World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire
Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX shares soared following the company's stock market debut in New York. Andrew Peach examines what's driving the company's remarkable rise from its Starlink satellite business to the enduring appeal of the Musk brand. Also on the programme, Switzerland is preparing…
SpaceX Begins Trading in Landmark $1.8 Trillion Listing
Today is the day SpaceX begins trading on public markets after raising around $75 billion in one of the largest listings on record, valuing the company at nearly $1.8 trillion. Broader markets are also edging higher, with investors weighing whether enthusiasm around SpaceX is part of a wider surge linked…
It's official: 2026 is an El Niño year
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…
SpaceX Prepares for a Historic Market Launch
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…
US inflation hits three-year high
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…
US Inflation Hits Three-Year High as Energy Prices Surge
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…
UK watchdog investigates mega takeover with Paramount and Warner Bros
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…
China and North Korea: Strengthening Ties
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…
Another legal setback for Trump
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?
Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions
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…