World Business Report

Oil giant BP is pulling back billions that had been earmarked for shareholders as it looks to steady its finances after a fall in profits. Leanna Byrne asks what it means for BP's longer-term strategy in energy?Also, how unusual is it for a major artist to walk away from a powerful talent agency? And Spotify wraps its fourth quarter with good numbers.

A landmark US trial begins today in Los Angeles, where plaintiffs say Instagram and YouTube were built to addict kids. We hear from our North America Technololgy Correspondent on what the families said today in court.Then to Japan, where Sanae Takaichi's decisive election win is being read by markets positively - sending the Nikkei to record highs. We'll hear from Tokyo and the US on what her strengthened mandate could mean for the Japan-US relationship. And there's a major pharma-versus-telehealth clash: Novo Nordisk is suing Hims & Hers, accusing it of patent infringement linked to semaglutide - seeking to halt sales of unapproved compounded versions and pursuing damages, in a case that could ripple through the booming online weight-loss market.(Photo: Parents who lost children to alleged social media–related harms hold a vigil ahead of a social media addiction trial in Los Angeles on February 5, 2026. Jill Connelly/Reuters: Reuters).

Long:Japanese stocks have surged after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's resounding election win, pushing the Nikkei to a record high. Andrew Peach looks at what it means for Japan's economy. We'll also hear about concerns from Indian farmers over the country's interim trade agreement with the United States. And why a major new international report says businesses often have more financial incentive to damage nature than protect it.

With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below the 16-years-old from using social media. Will Grant reports on the latest as the critical fuel crisis in Cuba worsens and Havana's fuel pumps run dry. Elsewhere, we look to Japan as the nation heads to the polls this weekend, and Ed Butler hears from Professor Maria Rodas on what it takes to make the perfect Superbowl commercial. Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Europe, Latin America and the USA.(Picture: A TikTok logo is seen in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. Credit: Olivier Hoslet / EPA / Shutterstock.)

After a week of significant drops across many AI and tech-related stocks, we speak to Nobel Prize winner Daron Acemoglu, and economist Cary Leahey of Columbia University in New York, to examine whether the tech bubble could be set to burst. With Nike under investigation by Donald Trump's administration over claims it has hidden evidence that the company is using its so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies to discriminate against white workers, Ed Butler speaks to Stefan Padfield of the Free Enterprise Project. Elsewhere, Beijing says Panama will pay 'a heavy price' for a court ruling against a Hong Kong port owner, and we look at how a growing trend has led to Kenya's central bank banning people from using bank notes to make floral-like bouquets and decorations. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: A sign marks Wall Street near the New York Stock Exchange in New York, NY, USA. Credit: Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.)

Almost $1 trillion has been knocked off the value of software and services companies as investors weigh whether artificial intelligence has been hit particularly hard, so we ask: what does that mean for the profession itself.We also look at why interest rates in Europe and the UK are on holdAnd why Kenya's central bank has banned the use of banknotes in decorative bouquets.

The US is ramping up efforts to secure its supplies of critical minerals. Vice-president JD Vance has proposed creating a new critical mineral trading bloc to loosen China's control over the sector. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Ed Butler finds out more. Shares of Ozempic manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, dropped as nuch as 17% in the face of strong competition. Meanwhile its rival Eli Lilly, is forecasting strong growth. What's the outlook for weight-loss jabs? Elsewhere, the US has renewed an agreement that gives 32 African countries access to the US market. The African Growth and Opportunity Act was allowed to expire last September, after 25 years. It's now been re-authorised until the end of 2026, although Washington has warned it may reshape the deal after that.

The maker of Ozempic says tougher competition from generics in India and China will hit profits this year. Leanna Byrne speaks to its chief financial officer.Plus, Spain moves closer to banning social media for under-16s.And the United States renews a trade deal giving 32 African countries duty-free access to its market.

There's a major shift at the top of the Walt Disney Company, as one of entertainment's most iconic brands welcomes a new leader. Ed Butler examines who Josh D'Amaro is, why he's been chosen, and what his appointment reveals about the wider state of the industry.Plus, how high street giant Walmart grew into a trillion dollar business.And the reasons behind strike action by port workers in Bangladesh.(Photo: Josh D'Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, who was named next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, poses for a picture in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on February 3, 2026. Credit: REUTERS)

French prosecutors raided Elon Musk's X offices in Paris as part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged illegal data extraction and possible links to child pornography.Also, US and India reach trade deal to slash US tariffs on the nation's goods to 18% from 50%.And the European Union has told the BBC it was unacceptable for the US to threaten trade tariffs during its row over the future of Greenland.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

Ed Butler examines the latest trade deal announced between the United States and India and what each side stands to gain. We also look ahead to President Trump's meeting with Colombia's president amid rising tensions. And is Latin pop music coming of age in mainstream American culture?

This precious metals rally has been tarnished after a sudden slide in prices. So what does this tell us about metals like gold, known to be the ultimate safe haven. Can we still call it a refuge when things get rocky?Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

US President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, when the four-year-term of current chairman Jerome Powell's ends in May. Rahul Tandon hears from people who worked closely with Warsh. Also, the BBC visits Maracaibo, once the heart of Venezuela's booming oil industry. And silver and gold prices plummet after their recent rise. (Photo: Kevin Warsh, speaking during the Sohn Investment Conference in New York City, U.S., May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo)

The former Federal Reserve governor has deep ties to Wall Street, was previously interviewed for the job in 2017, and has been an outspoken critic of America's central bank. We'll ask how financial markets have responded to the news. Also, Venezuelan MPs have approved a bill to open up its oil sector to private firms. And, Panama's Supreme Court has voided a Hong-Kong based company's canal port contracts.

The Japanese auto giant Toyota says global sales set a new record last year, despite trade tensions. What did Toyota do differently to others? This week, gold has again hit another record high – even though the price has dipped slightly today. Our presenter Rahul Tandon hears from one country that's benefiting from the gold boom. Also, strong iPhone demand boosts Apple's quarterly revenue and profit, as Microsoft faces pressure over spending on data centres.(Photo: Members of the media inspect a Toyota Yaris car displayed during a media preview at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 automobile showcase in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, 24 March 2025. Credit: by RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The dollar is normally seen as the ultimate safe haven, it's the currency most other currencies benchmark themselves against – so why is it taking a downward spiral? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in Beijing meeting President Xi and says steps have been taken to improve trade with China. And Germany is experiencing a potato glut, we find out why.

US technology giant Amazon has confirmed it will cut 16,000 jobs around the world. Andrew Peach hears from former Amazon workers and an AI expert. Also, why German authorities have searched Deutsche Bank buildings in Berlin and Frankfurt. And how Harry Styles will overtake Taylor Swift by adding more London gigs this summer.(PHOTO: An Amazon employee delivers packages in downtown San Francisco, California, U.S., January 26, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

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