World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Putin opens key trade summit
Leaders of the ten key BRICS nations gather in the Russian city of Kazan for the annual summit. It began eighteen years ago with Brazil, Russia, India and China. In 2010, South Africa joined. And most recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were welcomed. Aiming…
Cuba’s double whammy
Essential businesses and schools remain closed until Wednesday as Hurricane Oscar makes landfall in Cuba - an island already in the midst of a massive power failure. Millions have been struggling with a near nationwide blackout after a major power station came offline. The government said power is expected to…
Cuba’s energy blackout
The Cuban government has declared an energy emergency after a massive power cut led to the failure of supplies across the entire country. The total blackout came after the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas - the largest on the island - went offline. The government had already suspended all…
What's going on with China's economy?
Disappointing new data from China - its economy grows 4.6% in the third quarter. It's the lowest figure in year and a half, and comes as Beijing steps up stimulus efforts. Also, why are their so many tanker crashes in Nigeria right now? We'll hear from the trade body representing…
ECB cuts interest rates
The European Central Bank has cut interest rates to 3.25% to prevent a significant slowdown in the Eurozone's economy.Leanna Byrne hears from businesses around the continent to find out how they're responding to their country's economic challenges.
TSMC profits surge driven by strong AI-related demand
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) reports a 54% increase in Q3 net profit. The company estimated its capital spending in the current quarte would more than double to around $11.5 billion and that the budget was likely to increase further next year, as it expects healthy demand for its products.In…
Migrant workers struggle amid Lebanon's conflict
We hear of the plight of vulnerable women in Lebanon—domestic workers who’ve been cast out by their employers as the crisis in the country deepens. The US’ Federal Trade Commission tells Ed Butler how it plans to enforce new rules requiring American businesses to make it as easy to cancel…
Albania receives first asylum seekers from Italy
The first people to be intercepted at sea by the Italian navy under a controversial migration deal with Albania are on their way to the Balkan nation to have their asylum claims processed. If rejected they will be sent back to countries deemed safe.Also, in the programme, we look at…
IMF warns of rising global debt
The IMF says the debt held by countries is likely to exceed $100tn by the end of this year. How concerned should that figure make us?And while Ed Butler finds out why it’s been a bad day for chips (the computer ones), but a good one for (authentic) wine –…
Google aims to achieve limitless energy
Google has signed a deal to use small nuclear reactors to generate the vast amounts of energy needed to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. We find out why IT giant is aims to achieve limitless energy.Also, today the world's biggest car bosses are meeting in Paris - and…
Can China’s New Stimulus Efforts Revive Its Economy?
China says it's introducing a range of bold policies aimed at reviving its economic growth, including measures to strengthen capital markets and stabilise the real estate sector. But detail is thin on the ground - and that's having an effect on global markets. Ed Butler hears from the World Bank…
Paris Motor Show: which EVs will win the market?
The Paris Motor Show is dominated by talk about electric vehicles - how to encourage European brands against Chinese competition?The UK gathers global investors to show Britain is open for business - but is Keir Starmer's administration going to attract what it needs?Also, Roger Hearing is talking to one of…
Anger erupts at petrol price hike in Nigeria
Petrol prices have increased sharply for the third time this year in Nigeria. Rob Young looks at why the oil producing nation continues to hike the cost of fuel and hear what impact it's having on those who drive for a living.We also hear about an innovative project in Kenya…
Hurricane Milton could cost insurers up-to $100 billion
Florida is counting the cost of Hurricane Milton, after the storm tore through the US state. Some estimates suggest it could top $100 billion. Rob Young talks to the state's chief financial officer – one of the most senior figures alongside the Governor - and asks how insurers will cope…
How are businesses preparing for Hurricane Milton?
Several million people in Florida have been told to evacuate ahead of the arrival of latest storm which is expected to make landfall on Wednesday night. We ask residents and business owners how are they coping? And we find out what will happen with the huge search giant Google after…
Should Google be broken up?
In this special world business report Will Bain looks at the impact of what could happen if Google is broken up by the Department of Justice (DOJ). We examine if Google is too big and whether regulators should get involved?
TikTok sued by 13 US states
More than a dozen states in the US have sued TikTok, accusing the social media platform of helping to drive a mental health crisis among teenagers. We hear the latest updates from the North American business correspondent Michelle Fluery. And we talk to the US truck driver who's currently delivering…
China imposes tariffs on more EU products
A growing trade war between China and the European Union heats up as China imposes tariffs on brandy imports.Also, Roger Hearing hears from the boss of Uber on the advantages of cheap Chinese electric cars…And Chile sees a welcome drop in prices at the till.Across to the US and The…
Hurricane Milton tears its way towards Florida
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a category five storm as it tears its way towards the US Gulf Coast and risks impacting businesses in the area. We talk to one of the business owners and look at the current situation.Also, we find out how expensive the future US presidential…
Maldives president in Delhi to seek aid and reboot ties
A lifeline for the Maldives as India signs a currency swap deal worth four hundred million dollars to help the island nation overcome mounting economic problems.Also, Roger Hearing looks at how employment in the tech sector in the US could affect the outcome of the election there next month.We look…