World Business Report

With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below the 16-years-old from using social media. Will Grant reports on the latest as the critical fuel crisis in Cuba worsens and Havana's fuel pumps run dry. Elsewhere, we look to Japan as the nation heads to the polls this weekend, and Ed Butler hears from Professor Maria Rodas on what it takes to make the perfect Superbowl commercial. Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Europe, Latin America and the USA. (Picture: A TikTok logo is seen in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. Credit: Olivier Hoslet / EPA / Shutterstock.)

After a week of significant drops across many AI and tech-related stocks, we speak to Nobel Prize winner Daron Acemoglu, and economist Cary Leahey of Columbia University in New York, to examine whether the tech bubble could be set to burst. With Nike under investigation by Donald Trump's administration over claims it has hidden evidence that the company is using its so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies to discriminate against white workers, Ed Butler speaks to Stefan Padfield of the Free Enterprise Project. Elsewhere, Beijing says Panama will pay 'a heavy price' for a court ruling against a Hong Kong port owner, and we look at how a growing trend has led to Kenya's central bank banning people from using bank notes to make floral-like bouquets and decorations. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: A sign marks Wall Street near the New York Stock Exchange in New York, NY, USA. Credit: Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.)

Almost $1 trillion has been knocked off the value of software and services companies as investors weigh whether artificial intelligence has been hit particularly hard, so we ask: what does that mean for the profession itself. We also look at why interest rates in Europe and the UK are on hold And why Kenya’s central bank has banned the use of banknotes in decorative bouquets.

The US is ramping up efforts to secure its supplies of critical minerals. Vice-president JD Vance has proposed creating a new critical mineral trading bloc to loosen China’s control over the sector. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Ed Butler finds out more. Shares of Ozempic manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, dropped as nuch as 17% in the face of strong competition. Meanwhile its rival Eli Lilly, is forecasting strong growth. What's the outlook for weight-loss jabs? Elsewhere, the US has renewed an agreement that gives 32 African countries access to the US market. The African Growth and Opportunity Act was allowed to expire last September, after 25 years. It's now been re-authorised until the end of 2026, although Washington has warned it may reshape the deal after that.

The maker of Ozempic says tougher competition from generics in India and China will hit profits this year. Leanna Byrne speaks to its chief financial officer. Plus, Spain moves closer to banning social media for under-16s. And the United States renews a trade deal giving 32 African countries duty-free access to its market.

There’s a major shift at the top of the Walt Disney Company, as one of entertainment’s most iconic brands welcomes a new leader. Ed Butler examines who Josh D’Amaro is, why he’s been chosen, and what his appointment reveals about the wider state of the industry. Plus, how high street giant Walmart grew into a trillion dollar business. And the reasons behind strike action by port workers in Bangladesh. (Photo: Josh D'Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, who was named next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, poses for a picture in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on February 3, 2026. Credit: REUTERS)

French prosecutors raided Elon Musk’s X offices in Paris as part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged illegal data extraction and possible links to child pornography. Also, US and India reach trade deal to slash US tariffs on the nation's goods to 18% from 50%. And the European Union has told the BBC it was unacceptable for the US to threaten trade tariffs during its row over the future of Greenland. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

Ed Butler examines the latest trade deal announced between the United States and India and what each side stands to gain. We also look ahead to President Trump’s meeting with Colombia’s president amid rising tensions. And is Latin pop music coming of age in mainstream American culture?

This precious metals rally has been tarnished after a sudden slide in prices. So what does this tell us about metals like gold, known to be the ultimate safe haven. Can we still call it a refuge when things get rocky? Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

US President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, when the four-year-term of current chairman Jerome Powell's ends in May. Rahul Tandon hears from people who worked closely with Warsh. Also, the BBC visits Maracaibo, once the heart of Venezuela's booming oil industry. And silver and gold prices plummet after their recent rise. (Photo: Kevin Warsh, speaking during the Sohn Investment Conference in New York City, U.S., May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo)

The former Federal Reserve governor has deep ties to Wall Street, was previously interviewed for the job in 2017, and has been an outspoken critic of America's central bank. We’ll ask how financial markets have responded to the news. Also, Venezuelan MPs have approved a bill to open up its oil sector to private firms. And, Panama's Supreme Court has voided a Hong-Kong based company's canal port contracts.

The Japanese auto giant Toyota says global sales set a new record last year, despite trade tensions. What did Toyota do differently to others? This week, gold has again hit another record high – even though the price has dipped slightly today. Our presenter Rahul Tandon hears from one country that’s benefiting from the gold boom. Also, strong iPhone demand boosts Apple's quarterly revenue and profit, as Microsoft faces pressure over spending on data centres. (Photo: Members of the media inspect a Toyota Yaris car displayed during a media preview at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 automobile showcase in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, 24 March 2025. Credit: by RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The dollar is normally seen as the ultimate safe haven, it's the currency most other currencies benchmark themselves against – so why is it taking a downward spiral? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in Beijing meeting President Xi and says steps have been taken to improve trade with China. And Germany is experiencing a potato glut, we find out why.

US technology giant Amazon has confirmed it will cut 16,000 jobs around the world. Andrew Peach hears from former Amazon workers and AI experts. Also, why the German authorities have searched Deutsche Bank buildings in Berlin and Frankfurt. And how Harry Styles will overtake Taylor Swift by adding more London gigs this summer. (PHOTO: An Amazon employee delivers packages in downtown San Francisco, California, U.S., January 26, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

The Swiss franc soars to its highest level against the dollar in more than a decade as investors flee the dollar in search of a safe haven. We look at what that means for Swiss exporters and the central bank. Plus, why have several big global companies announced job cuts, even though they appear to be doing well financially? And the boss of Cisco warns of "carnage" if an AI-driven bubble on stock markets bursts.

A free trade agreement dubbed the mother of all trade deals has finally been announced between the European Union and India after two decades of negotiations. What do businesses make of it? Across the globe then to hear why Canadians are boycotting ski resorts in America. In the US, a landmark social media addiction case has tech giants settling before reaching court. And country music is popular (according the Gen-Z). [Photo:President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa shake hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India. Credit: RAJAT GUPTA/EPA/Shutterstock]

The European Union and India have announced a landmark trade deal as both sides aim to deepen ties amid tensions with the US. It will allow free trade of goods between the bloc of 27 European states and the world's most populous country, which together make up nearly 25% of global gross domestic product and a market of two billion people. Meanwhile, Donald Trump threatens South Korea with more tariffs, and a big shift in the global sportswear business as France’s billionaire Pinault family sells a big chunk of its Puma holding to China’s Anta Sports.

The Trump administration ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to step up the removal of undocumented migrants more than six weeks ago, triggering large scale protests across the US. Rahul Tandon speaks to business owners who say staff are too frightened to come into work. In France, the government moves a step closer to banning social media for children under 15s. And as a deadly winter storm batters the US and Canada, a farmer explains how he keeps his animals safe in extreme conditions. [Photo: Protests in Minneapolis. Credit:CRAIG LASSIG/EPA/Shutterstock]

Ten European countries bordering or close to the North Sea, including Germany, France, the UK and Norway, have pledged $11.3 billion to expand offshore wind capacity by 2030. They describe it as a historic deal that will wean Europe off dependency on Russian energy. Plus, France starts debating a ban on social media for under-15s in the wake of a similar move in Australia. And India and the EU are poised to conclude a trade deal.

Andrew Peach speaks to the man in charge of keeping Ukraine's largest private energy company going in the face of relentless Russian drone attacks on the country's networks. And we look at how the US administration's decision to end protected visa status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians is hitting the retirement home industry in Florida. Also, we'll be finding out how Robbie Williams has become bigger than the Beatles - by one measure at least.