World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
How Ted Turner changed the media landscape
Ted Turner, founder of CNN died today. We hear from Brian Selter, CNN media correspondent and Lisa Napoli who was an intern in its early days to look back on his life and legacy. It’s also been another turbulent day with oil prices fluctuating dramatically as President Donald Trump believes…
India and Vietnam look to deepen economic ties
Oil prices drop after reports that the US and Iran are close to a peace deal. Donald Trump says the war could end with an agreement, and warns strikes will return if not. From the Gulf, we hear how the conflict is already reshaping investor thinking. India is chasing $20…
Tensions rise in the Persian Gulf
With the US and Iran trading fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire wobbling and oil prices continuing to rise, Sam Fenwick discusses the latest developments as the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to fray. We hear from Nikolas Tsakos, founder and CEO of one of the world's…
What's life like for seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz?
The ceasefire between Iran and the US is looking increasingly fragile after another day of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions rise, so are concerns about the welfare of the 20,000 seafarers believed to be stranded around the passage. In Brussels, European finance ministers have been meeting to…
Hostility fears escalate in the Persian Gulf
Are ships moving in the Persian Gulf and could it lead to the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran? Andrew Peach finds out more on the latest developments and speaks to maritime expert Captain John Konrad. Meanwhile, with two clubs celebrating joining the English Premier League, we hear…
GameStop wants eBay for $56bn
Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon. Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project…
Trump announces 25% tariffs on cars from the EU
The US President Donald Trump has announced a new hike on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, accusing the EU of not adhering to their trade deal. In the meantime, Beijing has announced that fifty-three African states will be enjoying trade-free trade with China - all except one,…
Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields
A third of the world's fertiliser is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. Farmers' are now predicted to produce smaller crops this year, affecting 10 billion meals a week. French car maker Renault says there's been a huge increase in interest in electric vehicles since the start of the war…
Oil hits new highs - how bad will it get?
We hear how oil prices have been swinging sharply, with Brent crude briefly hitting 126 dollars a barrel as tensions in the Gulf raise concerns about supply and the wider global economy. Saudi Arabia is to stop funding the LIV Golf tour after spending billions to lure top players away…
Oil prices on a rollercoaster ride
The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back. Markets were reacting to comments from President Trump about maintaining Strait of Hormuz blockade. Gulf oil producers are running out of storage space for oil production, as exports remain restricted. And Saudi Arabia is pulling…
Powell says he will stay on as Federal Reserve Governor
Jerome Powell says he will continue to stay on as Federal Reserve Governor, even after his chairmanship ends. We look at what this means for the future of the US central banking system. Three ships have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia in the past week. We look into…
You could be paying more for fuel for longer as oil price rises again
Oil prices have jumped despite the UAE exit from the OPEC groups of oil producing countries - we'll be looking at why. And more pressure is pilling on social media as a report finds Meta is in breach of EU law for failing to stop under 13 from using Facebook…
How will leaving OPEC impact the UAE's oil production?
The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ after nearly 60 years of membership, we find out what triggered them to leave. In the US, we hear what is being said in the major court battle between Elon Musk and ChatGPT founder Sam Altman. And we ask if lab-grown…
United Arab Emirates is quitting the Opec and Opec+
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it is quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations after nearly 60 years. As people continue to feel the pain at the pumps, energy giant BP has announced massive profits - meanwhile oil prices continue to climb. And with…
Is Sierra Leone's diamond industry under threat?
Diamond mines across Sierra Leone are closing, deepening economic uncertainty and raising fears of further conflict. Our presenter Ed Butler travels to the country’s mining region to uncover what’s behind the shutdowns. In the US, a court case is underway between the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, and the head…
How the rise in jet fuel prices impacting the global aviation industry?
Airline's could start going bankrupt the boss of one aviation company tells World Business Express. And why two tech titans are heading to the courts in California. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones
US consumer confidence and electric vehicles
US consumers are feeling less confident about their economy than at any other time. We hear from researchers and businesses about why war in the Middle East is making households fearful of the cost of living and rising energy prices. And, we hear from one of the bosses of electric…
Expect global markets to fall, says Bank of England
The Bank of England expects stock markets around the world to fall as share prices are not reflecting the many risks facing the world economy, so says the Bank of England Deputy Governor and head of financial stability Sarah Breeden. It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank…
Is a $110bn Paramount–Warner deal about to reshape Hollywood?
Shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have approved its sale to media conglomerate Paramount Skydance, with the merger valued at $110 billion. Rahul Tandon looks at what the deal could mean for competition, content and consumers. Also, BP suffers a shareholder rebellion over climate reporting. And Meta announces plans to cut…
Warner Brothers Discovery agree to Paramount acquisition
The shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have voted yes to an hundred billion dollar acquisition by Paramount. After fighting off Netflix to reach an agreement, the vote for Paramount became a formality....but then the next battle begins with the regulators. Tens of thousands of employees of Samsung have been protesting…