World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Pakistan’s IMF bailout package
Pakistan looks ahead to an anticipated $7bn IMF package as the country emerges from one of its worst economic crises since independence. Now, the government has amped up its efforts to raise nearly $46bn in taxes for the year - we hear from the former governor of the country’s state…
Is an IMF bailout ever enough?
We hear from a doctor in Pakistan who says he sees parents who do not have enough money to take their dead children home, highlighting the growing and devastating pressures poor families face as rising costs leave them unable to afford basic medication. Devina Gupta finds out if an IMF…
Is China’s central bank doing enough to revive its economy?
New stimulus measures are being introduced by China’s central bank to reduce interest rates on existing mortgages. Devina Gupta speaks to lead economist Betty Wang.Also, is fashion giant Shein benefiting from tax loopholes in the UK? The boss of a popular clothing chain Superdry thinks so, we find out more…And…
Sri Lanka elections: A change for the better?
We are heading to Sri Lanka which has a new president but long-standing economic problems – Devina Gupta speaks to the country's former finance minister Eraan Wickramaratne.Also, with the growing transmission of Mpox in Africa, businesses are having to consider how they can manage to continue operations, we find out…
What next for Lebanon?
Tensions continue to rise in Lebanon and there is growing fear of escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Over the past decade Lebanon’s economy has shrunk dramatically, the currency has collapsed, and prices have skyrocketed. Many are living under fear and uncertainty. We hear from Lebanon's business community on how…
Can a new CEO make Nike cool again?
The boss of the world's largest sportswear maker, Nike, is to step down as the company's market share falls and rivals produce more innovative footwear.Also in Lebanon, the country's economy minister says the situation is escalating by the hour. Lebanon had already endured one of the worst financial meltdowns in…
The view from Beirut as tensions soar
Under the shadow of conflict is normal life possible in Lebanon? The country has had a major economic crisis for almost a decade, and there is growing fear of escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. We hear from Lebanon's business community on the challenges of working under the shadow of…
Flooding in Europe: mounting pressure for more funding
“There’s no playground, no place to play football, and no wedding venue anymore. It’s all been washed away,” the words of a hotel owner just south of Wrocław, in Poland, hit by the worst floods in 25 years. You’ll be hearing more about her story…Also, in today’s tech-focused episode Sam…
US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time in four years
The US Federal Reserve has slashed interest rates by half a point, the first reduction in more than four years. We talk to experts and businesses about the impact this will have in the economy.A second wave of blasts have taken place in Lebanon, leaving at least 14 dead and…
Are consumers still feeling the pinch?
Over the past four years, consumer prices worldwide have been on the rise. In the United States, inflation soared to 9.1% in June 2022, marking its highest rate since November 1981. Similarly, advanced economies have faced significant inflationary pressures. Later today, the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, will announce…
How far will the Federal Reserve cut interest rates?
The US Federal Reserve is likely to cut interests rates tomorrow. We discuss the implications with experts in the United States. And why the Indian Supreme Court is stepping into the row about female doctors' safety at the Kolkata Hospital where a young medic was raped and murdered on her…
More funding needed for malnutrition crisis
Bill Gates has told the BBC that governments need to do more to help those living in extreme poverty. Since the pandemic many have cut their aid budgets. A report from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation warns that 40 million additional children will suffer from hunger in the coming…
Tik Tok's day in court
Tik Tok takes to the courts to fight the US Government's ultimatum to get rid of its Chinese parent company and more troubles for strike-bound Boeing; the Seattle aviation giant is cutting back on spending and may furlough white-collar staff. Also, in West Bengal, why people celebrating the state's most…
What to expect from the Pakistan economy?
Pakistan authorities have been trying to find the best way to achieve the IMF deal, bring down the inflation and safe the country from the default, but could things be about to improve? Also, we find out how China can produce affordable EVs for under $20,000 and why Elon Musk's…
China to raise retirement age as population ages and pension woes mount
China is set to gradually raise its retirement age for the first time in decades, as the nation grapples with an ageing population and a shrinking pension fund. Under the new plan, men will retire at 63 instead of 60, while most women will work until 58, up from 55.Plus,…
Boeing faces potential strike in Seattle
Although Boeing executives and union representatives reached a deal earlier this week that includes a 25% pay rise over four years, the aviation giant facing the potential strike as it has yet to be approved by union members. We hear from the aviation consultant who is going to attend the…
Why are investors pulling back from China?
Chinese stock markets have fallen to a five-year low, with investors concerned about the health of its economy. Elsewhere, the European Central Bank cuts interest rates again. Boeing makes a last ditch appeal to workers ahead of their vote on a new contract which includes a 25% pay rise offer…
Kenya Airport controversy causes passenger disruption
On today's programme, plans to modernise Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have prompted the aviation workers' union to go on strike. We look at what's behind the decision and how long passenger disruption is expected to last Plus, we look back at the market reaction to the U.S. Presidential debate,…
Ireland takes stock after Apple loses tax appeal
After an eight-year long dispute, Apple was told by the European Union’s top court that it is required to pay €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland. What does this mean for the iPhone maker, and Ireland's future as a destination for big technology companies?Plus, what are the key election…
Europe in need of investment
Former Italian Premier and former ECB chief Mario Draghi has authored a European Commission report calling for €800 billion euros of additional annual investment. The report says the EU needs this alongside more innovation and faster decision-making to avoid seeing living standards decline. A fall in Chinese producer prices has…