World Business Report

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Jun 2026

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Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.

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38 recent

June 16, 202628 min

SpaceX overtakes Amazon to become world's fifth most valuable firm

Elon Musk's SpaceX has overtaken Amazon to become the world's fifth most valuable company after a surge in its share price. Why are people keen to invest in commercial space? Also, Cuba's tourism feels the impact of US oil blockade as fewer people visit the country . We hear from a local tourist guide. And will AI replace jobs of young people? We hear from a father and daughter about the challenges of finding work in the AI world.

June 16, 202611 min

Why is consumer spending falling in China?

China's consumer spending and investment have fallen to levels unseen since the pandemic but what does that mean for their economy going forward? Also Donald Trump shares more details on that Iran-US deal at the G7. And we'll be finding out why tourism is declining in the Caribbean island of Cuba. Presenter Sarah Rogers Producer: Barbara George and Aleeza Siddiq

June 15, 202628 min

How will a US and Iran deal affect global shipping?

The US and Iran agree deal to end war and could lead to supplies of gas and oil flowing more freely across the world. We hear from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and from one of the world's biggest container shipping firms - Hapag-Lloyd. And as the UK ban socials for under 16's is that the right approach? And how it will affecting businesses?

June 15, 202611 min

Will energy prices come down after US and Iran deal?

The US and Iran have reached an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We will be hearing what this mean for oil prices in the global market. In the UK there's a ban on under 16's on social media. The UK says it it going further than other countries to remove high-risk features on gaming platforms and livestreaming sites. And Starbucks across South Korea close for a staff history lesson - after a marketing stunt went horribly wrong. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Barbara George

June 12, 202630 min

Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire

Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX shares soared following the company's stock market debut in New York. Andrew Peach examines what's driving the company's remarkable rise from its Starlink satellite business to the enduring appeal of the Musk brand. Also on the programme, Switzerland is preparing to vote on proposals to limit population growth. But could restricting migration come at a cost to the country's economy? And we'll assess the legacy of one of the art world's biggest names, as David Hockney dies aged 89, and ask what continues to make his work so sought after and valuable. (Picture: A billboard of SpaceX is pictured on the day of SpaceX's initial public offering (IPO) at the Nasdaq MarketSite, in New York City, U.S., June 12, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon)

June 12, 202610 min

SpaceX Begins Trading in Landmark $1.8 Trillion Listing

Today is the day SpaceX begins trading on public markets after raising around $75 billion in one of the largest listings on record, valuing the company at nearly $1.8 trillion. Broader markets are also edging higher, with investors weighing whether enthusiasm around SpaceX is part of a wider surge linked to major AI-related listings still to come. There is also growing focus on the personal implications of the listing. The scale of the valuation raises the possibility of Elon Musk entering the trillion-dollar club, prompting questions about what that means in practice Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

June 11, 202628 min

It's official: 2026 is an El Niño year

El Niño has officially begun, according to scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Will Bain examines what the climate phenomenon could mean for food prices, energy markets, economic growth and weather patterns around the world. We'll also look ahead to Friday's huge Initial Public Offering in shares in SpaceX. And the World Cup is under way. We hear from businesses and residents about the opportunities, disruptions and expectations as the tournament gets started. (Picture:Indonesian farmers brace for possible dry spell linked to El Nino. Indonesia, June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan)

June 11, 202613 min

SpaceX Prepares for a Historic Market Launch

Wall Street is preparing for what could be the biggest IPO in history as SpaceX gets ready to begin trading on the public markets. We look at the final steps before launch, what investors can expect, and what the listing could mean for the wider technology and space sectors. Also on the programme, the European Central Bank has raised interest rates for the first time in almost three years as policymakers respond to inflationary pressures across the eurozone. Nearly a year after the crash of Air India Flight 171, investigators are expected to provide an update. But the inquiry has become increasingly controversial, with competing theories about what caused the disaster and growing scrutiny of the investigation itself. And the World Cup kicks off in Mexico. We head to Atlanta, one of the tournament's host cities, to find out whether businesses and residents are ready for the economic opportunities and challenges that come with football's biggest event. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

June 10, 202628 min

US inflation hits three-year high

Gideon Long dives into the latest US inflation figures after prices rose at their fastest pace in three years. We hear from American business owners on the front line of rising costs. We also turn to China, where inflation remains far lower than in the United States, and examine what the latest figures reveal about the strength of the world's second-largest economy. And with the FIFA World Cup approaching North America, how are businesses preparing for the economic opportunities the tournament could bring? (Picture: Fuel prices are displayed outside a gas station in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2026.JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/Shutterstock)

June 10, 202611 min

US Inflation Hits Three-Year High as Energy Prices Surge

The cost of goods in the United States is rising at its fastest pace in three years, with inflation driven mainly by soaring energy prices since the start of the war in Iran. Economists say the energy shock is feeding through into broader price pressures across the world’s largest economy. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s TSMC, a key player in the global AI boom and the centre of the US-China tech rivalry, has been speaking exclusively to the BBC about whether it can keep up with surging demand for advanced chips. And with just a day to go, large numbers of World Cup 2026 tickets are appearing on resale platforms. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann