World Business Report

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The latest business and finance news from around the world from the BBC

BBC World Service


    • Aug 12, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 3,319 EPISODES

    4.3 from 233 ratings Listeners of World Business Report that love the show mention: business news, love every episode, analysis, daily, interesting, excellent, great podcast, best, listen.


    Ivy Insights

    The World Business Report podcast is an exceptional source of information and analysis for anyone interested in global business and economics. Hosted by Devina Gupta, the podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the day's top business news and trends from around the world. With Devina's fantastic presentation skills and insightful questions, listeners are sure to stay engaged and informed during their workday.

    One of the best aspects of The World Business Report podcast is its broad coverage of different parts of the world. Unlike other business podcasts that focus solely on local or national news, this podcast provides a global perspective on economic issues. Listeners get to hear informative news reports that touch upon various countries and regions, making it a valuable resource for understanding the interconnectedness of the global economy.

    Another notable aspect of this podcast is its financial update for the day. This wrap-up provides listeners with a concise summary of market movements and trends, helping them stay up to date with the latest developments in business and finance. Additionally, The World Business Report often features in-depth stories on current economic issues, offering valuable analysis and insights into complex topics.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to highlight about The World Business Report podcast, some listeners may prefer more detailed discussions or longer episodes. As a daily show, each episode is relatively short to fit into a busy workday schedule. While this allows for easy listening, those seeking in-depth analysis may find themselves wanting more from each episode.

    In conclusion, The World Business Report podcast is an excellent program for anyone interested in global business news and trends. With its comprehensive coverage, insightful analysis, and engaging conversations, it serves as a reliable source for staying informed about the world economy. Whether you're driving or working, this podcast is definitely worth your time as it keeps you updated with relevant and accurate information about the latest business news worldwide.



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    Latest episodes from World Business Report

    US Prices: What's Getting More Expensive

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 8:57


    The latest US inflation data is out, but with the cost of living still a major concern for households, how are Americans feeling about their finances? Plus, Colombia's new president is set to declare an economic emergency after Monday's devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake. And the chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India's vast Tata conglomerate, is stepping down when his term ends next February, after failing to secure board backing for another term.

    Total solar eclipse boosts tourism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 26:25


    As parts of Europe head for a "once-in-a-lifetime" total solar eclipse, we hear from one region in Iceland on how they are seeing a boost in tourism in a year when they have seen a decline in tourists from the US.Elsewhere, as the heat and droughts affecting Europe continue to hit the Rhine River, we get the impact on the German economy.Also, Nvidia raises $500bn for AI data centres for some of the world's biggest banks and investment firms, and we find how much the AI revolution will cost.And as hybrid working leaves more offices underused, could converting offices into homes help tackle housing shortages and revive business districts?PHOTO CREDIT: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

    Nvidia raises $500bn for AI Data Centres

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 8:56


    Some of the world's biggest banks and investment firms have partnered with the chip giant to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure.The money from the likes of Goldman Sachs, BlackRock and KKR will go towards Nvidia's own projects and those being built by its partners.Meanwhile, Trump Media, the company behind Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, has revealed that more than 10 customers have paid up to $100,000 each to use a controversial service that offers faster access to posts on the site.

    Why are billionaires investing in the Premier League?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 26:25


    A consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin are in talks to buy around a 30% stake in Liverpool football club. We find out why so many of the world's richest people keen to invest in the Premier League.Elsewhere rising temperatures are affecting economies across the world and we have been hearing from some of the areas affected on how it is effecting the way they do business. Also, Shein has been given the green light to IPO in Hong Kong. We find out why the valuation pitched to potential investors is low.And we hear one business's reaction to the news that Denmark is preparing to scrap its royal warrant system, ending a centuries-old royal seal of approval.PHOTO CREDIT: PA

    China launches first regular Arctic shipping route

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 8:55


    The "Ice Silk Road" will run along the north Russian coast on its journey between Ningbo on China's east coast and Felixstowe in the UK. Sea Legend, the Chinese container shipping company behind it, say the region is emerging as a viable alternative to the world's traditional shipping routes.Also, officials in Germany say falling water levels on the river Rhine could mean that it split into two separate sections for cargo boats. The river is forecast to drop below ten centimetres this week making part of it too low for commercial shipping and cruises.

    The USA's employment slump

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 26:26


    The US saw a weaker market after losing 23,000 jobs in July and it's figures are much worse than expected. We'll be hearing why the American economy isn't creating more jobs.Plus, could oil be the saviour of Venezuela's economic needs? As the conflict in the Middle East continues to choke global supplies, Venezuela has a unique opportunity to gain market share and investment through having the world's largest reserves.And, Wetherspoons, a large pub chain in the UK has banned Meta's smart glasses which allows the wearer to film what they're looking at, sometimes without the subject's knowledge. We hear from a bar owner who's followed suit for their customers' privacy.

    US creates fewer new jobs than expected

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 8:57


    Overall, the US economy shed 23,000 jobs in July in the latest sign of a cooling labour market. Traders say an interest rate rise is now less likely.Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, has been fined a record penalty of half a billion dollars in a court case over child safety.And a row has broken out in the UK as a local authority tries to stop people standing up in pubs.

    The heatwave economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 26:27


    This summer has been heatwave after heatwave, and countries like Turkey and Romania have seen a bumper harvest, we're taking a look at how the extreme heat is impacting farmers around Europe and what that could mean for food prices.We'll hear from a SpaceX employee who's been made a millionaire after selling his shares, and is it ever acceptable to wear shorts to the office?PHOTO CREDIT: EPA/Shutterstock

    Cashing in on SpaceX

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 9:00


    As some SpaceX shares become available to sell, it's potentially a massive payday for staff. We hear from a former worker about his plans for the money.Plus, across the world, communities are counting the costs of wildfires, conflict and geopolitical instability. The boss of Swiss Re speaks to Sarah Rogers about the impact on the insurance industry.

    It's extra time at FIFA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 26:27


    FIFA's leadership is under scrutiny as Gianni Infantino hosts crisis meeting with senior officials as their are calls for him to resign. Ed Butler will be hearing what his future is looking like.Also how a record drought is cutting rail freight in Europe and why the Saudi Crown Prince is buying one of the world's top video game developers.Photo Credit: PA

    Lift off for SpaceX?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 27:17


    Lift-off for Elon Musk's tech company, SpaceX, as it reports its first results since going public. We examine what the company is worth and hear investors' reaction.Also, we look at Spotify's latest user numbers and explore whether the music streaming giant could be running out of new listeners.Elsewhere, we hear from tech workers in Gaza, ten months after the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.And, how Europe has spent the summer trying to buy its way out of the heat.PHOTO CREDIT: (EPA/Shutterstock)

    Why are oil company profits so high?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 9:00


    Oil companies are seeing their profits spike as the Iran war continues, but President Trump says they're making too much money. So why are profits so high? Sarah Rogers takes a look. Plus, how would you feel if the government was allowed to access data from your phone? US tech giant Apple has confirmed it has launched a new legal complaint against the UK government for trying to do just that.

    Blues on the Danube

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 27:35


    We explore the impact of the Danube river running at its lowest level in decades on freight, car production and nuclear reactors in the area. Elsewhere in a big few days for the media sector, we explore why superheroes are back, the latest on the sale of Electronic Arts and why Netflix is going into short form content.Also, why one of Europe's most wanted drugs fugitives is living freely and with government protection in west AfricaAnd how Japan and the US have carried out a rare joint intervention to prop up the YenPHOTO CREDIT: (REUTERS/Marton Monus)

    Ukraine takes aim at Russia's economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 26:25


    Ukrainian drone strikes hit Wildberries warehouses across Russia, with 16 distribution centres damaged or destroyed in the past fortnight. As the country's biggest online retailer faces disruption and a Lukoil oil refinery is also hit, we examine why Ukraine is targeting Russian business infrastructure.Also, oil prices rise after Iran stops two vessels attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz. We ask why crude has not surged even higher, and look at how China's hidden oil reserves have helped limit the impact on global markets.FIFA faces a growing backlash over plans to sell minority stakes in a new commercial entity controlling future tournament rights, with UEFA, other federations and senior figures inside FIFA pushing back against the proposal.Plus, we examine the collapse of an AI-focused hedge fund once valued at $45 billion, led by 24-year-old tech entrepreneur Leopold Aschenbrenner, after its assets were bought by a rival firm for less than $10 billion.Image Credit: STRINGER/EPA/Shutterstock

    FIFA fallout: 'What's wrong with wanting to make money?'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 8:58


    Asian markets rebound strongly after a turbulent week for some of the world's biggest chipmakers. We look at what's behind the turnaround and whether investors are still worried about AI spending. Also, opposition grows to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. And another Ukrainian drone attack targets Russia, while China's factory activity unexpectedly contracts.

    UEFA Shows FIFA the Red Card

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 26:26


    We hear why UEFA is threatening to boycott future World Cups in a major showdown with FIFA over plans to create a new commercial entity to run its tournaments. As the row intensifies, we'll ask what it means for the future of football's biggest business with the New York Times' Tariq Panja.Also, the BBC's Nawal Al-Maghafi reports from Iran after a new wave of US strikes, looking at the impact on a country already facing deep economic and security pressures.And we look at Washington's move to restrict Chinese-made robots from entering the US market on national security grounds, and what it means for the future of automation and global trade.Photo Credit: Reuters

    Is this the start of the robot wars?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 8:58


    The US has moved to block new foreign-made robots from its market over national security concerns, with Chinese manufacturers expected to be hit hardest. Beijing says it could retaliate. We also examine the health of the US economy, as growth disappoints and inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve's target. And Australia's internet regulator takes legal action against Telegram over its alleged failure to remove terrorist content.

    Have FIFA scored an own goal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 27:09


    We'll hear reaction from the world of football as Fifa offers federations $40 million each to rubberstamp its plan to sell some of its commercial rights. As FIFA sends a letter to football associations explaining the plan and giving them a deadline of mid-September to agreeAlso, we find out the bizarre story of why eBay had to pay one couple $56 million after a campaign of harassment.And why Cuba has moved to open crisis-ravaged parts of its state-run economy to private firms.Elsewhere we get the latest from the US Federal Reserve which held rates despite rising inflation.PHOTO CREDIT: Reuters

    Luxury fashion houses bag a return to sales growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 8:56


    Jewellery and a strong North American market helped luxury goods giants LVMH and Kering grow sales even as promblems in the Middle East and China hampered the sector overall. We get insight from the former head of LVMH's head of North America. Elsewhere, it's "the same again" for tech investors in Asia, as trading on the Kospi index is holted to stave off a rout after Korean chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung saw further sharp falls in their share prices. 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.

    Is the World Cup up for sale?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 26:27


    FIFA faces a backlash from UEFA over plans to create a new company with private investors to run major tournaments, including the World Cup. So what could this mean for the future of football?Some of the world's biggest tech companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, have seen sharp falls in their valuations. What's driving the sell-off, and is it likely to continue?Peru has sworn in its first female president. What challenges lie ahead, and what could her presidency mean for the country's political future?(Picture: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo)

    AI investors spark Asia shares sell-off

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 8:57


    South Korea's Kospi index halts trading after huge falls for tech stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix. Are investors starting to fear the arrival of Chinese AI chipmakers? Also, firefighters in France and Spain are continuing to battle wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and seen tens of thousands of businesses forced to close. And one of London's most iconic landmarks is looking for an apprentice.

    Spains tourism is at tipping point

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 26:29


    From Barcelona to Mallorca, anti-tourism protests have spread as residents say booming visitor numbers are driving up costs and putting pressure on local communities.Wildfires are threatening France's famous Bordeaux wine region, with tourists urged to stay away as the flames spread.And why Germany is making it harder for workers to call in sick.(Picture: A demonstrator carries a placard during a protest against mass tourism and gentrification in the Balearic Islands, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Credit: REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla)

    Wildfires hit businesses across France and Spain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 8:57


    Wildfires are disrupting businesses, transport and tourism across France and Spain at the height of the summer holiday season. Also in the programme, China's leading memory chip maker makes a blockbuster stock market debut. And Indonesia faces fresh economic uncertainty after the surprise resignation of its central bank governor.

    Paramount ⁠Skydance pauses its $110bn acquisition ⁠of Warner ‌Bros ‌Discovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 26:26


    Paramount agrees to pause its Warner Bros deal after dozen US states seek to block this deal. We look at the impact of US tariffs of between 10 and 12.5% on imports from many of America's major trading partners. And how OpenAI's recent rogue attack on a fellow company may influence other AI firms to look at their cyber security systems.(Picture: GV of American landmark the Hollywood sign, Hollywood Hills, LA, California. Credit: BBC)

    Trump's favourite word is back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 8:45


    New import taxes have been placed on more than 60 trading partners of the United States. Businesses in Australia and Norway give us their reactionTech stocks continue to struggleand should AI have a 'kill-switch'Presenter: Barbara George Editor: Justin Bones

    Trump targets trade partners with new wave of tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 26:27


    US President Donald Trump has announced 10-12.5% import taxes for 60 countries, including China and the EU. It comes months after the Supreme Court overturned his initial programme of tariffs. So what countries are being targeted now, and why?As Houthis in Yemen resume attacks in the Red Sea, oil hits $100 a barrel once more.And weeks on from Venezuela's devastating earthquakes, the World Bank estimates the country has seen almost $20 billion of damages.(US President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House, following the Supreme Court's tariff ruling, February 20, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)

    Petrol and gasoline prices set to go higher

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 8:57


    The price of oil has gone back above $100 a barrel which could mean higher prices at the pump. It's after attacks on at least one tanker in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed HouthisPlus a shortage of eggs in Myanmar has led to prices soaringand the footballers rewarded for winning the world cup in Tomatoes Presenter: Gideon Long Senior Producer: Naomi Rainey Editor: Justin Bones

    Why AI technology 'went rogue'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 26:27


    Why OpenAI technology 'went rogue'? According to IT giant, some of its most advanced AI models went rogue and hacked a start-up after it lost control of them during a security test. Russia is feeling the economic impact of its war with Ukraine after drone attacks destroyed warehouses belonging to the country's biggest online retailer. We hear from the business owner who lost all her money. And we look at why Japan is urging men to wear shorts to work. (Picture: OpenAI says AI agent exploits vulnerabilities in security test, Berlin, Germany - 22 Jul 2026. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

    Brazil hit by US tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 8:56


    New 25% US tariffs on selected Brazilian imports are raising trade tensions. What impact could they have on Brazil's economy?Also in the programme Malaysia's ambition to become Southeast Asia's next data centre powerhouse. And why a campaign encouraging Japanese office workers to wear shorts is causing controversy. Presenter: Gideon Long Producer: Barbara George Editor: Naomi Rainey.

    More US tariffs on Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 26:26


    The US administration is hitting its neighbour Canada with a 50% tariff on imports. Products include wine, cement and even hockey sticks. We speak to Canadian businesses about how they are preparing for the latest round of tariffs.Also, President Trump has promised to help Lebanon "a lot" during a landmark meeting with his Lebanese counterpart in Washington. We hear from a food importer about what it is like doing business in the country.Elsewhere, we check in with a football fan from Curaçao to find out how much a trip to the World Cup cost him.And weight-loss drugs are a multi-billion-dollar industry. We explore why its two biggest players are heading to court.(Photo: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks after touring General Dynamics, a defence manufacturing facility, on the day he announced new measures to strengthen Canada's defence capabilities in London, Ontario, Canada, 16 July, 2026. He wears a navy blazer and a white shirt, with a light blue, patterned silk tie. Credit: Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

    How will Trump's tariffs affect Canadian businesses?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 9:03


    US President Donald Trump has announced a new 50% tariff on a wide range of goods imported from Canada. We hear from a group representing auto manufacturers.Plus, another blow for Paramount in its bid to take over Warner Brothers And we look at the challenges facing clothes-makers in BangladeshPresenter: Gideon Long Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Naomi Rainey

    New Prime Minister, familiar challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 26:26


    The United Kingdom has its seventh prime minister in just over a decade. Like many leaders the world over, Andy Burnham has vowed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and revive economic growth. But is it within his gift?And we find out why millions of passengers from outside Europe are finding long queues waiting for them when they land at airports across the continent. Also, as Spain celebrates its historic World Cup victory over Argentina, we drop in on the party in Madrid.PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Overs/BBC

    Andy Burnham becomes the UK new prime minister

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 8:57


    The UK gets its fourth Prime Minister in just five years - but what can he do for the economy?Russia feels the economic impact of its war with Ukraine after drone attacks hit the country's biggest online retailer. We hear from the business owner who lost all her goods in the fire. And if you're going to Europe on vacation this year - why it might take a little longer to get through the airport.Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Gideon Long

    Who really wins the World Cup?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 26:26


    Adidas sponsor finalists Spain and Argentina while Nike sponsor defeated semi-finalists England and France. How big a deal is this in the battle for sports branding dominance?We also hear what football fever in North America did for a local business that sells football shirts.And, Andy Burnham will become the new British prime minister next week but hasn't said much about his economic policies. The BBC's economics editor Faisal Islam goes to Manchester, Burnham's former mayoral constituency to look at his track record there.Plus, the Bayeux Tapestry returns to England after nearly a thousand years and will be displayed in the British Museum. This has been controversial because its priceless and fragile with thousands signing a petition asking for it not to be moved. Culture Editor Katie Razzall tells us how it's being looked after.

    Asian shares sink despite AI boom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 8:56


    A sharp sell-off in AI stocks sweeps across Asia. India joins a select group of countries running hydrogen-powered trains. And Netflix shares fall after its latest outlook disappoints investors. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Josh Martin

    Canadian forest fires choke much of North America

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 26:26


    Smoke from wild-fires covers much of North America. Toronto, Chicago and Boston are all under the smoke haze.Indian Government bans its seafarers from going through the Strait of Hormuz.And in Italy, thirty-two people were found guilty in connection with a bridge collapse in Genoa in 2018.

    Profits surge at Apple and Nvidia supplier TSMC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 8:56


    The company TSMC is riding the artificial intelligence investment wave all the way to the bank, as profits surge at the Taiwanese advanced chip manufacturer. Our correspondent in New York City will dig into the latest jobs and spending data - has the city's big summer of events made consumers feel more confident? And we head to Europe's biggest port - Rotterdam - to hear about a court case locals have taken to force the industrial hub to go greener, faster.World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world.

    New York bans new data centres

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 26:27


    New York becomes the first US state to impose a moratorium on building large-scale data centres. The measure, announced by New York's Governor Kathy Horchul, applies to all centres using 50MW or more of power and will remain in force for a year. We hear what the moratorium might mean for business. The announcement comes hours after Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese announces tougher rules for companies wanting to build data centres there.Elsewhere, the removal of a border fence separating southern Spain from the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar puts an end to border controls that have been in place for 118 years. And our correspondent Anna Holligan looks at Europe's largest freight port in Rotterdam, which is under pressure to be greener.

    Chinese EVs save economy from a serious slowdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 8:56


    Chinese GDP growth slowed to 4.3% but success in electric vehicles and EV batteries boosted export earnings. We also head to Gibraltar where citizens and businesses of "The Rock" and Spain cheer the end of passport checks on the frontier border following the post-Brexit agreement between Spain and the UK.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.

    US banks make huge profits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 26:27


    Big banks, big profits...We're looking at the handsome results posted by five big US banks today.We'll also look at threats to wheat exports in both Russia and the United StatesAnd why is American beef so pricey at the moment?(Picture: Close-up of benjamin franklin on scattered one hundred dollar bills. Credit: Getty Images)

    Could AI boom bring about a three-day working week?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 9:00


    US banks see supersized profits as dealmaking streak continues, but will US households feel any richer after inflation data showed gasoline prices at the forecourt eased for drivers. Video conferencing app Zoom has predicted a three-day working week as AI boosts worker productivity...but do bosses agree? And what will the fallout be for Paramount and Warner Brothers after their media mega-deal hit a regulatory roadblock?

    Twelve US states take on Paramount

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 26:27


    Twelve US states sue Paramount Skydance over its planned takeover of Warner Brothers. We hear from California's attorney general Rob Bonta who's leading the charge against that proposed 81 billion dollar Hollywood merger. Plus, South Africa's biggest diamond mine pauses production for two years. Find out why?And what would you pay for a bit of trash from Taylor Swift's wedding?(Picture: California Attorney General Rob Bonta holds a press conference next to the iconic Hollywood sign, in Los Angeles. Credit: Reuters)

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