And Alan Greenspan, the longtime chair of the US Federal Reserve, has died aged 100. We’ll hear from the former Bank of England governor, Mervyn King, on Greenspan’s impact on the American economy. Presenter: Andrew Peach Producer: Rob ...

Jun 22, 202626 min

UK PM Resigns: What Business Wants Now

Keir Starmer announces he is stepping down as Britain's Prime Minister, triggering a Labour leadership contest at a crucial moment for the UK economy. We hear from Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of CBI on what businesses will be looking for next. Plus, how SK Hynix overtook Samsung to become South Korea's most valuable company, and a look back at the life and legacy of former US Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan, who has died aged 100. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Amber Mehmood (Image: Andrew Ma...

Jun 22, 20269 min

World Cup hydration breaks give advertisers advantage

The World Cup hydration breaks are giving players the chance to cool off, but we look at why this is an advantage for advertisers. Venice is now charging day-trippers up to $11 to enter the city in the latest efforts to tackle over tourism, we take a look at what impact this will have on local businesses. And the Toy Story 5 film is out today, we take a look at why the film's franchise has been a huge success for over three decades. Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producer: Barbara George and Pari...

Jun 19, 202629 min

India's biggest ever share offer

IPO aims to raise $4 billion for Jio Platforms hopes, the telecom unit of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance. Is the UK economy 6% smaller as a result of voting for Brexit in 2016? And Iran says ships won't be charged for passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the 60 days peace negotiations period.

Jun 19, 20269 min

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 of Massachusetts has unofficially "legalised" the Scottish dish haggis, as the state continues to welcome Scotland fans during the World Cup. Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producer: Barbara George and Pa...

Jun 18, 202626 min

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 fuel shortages in recent weeks. And Cuba's Communist government has approved reforms to try and revive its economy in the face US oil blockade.

Jun 18, 20269 min

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 into Pakistan, where riders say the war has triggered a new boom. Plus how does one of the world’s biggest oil producers end up short of fuel? We're in Russia where drivers are queuin...

Jun 17, 202626 min

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 and Toblerone speaks on why he decided to not exit Russia despite their invasion of Ukraine. Presenter Sarah Rogers Producer: Barbara George and Aleeza Siddiq

Jun 17, 20269 min

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 a local tourist guide. And will AI replace jobs of young people? We hear from a father and daughter about the challenges of finding work in the AI world.

Jun 16, 202626 min

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 Cuba. Presenter Sarah Rogers Producer: Barbara George and Aleeza Siddiq

Jun 16, 20269 min

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 UK ban socials for under 16's is that the right approach? And how it will affecting businesses?

Jun 15, 202626 min

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 to remove high-risk features on gaming platforms and livestreaming sites. And Starbucks across South Korea close for a staff history lesson - after a marketing stunt went horribly wrong. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Barbara George

Jun 15, 20269 min

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 to vote on proposals to limit population growth. But could restricting migration come at a cost to the country's economy? And we'll assess the legacy of one of the art wor...

Jun 12, 202626 min

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 to major AI-related listings still to come. There is also growing focus on the personal implications of the listing. The scale of the valuation raises the possibility of Elon Musk entering the t...

Jun 12, 20269 min
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