BBC World Service

World Business Report

News EN ↓ 72 episodes

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

Author

BBC World Service

Category

News

Podcast website

www.bbc.co.uk

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Former F1 boss on Ferrari's electric gamble 26.05.2026

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.

Oura ring sets eyes on Wall Street 25.05.2026

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.

Hike, Cut or Hold? What will the new Fed head do on interest rates 22.05.2026

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?

Inside Space X's IPO plan 21.05.2026

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.

Trump leaves, Putin enters 20.05.2026

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 Presi...

Kenya's government cuts fuel prices after deadly protests 19.05.2026

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 a...

Major rail strike brings New York to a halt 18.05.2026

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...

What's life like for seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz? 05.05.2026

The ceasefire between Iran and the US is looking increasingly fragile after another day of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions rise, so are concerns about the welfare of the 20,000 seafarers believed to be stranded around the passage. In Brussels, European finance ministers have been meeting to discuss the economic impact of the war. And why is the Met Gala, fashion's biggest night under...

GameStop wants eBay for $56bn 04.05.2026

Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon. Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom”. And steel boss Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine maker Adar Poonawalla have bought a majority stake i...

EU frees up money for Ukraine 22.04.2026

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 try...

The new head of the Fed? 21.04.2026

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....

Tensions in the Gulf as US seizes Iranian ship 20.04.2026

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 plac...

First Iranian oil for India in seven years 09.04.2026

For the first time in seven years, India has bought its first cargo of Iranian oil. India hasn't purchased any Iranian oil since 2019 because of US sanctions, but those restrictions were waived last month. Leanna hears from the BBC's Archana Shukla. Plus, its a big day for K-pop fans right across the globe as BTS, one of the world's biggest boy bands, have officially kicked off their new tour. Lea...

What the US-Iran ceasefire means for oil prices, flights and bills 08.04.2026

The US and Iran have come to a temporary ceasefire, but for many businesses and consumers, the pressure may be far from over. Hundreds of ships are still backed up in the Strait of Hormuz, with many waiting for clearance from Iran before they can move. Plus, what it means for flights, holidays and passenger confidence as airlines proceed cautiously. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Matt Lines Edi...

Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most households 31.03.2026

The Sri Lankan government has increased electricity prices for most households by more than 8% as fuel costs surge due to the Iran conflict. Plus, Bisi Adebayo looks at the impact the war is having on jet fuel costs and how British and American food giants, Unilever and McCormick, have agreed a deal to combine parts of their food businesses.

Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel? 30.03.2026

The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels? Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Organsiation fails to reach a deal on ecommerce tariffs and we look at the growth of fast fashion in India

US allows Russian oil sales to tackle rising prices 06.03.2026

The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, says he will grant India a 30-day waiver to buy sanctioned oil from Russia to help ease supply concerns in the global market. It comes as the Qatari energy minister warns that all energy producers in the Gulf region could shut down exports within weeks. Plus - we hear from Nepal where votes are being counted in what’s being dubbed the young versus old elec...

Can Gulf countries export oil before storage runs out? 05.03.2026

As global oil prices continue to climb, crude oil supplies from Iraq and Kuwait could stop shipping within days if travel through the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually halted. Plus, China cuts its economic growth forecast to the lowest level since 1991.

Strait talking: Energy markets rocked as conflict intensifies 03.03.2026

Natural gas prices spike in Europe after Qatar closes its LNG base. Meanwhile the Strait of Hormuz closure sends crude oil higher and its importance in the shipment of fertiliser ingredients could have major effects on global crop production this year, the boss of Yara says

Iran: War in Middle East rattles global markets 02.03.2026

Airlines have grounded flights, one of the world’s busiest airports has shut, and oil prices are climbing after strikes in the Middle East. We hear from investors and analysts as they react in real-time to the US-Israel war with Iran. And we find out how the disruption is affecting air passengers and the wider travel industry. Plus - we learn how the insurance market is responding to fast-moving e...

Could US access to Greenland's minerals be the answer to President Trump's territorial ambitions? 14.01.2026

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. Plus, China has announced record export numbers and its biggest-ever trade surplus. We examine what this means. Also, Saks Fifth Avenue has applied for bankruptcy protec...

Review of the year 2025 - from tariffs to Labubu 25.12.2025

Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and collector craze of 2025 - the Labubu doll. (Picture: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at...

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