World Business Report

The Swiss franc soars to its highest level against the dollar in more than a decade as investors flee the dollar in search of a safe haven. We look at what that means for Swiss exporters and the central bank.Plus, why have several big global companies announced job cuts, even though they appear to be doing well financially?And the boss of Cisco warns of "carnage" if an AI-driven bubble on stock markets bursts.

A free trade agreement dubbed the mother of all trade deals has finally been announced between the European Union and India after two decades of negotiations. What do businesses make of it?Across the globe then to hear why Canadians are boycotting ski resorts in America. In the US, a landmark social media addiction case has tech giants settling before reaching court. And country music is popular (according the Gen-Z). [Photo:President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa shake hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India. Credit: RAJAT GUPTA/EPA/Shutterstock]

The European Union and India have announced a landmark trade deal as both sides aim to deepen ties amid tensions with the US. It will allow free trade of goods between the bloc of 27 European states and the world's most populous country, which together make up nearly 25% of global gross domestic product and a market of two billion people.Meanwhile, Donald Trump threatens South Korea with more tariffs, and a big shift in the global sportswear business as France's billionaire Pinault family sells a big chunk of its Puma holding to China's Anta Sports.

The Trump administration ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to step up the removal of undocumented migrants more than six weeks ago, triggering large scale protests across the US. Rahul Tandon speaks to business owners who say staff are too frightened to come into work.In France, the government moves a step closer to banning social media for children under 15s.And as a deadly winter storm batters the US and Canada, a farmer explains how he keeps his animals safe in extreme conditions.[Photo: Protests in Minneapolis. Credit:CRAIG LASSIG/EPA/Shutterstock]

Ten European countries bordering or close to the North Sea, including Germany, France, the UK and Norway, have pledged $11.3 billion to expand offshore wind capacity by 2030. They describe it as a historic deal that will wean Europe off dependency on Russian energy.Plus, France starts debating a ban on social media for under-15s in the wake of a similar move in Australia.And India and the EU are poised to conclude a trade deal.

Andrew Peach speaks to the man in charge of keeping Ukraine's largest private energy company going in the face of relentless Russian drone attacks on the country's networks. And we look at how the US administration's decision to end protected visa status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians is hitting the retirement home industry in Florida. Also, we'll be finding out how Robbie Williams has become bigger than the Beatles - by one measure at least.

The social media giant has finalised a deal to allow it to continue to operate in the United States where its famous algorithm will be retrained exclusively on American user-data.For the past year TikTok's been at the heart of a dispute between its Chinese owner Bytedance and the US government over data privacy. Plus we'll give you a rare glimpse into life on board one of the ships in Russia's shadow fleet.

Global economic tensions over Greenland may be fading, but the uncertainty is prompting questions about whether some of America's trade partners should look to diversify into new markets. Also, the film Sinners sets a new Oscars record with sixteen nominations, but do more nominations always translate into higher box office revenue? And demand soars for the most talked about item at Davos - President Macron's blue sunglasses.(Photo: A 3D printed miniature of U.S. President Donald Trump and Greenland flag taken January 9, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

Blue Origin, the company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, says it will launch a new satellite-based communications network called TeraWave. We find out if it could eventually rival Elon Musk's Starlink, which currently dominates the satellite internet market. Plus, the conversation in Davos switches to the economic future of Venezuela. And Spanish football giants Real Madrid are the richest football club in the world, again.

President Trump makes a u-turn on tariffs after reaching a framework for a future deal over Greenland. Leanna Byrne asks - what do we know about this deal?We also follow the US Supreme Court hearing involving Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, who denies allegations of misrepresenting her home ownership status. And the EU-Mercosur trade deal faces a legal challenge.(Photo: US President Donald Trump speaking at the annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2026. Credit: Photo by World Economic Forum/PA Wire)

The settlement comes just days before the landmark case was due to go to trial in LA

The World Economic Forum at the Swiss resort of Davos has been dominated by President Trump's ambition to take control of Greenland, and his threat to impose tariffs on European countries that resist. EU leaders could be hitting back with tariffs of their own. So, what are the market reactions in the US and in Europe? Also, it was tariffs on allies, tariffs on rivals, tariffs that sent shockwaves through the global economy. One industry that felt the impact is cars. We will hear businesses in South Africa, the US, and Canada. (Photo: US President Donald Trump holds a press briefing with reporters at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 20 January 2025. Credit: Photo by JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/Shutterstock).

President Trump insists there's ‘no going back' on taking control of the island

The US President remains committed to taking control of the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, leading to strong push back from European leaders. We get reaction from the Duncan Edwards, CEO of the BritishAmerican Business trade body and Matthew Bartlett, Republican strategist and who worked in the State Department during the first Trump administration. Plus, we hear from American farmers in Texas, Minnesota and New York about how a year of tariffs has affected their businesses and livelihoods.(Photo: A 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump, and the EU and Greenland flags appear in this illustration taken January 17, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

Leaders of European countries have reacted angrily to the threat of additional tariffs by the US. Donald Trump says he'll first put 10% then 25% extra import tax on eight countries including Germany, France and the UK as he increases the pressure on his claim for Greenland to be sold by Denmark to the United States.China reports 5% GDP growth, but weak demand and falling birth rates signal deeper challenges for the world's second-largest economy.And winners crowned on and off the pitch at football's African Cup of Nations. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Editor: Justin Bones

China and Canada strike a trade deal after a high stakes meeting between the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Xi.And Europe and South America sign a trade deal after twenty five years. The EU-Mercosur agreement will require the approval of the European parliament within the next few months.

The agreement, between the South American trade bloc Mercosur and the European Union which is set to be signed this weekend, has been 25 years in the making.The deal will eliminate import taxes or tariffs on more than 90 percent of goods traded between Europe and the South American nations. Europe hopes to boost its exports of cars, machinery and medicines, while South American farmers see a huge new market for their crops and produce.Meanwhile, Canada and China have also been making a deal of sorts, what they call a new strategic partnership.And research in Kenya has shown that many young people would choose to be a Tiktoker or a YouTuber over a more conventional job, like a doctor or a lawyer.

Two years on, one of the world's biggest shipping companies - Maersk - says it's preparing to return to the Red Sea — and in aviation, Chinese-made passenger jets may be edging closer to European skies.Also today — new data suggests Iran's internet blackout has cost the economy around 260 million dollars in lost business activity.

Several governments have been piling pressure on Musk's AI company, xAI, after Grok was used to generate a flood of sexually explicit and non-consensual images, including of women and children.X says it will now geo-block the creation or editing of images showing people in bikinis, underwear or similar clothing in countries where that content is illegal and restrict image generation on Grok to paid subscribers only.Talks between the US, Denmark and Greenland have been called "frank but constructive", resulting in what the Danish foreign minister described still as a "fundamental disagreement" over the future of Greenland.And Wikipedia turns 25, we hear from it's founder.

President Trump wants to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for a year. But the big banks warn that could limit lending and hit the most vulnerable first. Also today - why prices for metals like copper and tin are hitting record highs, we'll investigate what's behind the surge.And despite fresh US tariffs under President Trump — and a volatile global economic backdrop — China posted a record trade surplus of around $1.2 trillion.Picture:Illustration shows Bank of America, Citi bank and Wells Fargo credit card mockups, Reuters

President Donald Trump says NATO would be stronger if Greenland were under US control. Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers are about to hold talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.The meeting could shape investment, mining and military spending across the Arctic.China's announced record export numbers and the biggest ever trade surplus in global history of 1 point 2 trillion dollars. We explain what this meansand Saks Fifth Avenue has applied for Bankruptcy protection

Sam Fenwick takes a look as US President Donald Trump brings back tariffs, this time targeting countries that continue trading with Iran, with China among those in focus. New US inflation figures show price rises are easing, but many American shoppers still say their weekly bills feel high. And pressure on the Federal Reserve has spilled into an open row with its chair, Jay Powell, drawing in central bankers from around the world.(PHOTO: People wave flags during a demonstration in support of the national protests in Iran, in Barcelona, Spain January 13, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/ Albert Gea).

US President Donald Trump has said countries doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on trade they do with America. How will it impact Iranian business owners?An Indian tea-grower explains their expectations from India and US trade talks?We look at the latest US consumer prices.And the World Bank says the global economy is doing slightly better than expected.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bone

Sam Fenwick examines a growing political storm at the world's most powerful central bank, as US prosecutors investigate the Federal Reserve and its chair. At Meta, a former adviser to Donald Trump steps into one of Silicon Valley's biggest jobs, prompting new scrutiny of Big Tech's relationship with Washington. And in the Caribbean, Cuba faces a potential energy crunch after oil shipments from Venezuela come to a halt.(PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speak during a tour of the Federal Reserve Board building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 24, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo).

The Chair of the US Federal Bank Jerome Powell has released a statement in which he says a criminal investigation is about whether the bank can change interest rates based on what will serve the public rather than what the President wants. Donald Trump has denied he knows anything about the investigation which is focused on testimonies given to Congress last year on building work being carried out at the Fed's HQ. Also we hear from a shopkeeper who's been protesting over economic conditions in Iran. The X-owned AI platform Grok has been banned in Malaysia and IndonesiaAnd the boss of beer giant Heineken is stepping down as the Dutch based multi-national faces falling sales.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Editor: Justin Bones

The US president, Donald Trump, has met top American energy executives in the White House, saying his government will choose which US firms can exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Also, Elon Musk's social media site X could face a UK ban over a feature enabling users to create fake, sexualised images of women. And why the search for more protein and fibre means some takeaway food stores are feeling the pinch.(PHOTO: A model of an oil pump is seen in front of a Venezuelan flag in this illustration taken January 9, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration). Presenter: Andrew Peach Editor: Craig Henderson Producer: Ahmed Adan

A free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American trade bloc is approved, but some countries aren't happy. We speak to a European Commissioner for Trade about the deal.And there's another big deal brewing - this time in the mining sector, as Glencore and Rio Tinto are in preliminary talks about a takeover worth two hundred and seven billion dollars. A mining analyst gives us his take on what it could mean for the industry.And how has news of that deal affected markets? We'll be finding out.

As President Trump and European leaders have their say about Greenland, BBC's Andrew Peach hears from Greenland's business minister, Naaja Nathanielson. And, in a few weeks, a group of potential investors and hedge fund managers will be heading to Venezuela after its president was forcibly removed by the US. We will hear of those heading to Caracas. Also, beef prices in the US are at record highs – they went up by 22% last year.(Photo: The Greenlandic flag Erfalasorput flies on the Tivoli Castle in Tivoli in Copenhagen, Denmark, 08 January 2026. Credit: Ida Marie Odgaard/EPA/Shutterstock)Presenter: Andrew Peach Editor: Craig Henderson Producer: Ahmed Adan

President Trump wants Greeland - and security, money, minerals and influence are all part of the picture. We chat to a Danish politician about Trump's claims. In the US, Trump wants to crack down on payouts to executives and shareholders of major US defence contractors - and also plans to dramatically increase military spending. A defence specialist gives us the lowdown on his objectives. And tech giant Samsung expects bumper profits, so how has that affected its shares? We'll be finding out.

The United States military has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil. This comes as Venezuela's state-run oil company is confirming – for the first time – that it is negotiating the sale of crude oil to the United States after the US Energy Secretary said that Washington would control Venezuelan oil sales 'indefinitely'. Also, the global race between the world's biggest companies and countries to build the most powerful computers ever seen. And Warner Brothers Discovery is telling its shareholders to once again reject an updated bid from Paramount Skydance, calling it inferior.(PHOTO: The vessel tanker Bella 1 [now called the Marinera] at Singapore Strait, after U.S. officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025. Credit: Hakon Rimmereid/via REUTERS)

The US President says the interim authorities in Venezuela will be turning over up to fifty million barrels of what he called sanctioned oil to the United States.Staying in the US where the Department of Health has frozen child care and family assistance in five Democrat- governed states, alleging -- without providing evidence -- concerns over fraud and misuse of public funds in state- run programmes.Flights across parts of North Western Europe are continuing to face major disruption due to wintry conditions. One of the worst affected airports is Schipol in the Netherlands - a major hub for travellers. And – the BBC's Economics Editor Faisal Islam reports on one of the world's most advanced computers - Google's ‘Willow', a quantum computer which is the centre of a battle between the world's biggest tech companies.

As people wonder what happens next, we talk to a student and business owner about their hopes for Venezuela's future, and explore the economy beyond oil production. Also, does sacking football managers make good business sense?And we hear from gym enthusiasts keen on a German fitness trend.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.(Picture: People walk in front of graffiti reading "Free Maduro" during a women's march toward the office of interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas, Venezuela, January 6, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)

Six European leaders today rallied to Greenland's support after the President Donald Trump said the US ‘needed Greenland'.The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark said in a joint statement, that Greenland ‘belongs to its people...and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations"We look at Greenland's business community and how it is responding to all the uncertainty over its future.Also – as the first retail sales of Xmas are revealed…will it be a bumper year for companies relying on seasonal shopping.And, as Manchester United part company with yet another manager, we look at the cost to the club in replacing Ruben Amorim, and those who have gone before him….Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

We get a sense of what prices and the jobs market are like in Venezuela, and also look at the country's oil sector.And we also talk the about the global obsession surrounding Korean skincare and cosmetics - K-beauty.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Markets give their verdict on America's dramatic military intervention in Venezuela. Shares of US oil giants like Chevron and Exxon Mobil are soaring... after President Trump suggested they can play a lead role in restoring Venezuela's oil industry But there's been criticism from China and Iran - traditional allies of Venezuela - and from Spain, which is home to an estimated 600,000 Venezuelans many who have fled the economic troubles in their home country.We speak to a former US ambassador to Venezuela, Patrick DuddyAnd – you may have heard of South Korea's K-Pop phenomenon…we look at how K-Beauty is now taking centre stage.Presenter - Leanna Byrne Senior Producer - Craig Henderson

The Chinese car company BYD has overtaken Elon Musk's Tesla as the world's biggest seller of electric vehicles. We unpack how it happened.How viable is it to be a content creator? We look at how TikTok became a political flashpoint between the US and China.And good news for pasta lovers? The US has slashed proposed tariffs on imports from Italy.(Photo: A worker cleans up a BYD Dolphin. Credit: MAST IRHAM/EPA/Shutterstock (15865396e))

In Iran, at least seven people have been killed in anti-government protests that were triggered by a sharp fall in the value of the currency, a rising cost of living and an economy that's labouring under Western sanctions. The price of cigarettes looks set to rise in India. What will it mean for tobacco farmers?Also, factory activity in the Euro Zone area contracted further last month.Presenter: Gideon Long Producer: Ahmed Adan and Amber Mehmood Editor: Justin Bones

Syria rolls out redesigned banknotes as part of a currency reform aimed at rebuilding after years of war. Russia, meanwhile, is pressing ahead with tax rises to help fund the war in Ukraine as the invasion nears its fourth year. Rahul Tandon asks what realistic economic choices remain for governments under that kind of strain. In the US, New York City has a new mayor: Zohran Mamdani. We speak to an adviser who served on his inaugural committee about what his agenda means for the city's economy. And our North America Technology Correspondent Lily Jamali reports back after a year investigating whether the gains from artificial intelligence are being shared more widely accross America - or still concentrated among a few firms and regions.

At midnight on 01 January, Bulgaria became the 21st country in the European Union to adopt the Euro currency. Also, Serbia's main oil refinery has been given more time to find a new owner, as it tries to avoid US sanctions against Russian-owned oil companies. And, we visit the Chinese village at the centre of red paper lantern production.

Netflix is screening its latest hit at the cinema and MTV is closing music-video channels. What can the latest moves in the entertainment business tell us about how streaming is changing our viewing and listening habits?

In our last episode before the end of the year, we ask: what could 2026 hold for the global economy? Will the US keep powering ahead, is China finally turning a corner, and how much further can interest rates really fall?And we speak to an applied futurist who advises businesses and governments on the pressures shaping the years ahead. We ask what his key predictions are for 2026, and what they could mean for workers, companies and governments.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Haider Saleem and Amber Mehmood Editor: Stephen Ryan

From buying his first shares at just 11 years old to now retiring at 95, we look back at what has made Warren Buffett one of finance's most successful figures - and hear from someone who knows him about his legacy.China is the world's second-largest economy and official figures show strong growth. But a new report suggests the reality may be different. We speak to one of the people behind that report.Also, we look at the upcoming trial of a former military officer accused of blowing up one of Europe's largest gas pipelines.(Picture: Warren Buffet. Credit: EPA)