World Business Report

El Niño has officially begun, according to scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Will Bain examines what the climate phenomenon could mean for food prices, energy markets, economic growth and weather patterns around the world. We'll also look ahead to Friday's huge Initial Public Offering in shares in SpaceX. And the World Cup is under way. We hear from businesses and residents about the opportunities, disruptions and expectations as the tournament gets started.(Picture:Indonesian farmers brace for possible dry spell linked to El Nino. Indonesia, June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan)

Wall Street is preparing for what could be the biggest IPO in history as SpaceX gets ready to begin trading on the public markets. We look at the final steps before launch, what investors can expect, and what the listing could mean for the wider technology and space sectors. Also on the programme, the European Central Bank has raised interest rates for the first time in almost three years as policymakers respond to inflationary pressures across the eurozone. Nearly a year after the crash of Air India Flight 171, investigators are expected to provide an update. But the inquiry has become increasingly controversial, with competing theories about what caused the disaster and growing scrutiny of the investigation itself. And the World Cup kicks off in Mexico. We head to Atlanta, one of the tournament's host cities, to find out whether businesses and residents are ready for the economic opportunities and challenges that come with football's biggest event. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

Gideon Long dives into the latest US inflation figures after prices rose at their fastest pace in three years. We hear from American business owners on the front line of rising costs. We also turn to China, where inflation remains far lower than in the United States, and examine what the latest figures reveal about the strength of the world's second-largest economy. And with the FIFA World Cup approaching North America, how are businesses preparing for the economic opportunities the tournament could bring?(Picture: Fuel prices are displayed outside a gas station in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2026.JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/Shutterstock)

The cost of goods in the United States is rising at its fastest pace in three years, with inflation driven mainly by soaring energy prices since the start of the war in Iran. Economists say the energy shock is feeding through into broader price pressures across the world's largest economy.Meanwhile, Taiwan's TSMC, a key player in the global AI boom and the centre of the US-China tech rivalry, has been speaking exclusively to the BBC about whether it can keep up with surging demand for advanced chips.And with just a day to go, large numbers of World Cup 2026 tickets are appearing on resale platforms. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

The UK competition watchdog started the investigation into Paramount Skydance's $110bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery. We ask the former CMA director how will it affect the deal?Also, why is Switzerland going to restrict the number of the population in the country?And we look into one of the most successful IPO - SpaceX.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has wrapped up a two-day visit to North Korea featuring military honours, public displays of friendship and talks with Kim Jong Un. While few concrete agreements emerged, the trip sends a clear signal that Beijing wants to strengthen its relationship with its isolated neighbour.Plus, Indonesia's central bank has unexpectedly raised interest rates in an effort to stabilise the rupiah after its sharpest decline in years. And the race to public markets is accelerating. Just days before SpaceX is expected to begin trading, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering. We look at what could be one of the most significant listings in the technology sector for years. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

A federal judge has overturned the $100,000 H 1B visa application fee ordered by President Donald Trump saying it's an unlawful tax.IATA, the airline industry's main body says it likely to miss its key emission target.And China's Xi Jinping is in North Korea. What's he after?

Global stock markets have fallen sharply after a sell-off in technology shares combined with growing uncertainty over tensions in the Middle East.South Korea's Kospi index briefly suspended trading after plunging at the open, while Japan's Nikkei also suffered heavy losses. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping is in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un. We look at what the visit could mean for trade and economic ties between the two neighbours. Oil prices initially surged before easing back. We ask what that tells us about how investors are assessing the risk of a wider regional conflict. And Prada has entered the space race. The Italian fashion house has helped develop part of a new spacesuit for future NASA missions. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

US hospitality industry leads on new jobs growth, but is AI still impacting hiring for white-collar roles?Moscow says the Russian economy is proving resilient in the face of international sanctions - we hear how the economy hits the local business from the Russian business owner in St Petersburg.And the legacy of the co-founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings, who departs the streaming giant today after almost thirty years.

US jobs growth was way better than expected last month. The world's biggest economy added twice as many jobs as economists had forecast: 172,000 versus predictions of around 88,000. Many of the new jobs were in the hospitality sector as pubs, bars and restaurants ramped up hiring ahead of the World Cup. The figures cover the lead up to the tournament, being jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.Plus, nearly a year after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the families of victims in India say they're being paid significantly less in compensation than their counterparts in the UK.We hear from one of Vladimir Putin's top advisers on the state of the Russian economy, and from a co-founder of the AI giant Anthropic, who says artificial intelligence needs to be reined in. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Gideon Long

As Elon Musk's SpaceX seeks a valuation of nearly one-point-eight trillion dollars, which would make it the largest initial public sale in history, we find out what that could look like.Elsewhere Armenia has today secured €50m in aid from European union to offset Russian trade restrictions, we find out the impact on business.And as a Nepali man who went missing on Mount Everest is found alive... we'll explore the business of climbing the world's most iconic mountain which has just ended a record-breaking season of ascents.

The head of manufacturers association in Switzerland weighs in on what's at stake from President Trump's latest policy on trade.Also, what's gooing on behind the scenes at 60 Minutes, as a major network boss weilds the axe at the highest rating US current affairs programme.And Michelle Obama says it's good for Gen Z workers to experience bad bosses and boring jobs.. but is she right?

The US proposes new duties of at least 10% on 60 countries in response to the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Donald Trump's earlier tariffs US trade representative Jamieson Greer argues that the 60 nations, which cover most of the world including the European Union and Canada, have not done enough to crack down on forced labour.Plus, the OECD gives its latest assessment of the global economy. We tell you what it says.And secret documents obtained by the BBC suggest oil giant Shell continued to operate a pipeline in Nigeria even though bosses knew it was causing widespread pollution.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Gideon Long

President Trump signed an executive order to vet AI models before they are released. The hope is to prevent AI-enabled cyberattacks, but what will it mean for the investment boom?Also, Spain has the second highest unemployment rate in Europe despite also being one of the fastest-growing economies. We find out why.The UN has warned that this year's El Nino will be the worst in decades. This is expected to impact agriculture and food supply chains. We hear from a restaurant in the Philippines that relies on locally farmed produce on the preemptive measures they'll be taking ahead of any disruption to food supply chains. And, NBA star Steph Curry ended his multi-billion dollar deal with Under Armour and signed a new one with Chinese sports brand Li-Ning. Will this new sponsorship be just as lucrative?

More than 30 years after the original movie, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back as Woody and Buzz in the fifth instalment of one of the most lucrative franchises in film history. Plus, with inflation rising above 3%, is a rate hike back on the table for the Eurozone? And, Nvidia doubles down on Taiwan despite the self-governed island's tensions with China.

Big tech firms race to cash in on the AI boom. Anthropic, the firm behind chatbot Claude went public in the US, filing paperwork for a stock market listing later this year while Nvidia launched a new processor they say could reinvent the PC in the age of artificial intelligence.In India, fertilizer supplies are under strain from shipping disruptions caused by the Middle East war. Our correspondent explains how this will affect farming and food prices in Asia's third largest economy. And, a supermarket chain in Belfast has added a pub to one of their stores, but it's proven controversial because of Northern Ireland's strict licensing laws. Plus Backrooms, a new horror film, created by a young YouTuber, earned over $80 million in its opening weekend. Could digital creators be the next generation of filmmakers?

Tech giant Nvidia says it will launch a new “superchip” for personal computers, marking a major new venture for the world's most valuable company. Plus, Softbank eclipses Toyota to become Japan's biggest company by market value, and we look at what a rise in fertiliser prices – triggered by war in the Middle East - means for farmers in India.

With an uncrewed Blue Origin rocket exploding during a hot fire test at Cape Canaveral, Florida, we speak to former NASA engineer Sinead O'Sullivan about how much of a setback it is for Jeff Bezos business in the space race while Elon Musk's SpaceX firm's IPO gets ever closer. Leanne Byrne finds out why the US travel industry is warning that plans being considered by Donald Trump's administration could cost the economy billions of dollars and disrupt one of America's busiest international gateways just weeks before the FIFA World Cup. Elsewhere, we discuss why tech companies in Silicon Valley are hiring philosophers, and do Africa's wealthiest people have a responsibility to help tackle inequality? Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Africa, Europe and the USA. (Picture: Fire during an explosion of the uncrewed Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket during a test on a launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US, on 28 May 2026. Credit: NASASpaceflight.com / Reuters.)

The Shangri-la forum is Asia's largest annual defence conference. Politicians, military and industry figures are all in attendance.AI giant Anthropic is valued at more than its rival Open AI.And Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket self-combusts spectacularly on the launch pad in Florida.

Outdoor apparel company, Patagonia, has sued a drag queen named Pattie Gonia for allegedly causing "irreparable" damage to its brand.Mangoes have become a hot commodity following a steep increase in shipping prices due to the ongoing war in Iran. This follows reports of 90% losses to India's 'king of mangoes' crop after unusual weather. The European Union has imposed a €200m fine on Chinese-owned online retailer Temu for having illegal products such as dangerous baby toys and faulty chargers for sale on its platform.(Picture: Evan Benally Atwood/ Pattie Gonia)

The Russian rouble has surged to its strongest level in more than three years on the back of widening trade imbalances and high interest rates.Cofffee prices have jumped around the world in recent years. What's the cause?And a Google engineer has been charged with breaking insider trading law to make bets on a prediction market betting site.

DJ J Worra says she's been fooled by AI but believes the human touch will always supercede it. It comes after Spotify launch a new tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of their favorite songs from participating artists and songwriters.Oil prices have fallen more than 5% after Rubio says that US will give Iran talks 'every chance to succeed', with Iran reporting details of draft peace proposal. Fifa has been ordered to explain World Cup ticket pricing after allegations of 'artificially inflating prices' and 'misleading fans' over the sale of tickets for the 2026 tournament. (Picture: U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attend a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 27, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci)

Workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea have voted for a massive pay deal. It will mean some workers – particularly those in the AI chip department – receiving a bonus of more than $400,000. Also in the programme, why it's going to be a very expensive Eid al-Adha this year for Muslims due to global inflation.Presenter: Leanna ByrneProducer: Barbara George

Oil giant BP has removed its chairman Albert Manifold with immediate effect over concerns including "bullying" and "overbearing" behaviour by himPetrol and diesel prices in India continue to rise, reflecting a weak rupee, heavy taxes and lingering geopolitical risks. And EU agricultural ministers met in Brussels today to come up with a long-term strategy to solve the rising cost of fuel and fertiliser facing farmers. But will this stop the ongoing protests?

Former F1 team manager Professor Andrew Graves gives us his take on Ferrari's electric gamble as they unveil their latest product, an electric vehicle they are calling the Luce. And we hear from an Indian fruit farmer as their mango crop is crushed by extreme weather.

Pope Leo has warned that artificial intelligence poses potentially existential risks to humanity and should not be used to concentrate power in the hands of just a few people.Oil prices have fallen sharply on hopes of a deal that could bring an end to the US-Israel war with Iran.And the Italian luxury car giant Ferrari has launched its first ever ever fully electric vehicle called Luce, with a price tag of almost 600,000 dollars. So what does this mean for the electric car market?

The Finnish company behind the brand Oura, the maker of the health and wellness tracking ring has now filed to become a public company in the U.S. The company is valued at about $11 billion. And Pope Leo has raised his strong concerns on the development of Artificial Intelligence.

The new chair of the world's most powerful central bank is being sworn in at the White House today. Kevin Warsh becomes the 17th Chair of the Federal Reserve at a very tense moment for the US and global economies.He's an advocate for cutting rates. something President Trump has long demanded.Also, why were 2 boxes of Japanese Melons worth $36,500?

Artificial intelligence companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and SpaceX are preparing for potential stock market listings in 2026, as investor interest in the sector pushes combined company valuations towards the trillion-dollar mark. President Trump has also decided against signing a planned executive order on AI regulation today, a move being closely watched by technology companies and investors. And Universal Music Group and Spotify have signed a new agreement around AI-generated music — including covers and remixes that imitate artists' voices and styles — raising fresh questions about ownership, consent and how musicians should be compensated in the age of AI. (Picture: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura)

Elon Musk's space X is going public, in what could be the biggest initial public offering in history. Leanna Byrne speaks to Dr Stephanie Hare about the significance of the IPO.We also hear from Azadeh Moshiri in India about why the cockroach has unexpectedly become India's new political mascot.

Ryan Breslow let go of 30% of his workforce, plus his entire HR department. He defended this by saying they 'created problems that didn't exist.' And, AI giant Nvidia is the first company to be worth $5 trillion, following their fiscal first-quarter earnings announcement. This comes after their CEO was in Beijing with President Trump last week where he said he'd like to sell more microchips to China. Plus, Arsenal are champions of the 2025-26 Premiere League. How much more money will one of the richest football clubs in the world have to look forward to?

Hot on the heels of the US President, the Russian leader is the latest to meet with President Xi in Beijing, signing over 20 agreements on trade and technology.The two leaders failed to come to an agreement on a long awaited Russian gas pipeline between the countries. China is Russia's top trading partner and also its biggest customer for oil and gas.Elsewhere, we hear from Greenland where President Trump's envoy has turned up at one of the country's biggest business conferences.

The former Google CEO got heckled at a graduation ceremony at the University of Arizona. The editor-in-chief of their student paper The Daily Wildcat tells us why. We also discuss fuel price hikes in India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his European visit in Norway. And with data centres springing up all over the world, the communities living near them share how they cope with the disruptions they can bring. Plus, Kenya's government has cut diesel prices after people took to the streets to protest rising costs. An Uber driver and farmer tell us about the impact it's had on them.

Deadly protests in Kenya have forced the government to cut diesel prices after a sharp jump in fuel costs, driven by supply pressures from the Middle East conflict.Roads into the Nairobi were blocked, tyres burned and public transport disrupted as anger grows over fuel hikes.A nationwide transport strike has now been called off for a week as negotiations take place.And what next for Elon Musk after his lawsuit against OpenAI fell flat?

Tech journalist Kara Swisher describes Elon Musk and Sam Altman as 'toddlers' as their trial concludes. In a unanimous verdict, the jury agreed that Elon Musk's claims essentially expired after waiting too long to file his lawsuit. Plus we hear from a New York cabbie who expects a deal to be made as over 3,000 transport workers staged a strike following the breakdown in talks with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Long Island Rail Road workers walk out, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters scrambling for alternatives and raising concerns about the wider economic impact of the disruption.Elsewhere, rising fuel prices around the world have led to a nationwide strike by public transport operators in Kenya. While in India the rupee has hit a historic low, with oil prices are up and imports becoming more expensive.

As the US president leaves Beijing for Washington, it's clear both parties are eager to improve their economic relationship. We reflect on the last two days with American and Chinese experts.Across the pond, it's been a dramatic week for British politics too as Prime Minster Keir Starmer faces calls to step down. How will this affect the UK's economy amidst instabilities already caused by the Middle East war?And a decision by car giant Stellantis to make more models in China highlights the West's increasing interest in their manufacturing. We hear from experts sitting shotgun in the drive to develop China's car industry.

Ahead of President Trump's and President Xi's China summit, there were hopes of deals agreed on both trade and tariffs. But has anything actually been achieved? Leanna Byrne finds out. And less than a month from the start of the World Cup, fans and hoteliers are getting nervous at the impact of escalating prices for tickets, transport and taxes. Can fans afford to make the journey? Also, we hear why the bond markets are nervous of political change in the UK.

The US president and his Chinese counterpart struck a positive tone at a banquet dinner in Beijing today. But what was actually achieved in a day of meetings between the two world leaders?Protests have broken out in Havana following ongoing power blackouts described as the worst in decades. Cuba's energy minister admits that they've run out of diesel and fuel oil because of the US-led blockade.And, with the men's World Cup less than a month away, hotels in the USA are seeing 80% less demand for bookings than expected. The cost of transport and tickets are some of the reasons cited. We hear insights from a hospitality industry insider and a fan who spent over $2,000 to be at the first match.

Presidents Trump and Xi meet in Beijing: What's at stake for both in terms of trade and tariffs? And Honda reports its first annual loss in 70 years. Has the Japanese car giant misjudged its electric vehicle strategy? Also, Cuba runs out of diesel and fuel oil as a US-led blockade of oil to the country squeezes supply.

US President Donald Trump is in China to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping. They're expected to discuss their current tense trade relationship, the Middle East war, and negotiate an extension of their trade truce agreed in October that paused tariff escalation between the two nations.India has raised import tariffs on gold and silver purchased abroad to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves after feeling the squeeze from rising energy prices. They're the world's second largest consumer for precious metals, and we hear how this is likely to affect global demand.Open AI CEO Sam Altman testified in court today in the ongoing case against Elon Musk, concluding the evidentiary portion of the trial. Closing arguments are due next. Our North America technology correspondent Lily Jamali gives us an update from California.And how has the aid sector affected Africa after Donald Trump closed the US Agency for International Development? Ed Butler reports from a maternity care project and speaks with experts across the continent.

Tariffs, tech competition, the Iran war and Taiwan top the agenda for the two superpowers. Trump, last visited in 2017. He returns to a stronger, more assertive China. Tens of thousands take to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest the economic policies of Argentina's President Javier Milei. And India hikes the tariff on imports of gold and silver from 6% to 15%.