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World Business Report

BBC World Service

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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26:25

US consumer confidence and electric vehicles

World Business Report ·

2026/04/24

US consumers are feeling less confident about their economy than at any other time. We hear from researchers and businesses about why war in the Middle East is making households fearful of the cost of living and rising energy prices.And, we hear from one of the bosses of electric vehicle giant BYD about how its performing amid the global shift away from fossil fuels. Also, how table-top board game Warhammer is riding the zeitgeist to win new fans.

8:57

Expect global markets to fall, says Bank of England

World Business Report ·

2026/04/24

The Bank of England expects stock markets around the world to fall as share prices are not reflecting the many risks facing the world economy, so says the Bank of England Deputy Governor and head of financial stability Sarah Breeden. It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements. Breeden, who is also the Bank's head of financial stability, declined to say when she expected markets to fall or by how much, but pointed to a number of factors that markets seemed

25:52

Is a $110bn Paramount–Warner deal about to reshape...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/23

Shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have approved its sale to media conglomerate Paramount Skydance, with the merger valued at $110 billion. Rahul Tandon looks at what the deal could mean for competition, content and consumers.Also, BP suffers a shareholder rebellion over climate reporting.And Meta announces plans to cut around 10% of its workforce.(Picture: The studio lot at Warner Bros. Studios is seen in Los Angeles, California, USA, 23 April 2026. Credit: CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock)

11:22

Warner Brothers Discovery agree to Paramount acquisition

World Business Report ·

2026/04/23

The shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have voted yes to an hundred billion dollar acquisition by Paramount. After fighting off Netflix to reach an agreement, the vote for Paramount became a formality....but then the next battle begins with the regulators.Tens of thousands of employees of Samsung have been protesting at a major factory in South Korea.And why China businesses are feeling the squeeze from the economic impact of the US-Israeli war with Iran.Presenter: Andrew PeachSenior

27:38

Iran seizes cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz

World Business Report ·

2026/04/22

Iran has seized two cargo ships and warned that reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be “impossible” if a US blockade continues. Sarah Rogers asks what that means for the US and hear from a business operating inside Iran.We also hear how businesses are expecting to benefit from a $100 billion EU loan to Ukraine.And Tesla reports higher than expected first-quarter profits.(Picture: Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 22, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

8:56

EU frees up money for Ukraine

World Business Report ·

2026/04/22

The European Union has unlocked a $100 billion loan for Kyiv - money that’s been stuck for months. Hungary had been holding it up, arguing it wasn’t receiving Russian oil through a key pipeline that runs across Ukraine. That line was damaged after a Russian strike earlier this year, but Kyiv says repairs are now complete and oil is flowing again.Plus, we get a rare insight into what it’s like trying to run a shop or even buy bread in Iran these days.And we look at the rise of quality Chinese retail

26:26

US senators grill new Fed chair

World Business Report ·

2026/04/21

Andrew Peach is joined by George Conboy as we look at Kevin Warsh’s grilling before the US Senate's banking committee and examine the prospects for the world’s largest economy, with expert analysis from economist Courtney Shupert. With US president Donald Trump extending the ceasefire with Iran, we speak to oil analyst Sarah Emerson about how American oil firms are benefiting from the disruption in the Middle East. And we travel to the Canary Islands to find out how tourism is increasingly turning

8:50

The new head of the Fed?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/21

Kevin Warsh - Donald Trump’s nominee for the post as chairman of the Federal Reserve, the US central bank - appears before senators in a bid to convince them he is the right man for the job. Some senators have threatened to block him unless a criminal probe into the current Fed chair Jay Powell is dropped.Plus, the end of an era at Apple as Tim Cook steps down as CEO. We look at his replacement.And the conflict in the Middle East puts a dampener on the German economy.

26:27

US businesses begin claiming tariff refunds

World Business Report ·

2026/04/20

Andrew Peach hears from businesses reclaiming 'Liberation Day' tariffs in what promises to be the biggest repayment programme in history. Elsewhere, electric car sales have increased by 50% - in part due to the rise in fuel prices. And, we find out why nostalgia is still what it used to be in the world of advertising.(Photo by FILIP SINGER/EPA/Shutterstock)

8:55

Tensions in the Gulf as US seizes Iranian ship

World Business Report ·

2026/04/20

Global financial markets have headed south again after tensions between the US and Iran took a turn for the worse over the weekend. American forces attacked and then seized an Iranian cargo ship just east of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has responded by saying it will retaliate. Plus, the BBC’s Nick Marsh has been looking at a story that’s been quietly building in financial markets. Traders placing big bets just before major announcements by US president Donald Trump, including during the Iran

26:27

IMO warning for ships in the Strait of Hormuz

World Business Report ·

2026/04/18

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is open, but the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation tells us he wouldn't advise ships to use it, yet. Andrew Peach looks at how the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is continuing to affect oil and petrol prices. Elsewhere the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have resumed dealings with Venezuela, nearly two decades after its former president Hugo Chávez cut ties. And we look at what's happening in

9:44

Oil price plunges after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/17

Iran's Foreign Minister says ships can again use the crucial Persian Gulf sea route while a ceasefire continues to hold. Markets have reacted sharply to the news. The price of Brent Crude fell 10 percent on the news. Shares in oil companies have fallen, while shares in airlines and other heavy energy users have risen sharply. And we hear from Lebanon about how the country's economy is faring.

26:28

Jet fuel warning in Europe

World Business Report ·

2026/04/16

The head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol says the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger what he calls the largest energy crisis the world has ever faced. He's warned Europe may have as little as six weeks of jet fuel left. It comes as airlines across the world struggle with fuel supplies and cost. Airlines in Nigeria are warning they may suspend flights from Monday over soaring jet fuel prices and South Korean Airlines say they will impose the highest level of surcharges they

8:55

Could Europe have ‘maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left’?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/16

That’s a warning from the International Energy Agency boss, Fatih Birol as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies. So what could that mean for airlines and travel?Plus, how did China’s economy grow by 5%, faster than expected despite the Iran war?And Australia’s fuel supplies face added pressure after a major fire at one of the country’s two oil refineries.

26:26

Trump threatens to fire Fed chairman

World Business Report ·

2026/04/15

President Trump has threatened to fire US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell if he does not step aside next month, raising concerns over central bank independence and market uncertainty. Pakistan remains involved in diplomatic efforts over the US, Israel and Iran conflict, as questions grow over whether this could bring any economic benefit amid domestic pressure. And travellers across several European airports are facing long delays due to the EU’s new entry and exit system, with some missing

8:56

Pressure on US to ease global economic pain

World Business Report ·

2026/04/15

World finance ministers meeting in Washington have been voicing their anger and frustration at the US because of the financial strains being placed on the global economy caused by its military offensive in the Middle East. Rachel Reeves from the UK described the US-Israeli war with Iran as 'folly' while France's finance minister Roland Lescure called for renewed efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The calls come as Iran's military widens its threats on shipping the Gulf to include the Red Sea

26:28

IMF warns conflict could tip global economy into...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/14

With the Global recession warning from the International Monetary Fund, Andrew Peach looks at rising oil, gas and food prices, and how they could force central banks to keep interest rates higher for longer.Also, European airlines call for emergency support as the conflict disrupts aviation.And we ask whether America’s tipping culture improves service or simply keeps wages low.(Photo: People walk in front of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) HQ2 building in Washington, DC, USA, 13 April 2026.

8:58

IMF warns of global recession

World Business Report ·

2026/04/14

In its World Economic Outlook report the International Monetary Fund says that, in a worst case scenario - where oil, gas and food prices spike and remain high this year and next - global growth could fall below 2% in 2026. That's if the US-Israel war with Iran continues and high energy prices persist. It said the most severe conditions that could lead to a worldwide slowdown would include oil prices reaching an average $110 per barrel this year and hitting $125 in 2027. Based on these assumptions,

26:10

Trump’s shipping blockade, the Philippines’ tax...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/13

As President Trump blocks ships travelling to and from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, how will this affect Iranian oil exports?The Philippines has suspended taxes on paraffin and cooking gas to help keep food prices low; we hear from a chef who tells us how this will impact his restaurant business.With Victor Orban ousted, what does the future hold for Hungary under newly-elected Peter Magyar’s leadership?And, Bollywood icon, Asha Bhosle has died leaving behind an over $20 million empire of

8:54

US blockade begins on Strait of Hormuz

World Business Report ·

2026/04/13

The US has begun its blockade of the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement. President Donald Trump says it's in response to Iran "knowingly failing" to reopen the strait. Iran says the blockade is illegal and has accused the US of piracy. It's estimated that around 800 vessels are stuck in the Straits, many loaded with cargo. As the blockade begins we look at what guidance is being offered to shipping companies shipping companies.As the people of

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