World Business Report

BBC

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

3 HR AGO

US consumer confidence and electric vehicles

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.

26 min
10 HR AGO

Expect global markets to fall, says Bank of England

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 complacent about. The Chinese artificial intelligence company, DeepSeek, has released a preview version of its long-awaited new model, allowing users to test its capabilities and features. DeepSeek introduced its first open source model last year, causing turmoil in western tech markets because of its matching capabilities with American rivals and low cost. The firm says its V3 model achieves strong performance against others. And one of the world’s biggest car shows has been showcasing the very latest electric car technology. The timing of the Beijing show is pivotal - as the Iran war pushes up fuel prices, global demand for EVs is accelerating. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior producer: Craig Henderson

9 min
1 DAY AGO

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

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)

26 min
1 DAY AGO

Warner Brothers Discovery agree to Paramount acquisition

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 Peach Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

11 min
2 DAYS AGO

Iran seizes cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz

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)

28 min
2 DAYS AGO

EU frees up money for Ukraine

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 brands, challenging the perception that “Made in China” means cheap and of poor quality.

9 min
3 DAYS AGO

US senators grill new Fed chair

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 to sport in the race for profit. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: Kevin Warsh, US president Donald Trump's nominee to be the next chair of the US Federal Reserve, at the end of a Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., 21 April 2026. Credit: Reuters / Kevin Lamarque)

26 min
3 DAYS AGO

The new head of the Fed?

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.

9 min

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The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

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DAILY NEWS
Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. Come and join us our live event. You can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026

2.5 (8)

DAILY NEWS
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Misha Glenny and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world. History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Or perhaps you're looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism's early teachings to the Protestant Reformation. If you're interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh's famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity's cultural achievements. Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets. Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato's concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis? In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.

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HISTORY
Global investigations from the BBC. Gripping stories from around the world – delve into a World of Secrets. Latest season: DNA detectives track down the British soldiers who fathered children in Kenya then disappeared. The mothers and children were left without support. We join the quest for justice. Also, previously on World of Secrets: The Darkest Web: Two US special agents infiltrate the dark web to rescue children. With access to the elite global team who hunt down people creating and trading in child sexual abuse materials. Death in Dubai: A woman falls from a tower block and her name starts trending. But behind the online rumours lies an even darker reality. And The Abercrombie Guys: Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch.

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DOCUMENTARY
The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past. History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won’t have heard in history lessons. Previous episodes of You’re Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you’d like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We’ve even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required.

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HISTORY
NEW in The History Bureau - Putin and the Apartment Bombs In September 1999, just weeks after a 46-year-old Vladimir Putin became Prime Minister, four bombs blew up four apartment buildings across Russia, killing hundreds of people while they slept. The attacks plunged the country into panic. Families fled their homes. Residents patrolled their blocks around the clock. An entire nation paralyzed by fear. But who did it? It's a mystery that has fuelled some chilling theories. The government blamed Chechen militants. Many reporters agreed. But then the whispers started. Was something even more sinister going on? Over 25 years later, journalists who covered the bombings still can't agree on who planted the explosives or why. Presenter Helena Merriman returns to the story with the reporters who were there on the ground. What did they get right first time around? And, in the chaos and confusion of unfolding events, what did they miss? The History Bureau revisits the defining stories of our times with the reporters who first covered them.

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HISTORY