World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Fed governor Lisa Cook attempts to block President Trump from firing her
As Fed governor Lisa Cook fights to block President Trump from firing her, a first legal hearing on the matter ends without a ruling. But with ongoing tensions and concerns over political meddling, who would want the next Fed chair job when the role becomes vacant next year? We speak…
The legal battle between Fed Governor and US President
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook has sued President Donald Trump over his attempt to fire her, setting up a potential legal battle in court. The governor has asked the court to declare Trump's firing order "unlawful and void", and also named Fed Chairman Jerome Powell as defendant. How to keep…
The USA sticks to plans on charges for some small parcels
As the US Customs and Border Protection agency gets ready to end a tariff exemption on all global parcel imports valued under US$800, known as de minimis, the White House claims it will help curb the movement of drugs. We hear from Kate Muth of the International Mailers Advisory Group…
President Trump wants the US government to take a share when American companies succeed
How the US Republicans moved from the free market and a small state to big interventions in the American economy? Why Chinese EV makers have got ahead of Tesla? And if you're running a business in Russia, why you can't advertise on social media from next week? You can contact…
India labels Trump's tariffs 'unfair and unjust'
With Washington's time window for a USA-India trade deal closed, Indian exporters are now dealing with 50% tariffs on many goods sold to the States. US president Donald Trump says it's to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil, but India prime minister Modi has criticised the levies as "unfair,…
Trump's 50% tariff on India kicks in
Indian exporters now face 50% tariffs on goods heading to the US. We hear how they’re coping. Also, Europe’s car industry says the EU’s green plan to cut emissions could actually backfire. And over in America, Cracker Barrel tried to give its famous logo a makeover, but after an online…
US central bank governor to sue Trump
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook will file a lawsuit challenging her removal by President Donald Trump, marking a major escalation in the president's battle with the US central bank. So does President Trump have the power to fire the governor? Roger Hearing hears from a legal expert. And in just…
Growing pressure on the US Federal Reserve
President Trump wants Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook removed over fraud allegations. She insists she’s staying put. Generation Z — the late ’90s and 2010s crowd now making their mark as a new force in retail investing. And in our Africa series, we explore why South Africa’s film industry is…
South Korean President meets with Donald Trump at the White House
US President, Donald Trump welcomes the South Korean leader to the White House to discuss trade. He believes a deal can be done. The South African government has warned young women against taking up unverified foreign job offers promoted on social media campaigns. Plus, we see the true cost of…
Global postal services suspend low-cost parcels to the US over tariffs
Across the globe postal services are pausing deliveries to the US as Washington prepares to end its long‑held tariff exemption on low‑value parcels. Evergrande, once China’s biggest property giant has now been kicked off the Hong Kong stock market, we bring you the latest twist in its collapse. Plus in…
Fed Chair Powell eyes September rate cut
As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signals a move to a rate cut in December, we find out what it means for the US economy and the financial markets. Also, friends again? Canadian PM Mark Carney calls a halt to some of the retaliatory tariffs imposed on the US. We…
All eyes on Jerome Powell’s major speech at Jackson Hole
The Federal Reserve's annual summit is happening in the scenic setting of Jackson Hole kicks into high gear on Friday, with the Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, taking centre stage. UN agencies are warning that the global workforce needs better protection from excessive heat driven by worldwide warming. And, in Scotland's…
How does the EU-US trade deal affect the car industry?
The EU and US clarify details of a tentative trade deal, with President Trump dropping plans for steep tariffs on cars, semi-conductors and pharmaceuticals. We get reaction from the German auto industry. We examine why a gathering of top economists and central bankers in the US is being overshadowed by…
EU and US release details of their tariff deal
The European Union and the White House have confirmed a 15% deal, including European cars and pharmaceuticals, in a joint statement clarifying their tentative trade deal announced last month. And in our Africa series this month, today we discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a…
Federal Reserve comes under pressure as interest rate decision looms
The Chair of the Federal Reserve chair are under scrutiny from Donald Trump after fraud allegations emerge about Governor Lisa Cook. How will it affect the interest rate decision? The authorities in Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi have declared an emergency and a public holiday after monsoon rains paralysed the city…
Doll-maker Labubu’s profits to rise nearly 400%
Net profits of Labubu maker, Pop Mart, have soared by nearly 400%, and the company's Hong Kong-listed shares are up more than 570%, and it's now worth more than twice as much as Mattel – which makes Barbie. We will look at why these elf-like dolls, made by the Chinese,…
China’s gains from US tariffs: cheap Russian oil and Brazilian soybeans
Washington’s expanded tariffs are reshaping trade - and China is cashing in. Its refiners are snapping up discounted Russian crude while Beijing turns to Brazilian soybeans, sidelining US farmers. More on tariffs, we find out the strain they are putting on the US coffee industry. And in the UK, we…
India removes cotton import duties
The Indian government has suspended import duties on cotton until the end of September in response to demands from industry groups. The move to exempt them from the 11% levy is seen as a relief for the textile industry, which is facing a steep 50% tariff on shipments to the…
Ukraine talks: Will Ukraine and Russia negotiate a full peace deal?
Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders are holding talks with Donald Trump at the White House - what will be next? We hear from Ukrainian business owner. Also, the Norwegian fund - worth $2 trillion - says it will divest from six firms with connections to the West Bank and Gaza…
Qantas hit with a record fine of $58 million
An Australian court has fined airline giant Qantas a record A$90m (£43m; $59m) for illegally sacking more than 1,800 ground workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Swiss watchmaker Swatch has withdrawn advertisements featuring an Asian model pulling the corners of his eyes after facing a backlash in China.