World Business Report

Aug 12, 2026 · 29 min

The Los Angeles Lakers are to be sold for a reported record-breaking $12.5bn to American businessman Josh Kushner and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger. We hear from a former insider on what this means for one of the world's biggest sports brands. Elsewhere as Columbia recovers from a devastating earthquake, we hear about recovery efforts and the impact on its economy. Also, with less than a week to go before Donald Trump's latest tariff deadline we hear from one business on what measures they are planning to take to keep trading. And, a new jet, being billed as China’s answer to Boeing or Airbus is made its first international commercial flight. What does this mean for the nation? PHOTO CREDIT: REUTERS/Mike Segar

Aug 12, 2026 · 9 min

The latest US inflation data is out, but with the cost of living still a major concern for households, how are Americans feeling about their finances? Plus, Colombia’s new president is set to declare an economic emergency after Monday’s devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake. And the chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s vast Tata conglomerate, is stepping down when his term ends next February, after failing to secure board backing for another term.

Aug 11, 2026 · 26 min

As parts of Europe head for a "once-in-a-lifetime" total solar eclipse, we hear from one region in Iceland on how they are seeing a boost in tourism in a year when they have seen a decline in tourists from the US. Elsewhere, as the heat and droughts affecting Europe continue to hit the Rhine River, we get the impact on the German economy. Also, Nvidia raises $500bn for AI data centres for some of the world's biggest banks and investment firms, and we find how much the AI revolution will cost. And as hybrid working leaves more offices underused, could converting offices into homes help tackle housing shortages and revive business districts? PHOTO CREDIT: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Aug 11, 2026 · 9 min

Some of the world's biggest banks and investment firms have partnered with the chip giant to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The money from the likes of Goldman Sachs, BlackRock and KKR will go towards Nvidia's own projects and those being built by its partners. Meanwhile, Trump Media, the company behind Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, has revealed that more than 10 customers have paid up to $100,000 each to use a controversial service that offers faster access to posts on the site.

Aug 10, 2026 · 26 min

A consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin are in talks to buy around a 30% stake in Liverpool football club. We find out why so many of the world's richest people keen to invest in the Premier League. Elsewhere rising temperatures are affecting economies across the world and we have been hearing from some of the areas affected on how it is effecting the way they do business. Also, Shein has been given the green light to IPO in Hong Kong. We find out why the valuation pitched to potential investors is low. And we hear one business's reaction to the news that Denmark is preparing to scrap its royal warrant system, ending a centuries-old royal seal of approval. PHOTO CREDIT: PA

Aug 10, 2026 · 9 min

The "Ice Silk Road" will run along the north Russian coast on its journey between Ningbo on China’s east coast and Felixstowe in the UK. Sea Legend, the Chinese container shipping company behind it, say the region is emerging as a viable alternative to the world’s traditional shipping routes. Also, officials in Germany say falling water levels on the river Rhine could mean that it split into two separate sections for cargo boats. The river is forecast to drop below ten centimetres this week making part of it too low for commercial shipping and cruises.

Aug 7, 2026 · 26 min

The US saw a weaker market after losing 23,000 jobs in July and it's figures are much worse than expected. We'll be hearing why the American economy isn't creating more jobs. Plus, could oil be the saviour of Venezuela's economic needs? As the conflict in the Middle East continues to choke global supplies, Venezuela has a unique opportunity to gain market share and investment through having the world's largest reserves. And, Wetherspoons, a large pub chain in the UK has banned Meta's smart glasses which allows the wearer to film what they're looking at, sometimes without the subject's knowledge. We hear from a bar owner who's followed suit for their customers' privacy.

Aug 7, 2026 · 9 min

Overall, the US economy shed 23,000 jobs in July in the latest sign of a cooling labour market. Traders say an interest rate rise is now less likely. Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, has been fined a record penalty of half a billion dollars in a court case over child safety. And a row has broken out in the UK as a local authority tries to stop people standing up in pubs.

Aug 6, 2026 · 26 min

This summer has been heatwave after heatwave, and countries like Turkey and Romania have seen a bumper harvest, we're taking a look at how the extreme heat is impacting farmers around Europe and what that could mean for food prices. We'll hear from a SpaceX employee who's been made a millionaire after selling his shares, and is it ever acceptable to wear shorts to the office? PHOTO CREDIT: EPA/Shutterstock

Aug 6, 2026 · 9 min

As some SpaceX shares become available to sell, it's potentially a massive payday for staff. We hear from a former worker about his plans for the money. Plus, across the world, communities are counting the costs of wildfires, conflict and geopolitical instability. The boss of Swiss Re speaks to Sarah Rogers about the impact on the insurance industry.

Aug 5, 2026 · 26 min

FIFA's leadership is under scrutiny as Gianni Infantino hosts crisis meeting with senior officials as their are calls for him to resign. Ed Butler will be hearing what his future is looking like. Also how a record drought is cutting rail freight in Europe and why the Saudi Crown Prince is buying one of the world's top video game developers. Photo Credit: PA

Aug 4, 2026 · 27 min

Lift-off for Elon Musk's tech company, SpaceX, as it reports its first results since going public. We examine what the company is worth and hear investors' reaction. Also, we look at Spotify's latest user numbers and explore whether the music streaming giant could be running out of new listeners. Elsewhere, we hear from tech workers in Gaza, ten months after the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. And, how Europe has spent the summer trying to buy its way out of the heat. PHOTO CREDIT: (EPA/Shutterstock)

Aug 4, 2026 · 9 min

Oil companies are seeing their profits spike as the Iran war continues, but President Trump says they're making too much money. So why are profits so high? Sarah Rogers takes a look. Plus, how would you feel if the government was allowed to access data from your phone? US tech giant Apple has confirmed it has launched a new legal complaint against the UK government for trying to do just that.

Aug 3, 2026 · 28 min

We explore the impact of the Danube river running at its lowest level in decades on freight, car production and nuclear reactors in the area. Elsewhere in a big few days for the media sector, we explore why superheroes are back, the latest on the sale of Electronic Arts and why Netflix is going into short form content. Also, why one of Europe's most wanted drugs fugitives is living freely and with government protection in west Africa And how Japan and the US have carried out a rare joint intervention to prop up the Yen PHOTO CREDIT: (REUTERS/Marton Monus)

Jul 31, 2026 · 26 min

Ukrainian drone strikes hit Wildberries warehouses across Russia, with 16 distribution centres damaged or destroyed in the past fortnight. As the country's biggest online retailer faces disruption and a Lukoil oil refinery is also hit, we examine why Ukraine is targeting Russian business infrastructure. Also, oil prices rise after Iran stops two vessels attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz. We ask why crude has not surged even higher, and look at how China's hidden oil reserves have helped limit the impact on global markets. FIFA faces a growing backlash over plans to sell minority stakes in a new commercial entity controlling future tournament rights, with UEFA, other federations and senior figures inside FIFA pushing back against the proposal. Plus, we examine the collapse of an AI-focused hedge fund once valued at $45 billion, led by 24-year-old tech entrepreneur Leopold Aschenbrenner, after its assets were bought by a rival firm for less than $10 billion. Image Credit: STRINGER/EPA/Shutterstock

Jul 31, 2026 · 9 min

Asian markets rebound strongly after a turbulent week for some of the world's biggest chipmakers. We look at what's behind the turnaround and whether investors are still worried about AI spending. Also, opposition grows to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. And another Ukrainian drone attack targets Russia, while China's factory activity unexpectedly contracts.

Jul 30, 2026 · 26 min

We hear why UEFA is threatening to boycott future World Cups in a major showdown with FIFA over plans to create a new commercial entity to run its tournaments. As the row intensifies, we'll ask what it means for the future of football's biggest business with the New York Times' Tariq Panja. Also, the BBC's Nawal Al-Maghafi reports from Iran after a new wave of US strikes, looking at the impact on a country already facing deep economic and security pressures. And we look at Washington's move to restrict Chinese-made robots from entering the US market on national security grounds, and what it means for the future of automation and global trade. Photo Credit: Reuters

Jul 30, 2026 · 9 min

The US has moved to block new foreign-made robots from its market over national security concerns, with Chinese manufacturers expected to be hit hardest. Beijing says it could retaliate. We also examine the health of the US economy, as growth disappoints and inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve's target. And Australia's internet regulator takes legal action against Telegram over its alleged failure to remove terrorist content.

Jul 29, 2026 · 27 min

We'll hear reaction from the world of football as Fifa offers federations $40 million each to rubberstamp its plan to sell some of its commercial rights. As FIFA sends a letter to football associations explaining the plan and giving them a deadline of mid-September to agree Also, we find out the bizarre story of why eBay had to pay one couple $56 million after a campaign of harassment. And why Cuba has moved to open crisis-ravaged parts of its state-run economy to private firms. Elsewhere we get the latest from the US Federal Reserve which held rates despite rising inflation. PHOTO CREDIT: Reuters

Jul 29, 2026 · 9 min

Jewellery and a strong North American market helped luxury goods giants LVMH and Kering grow sales even as promblems in the Middle East and China hampered the sector overall. We get insight from the former head of LVMH's head of North America. Elsewhere, it's "the same again" for tech investors in Asia, as trading on the Kospi index is holted to stave off a rout after Korean chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung saw further sharp falls in their share prices. World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy.

Jul 28, 2026 · 26 min

FIFA faces a backlash from UEFA over plans to create a new company with private investors to run major tournaments, including the World Cup. So what could this mean for the future of football? Some of the world's biggest tech companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, have seen sharp falls in their valuations. What's driving the sell-off, and is it likely to continue? Peru has sworn in its first female president. What challenges lie ahead, and what could her presidency mean for the country's political future? (Picture: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives at the stadium before the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo)

Jul 28, 2026 · 9 min

South Korea's Kospi index halts trading after huge falls for tech stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix. Are investors starting to fear the arrival of Chinese AI chipmakers? Also, firefighters in France and Spain are continuing to battle wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes and seen tens of thousands of businesses forced to close. And one of London's most iconic landmarks is looking for an apprentice.

Jul 28, 2026 · 26 min

From Barcelona to Mallorca, anti-tourism protests have spread as residents say booming visitor numbers are driving up costs and putting pressure on local communities. Wildfires are threatening France's famous Bordeaux wine region, with tourists urged to stay away as the flames spread. And why Germany is making it harder for workers to call in sick. (Picture: A demonstrator carries a placard during a protest against mass tourism and gentrification in the Balearic Islands, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Credit: REUTERS/Francisco Ubilla)

Jul 27, 2026 · 9 min

Wildfires are disrupting businesses, transport and tourism across France and Spain at the height of the summer holiday season. Also in the programme, China's leading memory chip maker makes a blockbuster stock market debut. And Indonesia faces fresh economic uncertainty after the surprise resignation of its central bank governor.

Jul 24, 2026 · 26 min

Paramount agrees to pause its Warner Bros deal after dozen US states seek to block this deal. We look at the impact of US tariffs of between 10 and 12.5% on imports from many of America’s major trading partners. And how OpenAI's recent rogue attack on a fellow company may influence other AI firms to look at their cyber security systems. (Picture: GV of American landmark the Hollywood sign, Hollywood Hills, LA, California. Credit: BBC)

Jul 24, 2026 · 9 min

New import taxes have been placed on more than 60 trading partners of the United States. Businesses in Australia and Norway give us their reaction Tech stocks continue to struggle and should AI have a 'kill-switch' Presenter: Barbara George Editor: Justin Bones

Jul 23, 2026 · 26 min

US President Donald Trump has announced 10-12.5% import taxes for 60 countries, including China and the EU. It comes months after the Supreme Court overturned his initial programme of tariffs. So what countries are being targeted now, and why? As Houthis in Yemen resume attacks in the Red Sea, oil hits $100 a barrel once more. And weeks on from Venezuela's devastating earthquakes, the World Bank estimates the country has seen almost $20 billion of damages. (US President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House, following the Supreme Court's tariff ruling, February 20, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)

Jul 23, 2026 · 9 min

The price of oil has gone back above $100 a barrel which could mean higher prices at the pump. It's after attacks on at least one tanker in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed Houthis Plus a shortage of eggs in Myanmar has led to prices soaring and the footballers rewarded for winning the world cup in Tomatoes Presenter: Gideon Long Senior Producer: Naomi Rainey Editor: Justin Bones

Jul 22, 2026 · 26 min

Why OpenAI technology 'went rogue'? According to IT giant, some of its most advanced AI models went rogue and hacked a start-up after it lost control of them during a security test. Russia is feeling the economic impact of its war with Ukraine after drone attacks destroyed warehouses belonging to the country's biggest online retailer. We hear from the business owner who lost all her money. And we look at why Japan is urging men to wear shorts to work. (Picture: OpenAI says AI agent exploits vulnerabilities in security test, Berlin, Germany - 22 Jul 2026. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

Jul 22, 2026 · 9 min

New 25% US tariffs on selected Brazilian imports are raising trade tensions. What impact could they have on Brazil's economy? Also in the programme Malaysia's ambition to become Southeast Asia's next data centre powerhouse. And why a campaign encouraging Japanese office workers to wear shorts is causing controversy. Presenter: Gideon Long Producer: Barbara George Editor: Naomi Rainey.

Jul 21, 2026 · 26 min

The US administration is hitting its neighbour Canada with a 50% tariff on imports. Products include wine, cement and even hockey sticks. We speak to Canadian businesses about how they are preparing for the latest round of tariffs. Also, President Trump has promised to help Lebanon "a lot" during a landmark meeting with his Lebanese counterpart in Washington. We hear from a food importer about what it is like doing business in the country. Elsewhere, we check in with a football fan from Curaçao to find out how much a trip to the World Cup cost him. And weight-loss drugs are a multi-billion-dollar industry. We explore why its two biggest players are heading to court. (Photo: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks after touring General Dynamics, a defence manufacturing facility, on the day he announced new measures to strengthen Canada's defence capabilities in London, Ontario, Canada, 16 July, 2026. He wears a navy blazer and a white shirt, with a light blue, patterned silk tie. Credit: Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

Jul 21, 2026 · 9 min

US President Donald Trump has announced a new 50% tariff on a wide range of goods imported from Canada. We hear from a group representing auto manufacturers. Plus, another blow for Paramount in its bid to take over Warner Brothers And we look at the challenges facing clothes-makers in Bangladesh Presenter: Gideon Long Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Naomi Rainey

Jul 20, 2026 · 26 min

The United Kingdom has its seventh prime minister in just over a decade. Like many leaders the world over, Andy Burnham has vowed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and revive economic growth. But is it within his gift? And we find out why millions of passengers from outside Europe are finding long queues waiting for them when they land at airports across the continent. Also, as Spain celebrates its historic World Cup victory over Argentina, we drop in on the party in Madrid. PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Overs/BBC

Jul 20, 2026 · 9 min

The UK gets its fourth Prime Minister in just five years - but what can he do for the economy? Russia feels the economic impact of its war with Ukraine after drone attacks hit the country's biggest online retailer. We hear from the business owner who lost all her goods in the fire. And if you're going to Europe on vacation this year - why it might take a little longer to get through the airport. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Gideon Long

Jul 17, 2026 · 26 min

Adidas sponsor finalists Spain and Argentina while Nike sponsor defeated semi-finalists England and France. How big a deal is this in the battle for sports branding dominance? We also hear what football fever in North America did for a local business that sells football shirts. And, Andy Burnham will become the new British prime minister next week but hasn't said much about his economic policies. The BBC's economics editor Faisal Islam goes to Manchester, Burnham's former mayoral constituency to look at his track record there. Plus, the Bayeux Tapestry returns to England after nearly a thousand years and will be displayed in the British Museum. This has been controversial because its priceless and fragile with thousands signing a petition asking for it not to be moved. Culture Editor Katie Razzall tells us how it's being looked after.

Jul 17, 2026 · 9 min

A sharp sell-off in AI stocks sweeps across Asia. India joins a select group of countries running hydrogen-powered trains. And Netflix shares fall after its latest outlook disappoints investors. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Josh Martin

Jul 16, 2026 · 26 min

Smoke from wild-fires covers much of North America. Toronto, Chicago and Boston are all under the smoke haze. Indian Government bans its seafarers from going through the Strait of Hormuz. And in Italy, thirty-two people were found guilty in connection with a bridge collapse in Genoa in 2018.

Jul 16, 2026 · 9 min

The company TSMC is riding the artificial intelligence investment wave all the way to the bank, as profits surge at the Taiwanese advanced chip manufacturer. Our correspondent in New York City will dig into the latest jobs and spending data - has the city's big summer of events made consumers feel more confident? And we head to Europe's biggest port - Rotterdam - to hear about a court case locals have taken to force the industrial hub to go greener, faster. World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world.

Jul 15, 2026 · 26 min

New York becomes the first US state to impose a moratorium on building large-scale data centres. The measure, announced by New York's Governor Kathy Horchul, applies to all centres using 50MW or more of power and will remain in force for a year. We hear what the moratorium might mean for business. The announcement comes hours after Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese announces tougher rules for companies wanting to build data centres there. Elsewhere, the removal of a border fence separating southern Spain from the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar puts an end to border controls that have been in place for 118 years. And our correspondent Anna Holligan looks at Europe's largest freight port in Rotterdam, which is under pressure to be greener.

Jul 15, 2026 · 9 min

Chinese GDP growth slowed to 4.3% but success in electric vehicles and EV batteries boosted export earnings. We also head to Gibraltar where citizens and businesses of "The Rock" and Spain cheer the end of passport checks on the frontier border following the post-Brexit agreement between Spain and the UK. World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.

Jul 15, 2026 · 26 min

Big banks, big profits...We're looking at the handsome results posted by five big US banks today. We'll also look at threats to wheat exports in both Russia and the United States And why is American beef so pricey at the moment? (Picture: Close-up of benjamin franklin on scattered one hundred dollar bills. Credit: Getty Images)

Jul 14, 2026 · 9 min

US banks see supersized profits as dealmaking streak continues, but will US households feel any richer after inflation data showed gasoline prices at the forecourt eased for drivers. Video conferencing app Zoom has predicted a three-day working week as AI boosts worker productivity...but do bosses agree? And what will the fallout be for Paramount and Warner Brothers after their media mega-deal hit a regulatory roadblock?

Jul 13, 2026 · 9 min

One man's trash is another man's treasure, but would you pay $25 for a cube of rubbish collected outside Madison Square Garden where Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married? The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, with BBC Verify finding that only a handful on vessels crossed the body of water in the last 24 hours after tensions increased between Iran and the US. Also, we head to Delhi were new electric vehicle policies aimed at cleaning the air have been criticised by rickshaw and moped drivers. World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world.