World Business Report

BBC

4.0 (98)
BUSINESS NEWS

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

6 HR AGO

US economy better than expected

The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased but consumer sentiment is low, Rahul Tandon hears from a business about what things are like on the ground. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. And, an important moment for Indian female cricket players seeing their match fees doubled for domestic games. (Photo: A person shops for products imported from Asia at a market in Los Angeles, California, USA, 07 April 2025. Credit: ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

26 min
12 HR AGO

Is the US economy in better shape than expected?

New figures suggest the US economy is powering ahead but questions remain about what that really means for businesses? Leanna Byrne looks at what’s behind the data. Also, US regulators have approved the first pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. And could North Koreans be working remotely for US companies?

9 min
1 DAY AGO

Another dramatic turn in the Warner Bros Discovery takeover

The American billionaire Larry Ellison has promised more than $40 billion of his money in support of Paramount to buy rival studio, Warner Bros Discovery. Where does this leave antitrust questions around a Paramount or Netflix takeover? Ed Butler hears from Phillip Berenbroick, who served as chief counsel for the US Senate’s judiciary subcommittee on antitrust matters. How much money is Morocco spending as host for the African Cup of Nations? Also, we explore Yiwu, China’s capital of Christmas (Photo: Paramount, Netflix and Warner Bros logos are seen in this illustration taken December 8, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

26 min
1 DAY AGO

Why is whiskey maker Jim Beam pausing production?

Leanna Byrne takes a look as Jim Beam, one of the most recognisable names in American bourbon, confirms it will pause production for a year at its main Kentucky distillery from January. India and New Zealand strike a new free trade deal, cutting tariffs and opening markets on both sides. And at the box office, the latest Avatar: Fire and Ash opens more quietly than expected in the US, despite strong takings overseas.

9 min
4 DAYS AGO

Is EU money enough for Ukraine?

Ukraine's position has been strengthened by a €90bn loan agreed by the EU after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets. But is it enough to keep the country going? In Sri Lanka, the International Monetary Fund has also approved a $206 million in emergency financing to help the country rebuild after a devastating cyclone. What will taking on more debt mean for the country's future debt sustainability? Elsewhere, the former Chair of the independent board of Ben & Jerry's ice cream independent board has told World Business Report she was forced out by the company's owners, Magnum Ice Cream, following years of tension over Ben & Jerry’s outspoken social activism. Also, Sony has more than doubled its stake in Peanuts, bringing Snoopy and Charlie Brown under its corporate umbrella, while the creator's family keeps the remaining 20% share. (Photo: A serviceman of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade prepares to launch a Darts middle range strike unmanned aerial vehicle towards Russian troops. Credit: December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova)

26 min
4 DAYS AGO

TikTok lives to scroll another day

TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance has struck a deal with US and global investors to keep the app operating in America. But who really comes out on top? Could Japan’s interest rate hike offer relief to struggling households? Shipping giant Maersk has sent its first vessel through the Red Sea in two years. And how could a new EU finance deal strengthen Ukraine’s defence against Russia? Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott Editor: Justin Bones

9 min
5 DAYS AGO

Will Europe use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine?

Volodymyr Zelensky has called on EU leaders at a crunch summit urgently to agree to a multi-billion euro loan in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs. Andrew Peach hears from EU leaders and an expert in Brussels. Also, Bolivia ends two decades of fuel subsidies, introducing tough measures to stabilise the public finances, but will people put up with paying more for fuel? And the economic challenges of making guitars, as Hoffner - famous for making Paul McCartney’s iconic violin-shaped bass guitar – has filed for insolvency in Germany. (Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference during the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2025. Credit: OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA/Shutterstock)

26 min
5 DAYS AGO

Price increases in America ease unexpectedly

It's a big data day for the US, Europe and the UK. What do interest rates decisions and inflation data mean for the global economy? India's textile businesses say high US tariffs are causing major pain for businesses. We hear from the Treasurer of the Tiruppur Exporters Association. And should we be categorising Labubu dolls as a fad? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Stephen Ryan

9 min

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Susannah Streeter

Host
Mike Johnson

Host
Wolfgang Weber

Guest
Michelle Fluerry

Guest
Que Nguyen

Guest
Todd Anderson

Guest

4

out of 5

98 Ratings

World Service

23/06/2023

Mjocyp

The BBC is used by thousands or maybe millions of non English speaking people to improve their understanding of the language. As an avid listener for many years and an Englishman, I find almost impossible to understand the likes of Davina Gupta. Surely as the British Broadcasting Corporation you should be promoting the language in its almost pure sense as it used to be.
Only Mike Johnson please

3 May

Jon Haberfield

Where has Mike Johnson gone ? We are not in India
terrible quality

30/09/2024

jeffcooz1239

roger hearing the presenter his voice is annoying . how does he have a job ?? one minute it’s high tone then down to low tone .. it’s like he is talking to children. or being a punch and judy entertainer .. tip . just keep your voice at the same level .. pitching it up then down is horrible for adult ears . hence you hardly have any listeners or good reviews
Great programme

21/10/2020

asakeba

All your global business news in bite-size form.