Podcast · Business

World Business Report

by BBC World Service · English · Business

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

New episodes: Several times a day
Typical length: 26 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew

French FM tries to allay fiscal fears

France is under growing pressure over its finances. The government is spending much more than it brings in through taxes, while borrowing becomes more expensive. We speak to a French businessman to get his thoughts. We hear from the World Trade Organisation's chief economist, Robert Staiger about the significance of Artificial Intelligence in global trade. The BBC's Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy explains the ASOS data breach. And official replica football shirts are made by workers paid only a dollar an hour — a BBC investigation finds . (Photo credit: Reuters / Gonzalo Fuentes)

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

8 Oct 2026 · 9 minNew

Is AI powering a global trade boom?

The World Trade Organization has more than doubled its forecast for global goods trade growth this year, with AI-related products driving much of the strong performance. Also, Samsung and TSMC report bumper results as demand for AI chips continues to grow. Plus, France's finance minister addresses concerns over rising borrowing costs.
7 Oct 2026 · 26 minNew

US mortgage rates highest since 2023

Buying a home in America has just become even more expensive as mortgage rates have gone up for a seventh straight week to their highest level in nearly three years. We'll find out what's pushing the rate up further. We hear from the first black woman in the world to own and run a billion-dollar company who says she had to forgive herself for being 'black, female and smart' when setting up her business. And as Jaguar unveils its new electric car, can it put its ‘woke’ controversy behind it and win over drivers? (Picture: A picture taken with a drone shows single-family homes in Woodbridge,…
7 Oct 2026 · 9 minNew

Indian businesses brace for higher interest rates

Interest rates rise in the world's most-populous country for the first time in four years: will it curb inflation? Also, are hybrid vehicle prices about to jump in the EU? World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.
6 Oct 2026 · 26 minNew

Paramount takes over Warner Bros in mega deal

Paramount Skydance has officially taken over Warner Bros Discovery in a $110bn merger that is set to change the entertainment industry. We hear what this mean for cineme goers across the globe. As Lionel Messi prepares to play his final match for Argentina, we look at the extraordinary fortune the football superstar has built alongside his record-breaking career. And we will tell you why the price of your favourite chocolate bar could be about to go up. (Picture: A billboard displaying the logos of Skydance, Warner Bros. and Paramount on the Paramount Global offices in New York. Credit:…
6 Oct 2026 · 9 minNew

Education protests continue in France

Mass protests and school blockades have swept across France as teenagers, teachers, and unions demand more investment in dilapidated classrooms and smaller class sizes. India says its trade talks with the United States have now reached a “plateau”, after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up negotiations in the US without the breakthrough many had hoped for. OpenAI’s chief strategy officer has apologised to an Australian parliamentary committee after one of its models gained unauthorised access to government websites during testing.
5 Oct 2026 · 26 min

Markets rally after surprise Brazilian election result

Brazil's presidential election fails to return a frontrunner. This sets up a second-round runoff later this month between right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro finishes and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. There’s increasing concern about the pressures on airlines as fuel forces up costs. One airline, AirBaltic has announced more than 500 jobs losses And we look at the financial fallout for Tom Cruise's latest film, Digger, at the box office. (Photo: Scenes following the first round of Brazil's presidential election. Credit: Pilar Olivares/Reuters)
5 Oct 2026 · 8 min

Spain's housing crisis leads to snap General Election

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez seeks new mandate after Parliament rejected housing reforms. The election will be held on November 29. More oil is leaving the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman than in the days before the US/Israel war on Iran began. Will oil prices start to fall? And workers in India from different sectors are being used to train robots of the future.
2 Oct 2026 · 26 min

Why has Nike lost its shine?

In a bid to head off a US diesel export ban, G7 countries agree to release 100mn barrels of diesel and crude. We ask if the plan will be enough to keep global supplies flowing. And a home for one euro in some of the most beautiful regions of Europe sounds like a steal, but what does it really cost to take on an abandoned house? Picture: Mina Kim, REUTERS
2 Oct 2026 · 9 min

G7 agrees to release diesel from strategic reserves

Thieves target holders of cryptocurrencies in their own homes. As crypto coins have risen in value, reports of these violent robberies linked to digital assets have emerged in the UK, France and the US. And British pop star Olivia Dean has been accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers' soul classic Just The Two of Us in a legal case filed in California.
2 Oct 2026 · 9 min

G7 agrees to release diesel from strategic reserves

Thieves target holders of cryptocurrencies in their own homes. As crypto coins have risen in value, reports of these violent robberies linked to digital assets have emerged in the UK, France and the US. And British pop star Olivia Dean has been accused of copying the melody of Bill Withers' soul classic Just The Two of Us in a legal case filed in California.
1 Oct 2026 · 26 min

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal walkout could cost millions

One of the biggest names in world sport, Cristiano Ronaldo, has left the Portuguese national teams training camp, amidst speculation he could retire from international football. Ronaldo is the most famous Portuguese footballer of all time, the most well paid athlete in the world according to Forbes and his net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion. So how much is he worth on and off the pitch to the Portugal? Also, government borrowing costs are rising sharply around the world, led by a sell-off in US government bonds. What is behind the rise... And we look at Brazil economy amid a new…
1 Oct 2026 · 9 min

US government borrowing costs hit the highest level since 2002

Government borrowing costs are rising sharply around the world, led by a sell-off in US government bonds. The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury has climbed above 5.3%, its highest in more than two decades. Also, a US judge has cleared the way for Paramount’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Manchester City’s main sponsor, Etihad Airways, is considering legal action against the Premier League. And in Japan, consumption of its national drink, Sake, has fallen to around a third of its 1970s peak, as tastes have shifted towards drinks including beer, wine and whisky.…
30 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Ukraine introduces emergency power cuts in Kyiv

Ukraine has begun introducing emergency power cuts in Kyiv as Russia steps up its attacks on energy infrastructure. Kyiv has been preparing for a renewed onslaught before winter begins, by building fifteen small scale power plants in heavily fortified concrete bunkers. We find out how businesses are operating. Also, will a major new oil refinery in Kenya increase oil sales in Africa? Andy Burnham has suggested rejoining the EU - how will it work? And a new Singapore dating app launched to help with a record-low fertility rate. (Picture: Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Warsaw, Poland - 19…
30 Sep 2026 · 9 min

Kenya breaks ground on a major new oil refinery

The construction of a $16bn dollar oil refinery in Lamu, coastal Kenya is expected to create about 60,000 jobs and be completed within three years. It hopes to provide 1,000 megawatts of power generation, twice the capacity of his Lagos refinery, serving the needs of the Lamu refinery and beyond. It’s being backed by Africa’s richest man, the Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon Aliko Dangote. But the project is not without controversy. There have been clashes between police and protesters who say the land where the refinery is being built belongs to them. Also, President Trump is still deciding…
29 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Trump: AI companies to self-regulate

On Tuesday Trump, Musk and tech CEOs signed a document they have referred to as the "Accord on Super Intelligence." We go to the U.S. to hear the latest. Manchester City has been found guilty of all charges by the Premier League. A former chairman of the club tells us there's only one appropriate punishment. And in Spain young and old have protested for housing rights — after an 87-year-old was forcibly evicted from her home in Madrid. (Photo: Reuters / Jonathan Ernst)
29 Sep 2026 · 9 min

US ban on Canadian exports comes into effect

A US ban on several Canadian imports, including alcohol, dairy and motorcycles, has come into effect as a trade war between the two neighbours drags on. We hear from two business owners about the impact on their US sales. Also, inflation in Spain has risen more sharply than expected, hitting the highest rate in more than three years. And FIFA v UEFA continues, as football's world governing body accuses its European counterpart of spreading misinformation. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Naomi Rainey
28 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Musk's SpaceX Starship orbits earth

Starship carried out two laps of the Earth – rather than the planned six – before SpaceX decided to end the mission early and bring it back to Earth. There was concern launch would not go ahead as planned when engineers found an issue with one of its six engines before the mission started. In the U.S. there is backlash against data centres. We go to Pennsylvania to speak to a veteran activist about the protests — and speak to a journalist reporting on the issue. And Apple has been ordered to pay billions in damages after a US jury found it had used another firm's tech without permission.…
28 Sep 2026 · 9 min

How will the latest US-China trade deal impact businesses?

The US and China are cutting tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. What does it mean for trade between the two countries? Plus, what’s pushing oil prices higher again? And why are some people in Ethiopia’s Tigray region struggling to access their money? Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Naomi Rainey
25 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Manchester City found guilty of breaking Premier League rules

Independent panel finds City guilty on more than 100 charges after a lengthy investigation into financial rule breaches. Talks between US and China continue during President Xi's visit to Washington DC. And nearly three million Volkswagen and Audi cars are being recalled worldwide over a steering problem.
25 Sep 2026 · 9 min

Much ceremony little substance between Xi and Trump

Both leaders toasted each other, agreed to an economic future together and little concrete has been announced. We hear how the visit has been received in both China and the US. Also, we hear from the boss of a shipping company on the challenges of navigating attacks and disruption, and also what it’s meant for his bottom line.
24 Sep 2026 · 26 min

What does China and the USA want from the state visit?

On today’s episode, we take a look at the stories shaping global business and markets. We discuss China’s state visit to the United States with Claire Reade, exploring the key issues and what the visit could mean for relations between the two countries. Cary Leahey joins us to discuss what’s trending in the markets, from the latest moves to the themes investors are watching. We also look at the UN’s conference on scams and the growing international focus on scam operations linked to Cambodia. And could the growing popularity of high-protein diets be putting the food industry under pressure?…
24 Sep 2026 · 9 min

Trump welcomes Xi to the White House

Xi Jinping has arrived at the White House to hold talks with Donald Trump, as the world's two biggest economies agree to extend their trade truce by two months China's stock markets have had their worst trading day in a month, with investors frustrated at the news. Elsewhere, Cambodia's Prime Minister has insisted the country will no longer be a haven for scam centres as a summit takes place there to tackle the issue. It's estimated millions of workers around the world may have found themselves incarcerated, beaten or even electrocuted, before being forced to scam victims online.
23 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Presidents Trump and Xi prepare to talk trade, tariffs and tech

China's Xi Jinping visits Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump. Also, how Cambodia is fighting financial scams. And why McDonalds is betting big on chicken. (Picture: U.S. President Trump Meets With China's President Xi At Zhongnanhai. Credit: Getty Images)
23 Sep 2026 · 9 min

President Xi goes to Washington

President Trump will welcome China's leader to the US capital ahead of talks ranging from tariffs to energy costs to the future of AI. The trip is Xi's first state visit to the US in just under a decade and his third meeting with Trump since the US president began his second term in office. Meanwhile, the head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that advanced economies need to reduce borrowing because of the spiralling cost of it. Kristalina Georgieva said that global economic shocks had pushed up debt levels, but not enough had been done to contain the rising interest costs.
22 Sep 2026 · 26 min

UN General Assembly: will diplomacy talks help the global oil market?

We're assessing where a busy day of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly has left the global oil market. Face-to-face talks have begun between the US and Iran. But President Trump also concedes that a peace deal is unlikely before November. Can the stretched global oil supply survive that long? Also with Ed Butley, why are Xboxes on the wane, and why do women screenwriters write better movies? (Picture: 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City. Credit:Reuters)
22 Sep 2026 · 9 min

Could a shortage of tankers keep oil prices high?

The prices companies are paying for shipping the fuel have risen 12 fold in the last few months. In that time Brent Crude oil has fallen below 100 dollars a barrel, relieving some pressure that the rising prices have put on inflation around the world. But there are concerns that the shortage in tankers could reverse those falls. Also, Volkswagen's top executive in China says the country's domestic car market is going to decline by 20 per cent this year, and the impact will be the same as the COVID pandemic.
21 Sep 2026 · 26 min

What the paramount warner merger could mean for Hollywood

Paramount Skydance has settled a lawsuit with dozens of US states, removing a major hurdle to its $110bn (£82.8bn) merger with Warner Bros Discovery. We hear from the Hollywood film editor. Also in the show, we are looking ahead to talks between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping this week and we hear of more passenger chaos, this time in US airports. (Picture: Paramount water tower at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Credit: Reuters)
21 Sep 2026 · 9 min

Novo Nordisk shares slide

Shares in Novo, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy have fallen more than five per cent as the Danish pharmaceutical company sets out its future growth strategy. China and the US talk AI ahead of talks between the countries' leaders this week. And thousands protest in Barcelona against overtourism and plans to expand the city's airport. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George
18 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Saudi Arabia halts October crude deliveries to some European refineries

The situation is a result of reduced deliveries of crude oil via Saudi Arabia's East/West pipeline which was attacked by Houthi rebels from Yemen. Warren Buffett's son Howard replaces him as Chair of Berkshire Hathaway. And we why US College football is coming to Wembley Stadium in London.

About World Business Report

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

World Business Report is a English business podcast from BBC World Service. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC World Service
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Several times a day
Typical length: 26 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id292651411
Website: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00fvhj7
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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