World Business Report

“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 Fenwick will be discussing the United Nations’ call for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence.You'll hear a special report on who tech titans might be backing in the US election. And how have global investors reacted to the big interest rate cut in the United States?

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 more than 450 injured. We hear more about the exploding devices and their origins.And reports of X being available again for users in Brazil have emerged weeks after the social platform was temporarily banned by a judge in the country. We look into what is happening.

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 its latest decision on interest rates and is expected to cut rates for the first time in more than four years. Elsewhere, the UK has announced inflation figures of 2.2%, but are consumers feeling any better off? Presenter Sam Fenwick examines if businesses have also been struggling with higher prices for energy and raw materials along with increased wages.

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 rest break. And on the ground in Sri Lanka ahead of this weekend's election, we hear how the country's slow recovery from economic turmoil will be an important factor in the vote.

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 years because of climate change and a drop in aid in Africa from nearly 40% of the global total in 2010 to just 25%.Elsewhere, Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a $13.5 billion cash handout programme for low-income earners and vulnerable groups that will start next week, and will hopefully give the economy a boost. And twenty-four hour party people. How will Montreal's economy benefit from extending their drinking hours?

TikTok 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 popular festival may not be able to enjoy their traditional fish treat

Amid many economic challenges, the government in Islamabad wants to ensure it keeps its IMF support, brings down inflation and avoids a debt default.Also, we examine how China can produce electric vehicles for under $20,000 and why Elon Musk's social media company X is moving its headquarters from California to Texas.

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, it's a challenging period for aircraft manufacturer Boeing, as workers have overwhelmingly voted to strike over a contract and pay dispute.And Kenya's president William Ruto is in Germany to sign a labour agreement that will enable up to 250,000 skilled Kenyan workers to travel to and work in Germany.

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 Union meeting.Also, why the historic downturn of the Paraguay River can play crucial role for the Paraguayan economy? And what future can we see in the space travel business?

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. And we examine the economic legacy of Peru's former president Alberto Fujimori who has died.

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, and Kamala Harris' vow not to ban fracking. And Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, is looking to bring back that cozy community coffeehouse vibe as the world's largest coffee chain looks to turnaround its fortune.

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 issues for America’s younger workforce?And Kenya pauses a deal for a major Indian conglomerate to run Nairobi’s main international airport.

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 fuelled concerns that deflation may be taking hold in the world’s second-largest economy. Industrial producer prices fell 1.8 per cent in August, the most in four months. Steel and agriculture were among the sectors hit. Meanwhile, consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent. Apple releases the brand-new iPhone 16. We examine what are the latest features on offer, what makes it stand out from previous releases and is upgrading to latest model worth it for consumers?Also, in the programme, presenter Ed Butler discusses a shake up in the fashion world as Sarah Burton is appointed creative director at Givenchy.

A fall in Chinese producer prices has fuelled concerns grow that deflation may be taking hold in the world’s second-largest economy. Industrial producer prices fell 1.8 per cent in August, the most in four months. Steel and agriculture were among the sectors hit. Meanwhile, consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent.In Africa, the Africa CDC and WHO have launched a $600 million plan to combat mpox in 14 countries from September 2024 to February 2025. The initiative focuses on improving surveillance, laboratory detection, case management, infection prevention, and vaccination efforts to strengthen public health responses across the continent.Apple’s iPhone 16 series, made in India, will be globally available shortly after its sales launch, marking a milestone for India’s manufacturing sector and the Make-in-India initiative.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has begun its journey back to Earth - but the astronauts it was supposed to be carrying are staying behind on the International Space Station. What happened?US job growth was weaker than expected last month, with only 142,000 new jobs added. Is a recession imminent, and how might the Federal Reserve react?And in South Africa, the Post Office teeters on the brink of closure. Business rescue practitioners have been brought in, jobs have been cut, and the CEO warns that billions are needed to save the state-owned company. What went wrong?

US job growth was weaker than expected last month, with only 142,000 new jobs added. Is a recession imminent, and how might the Federal Reserve react? Also, Boeing’s Starliner space shuttle will return to Earth soon, but not with its intended passengers. What happened, and what does it mean for commercial space travel?Plus, the Biden Administration is tackling the issue of difficult subscription cancellations—what are their proposed solutions?

We’ll be looking at the US economy following the release of closely watched jobs data.And, it's over 200 years old but it's on the brink of collapse: South Africa's postal office is looking to the government for a bail out. We speak to the man tasked with saving the institution. Plus, what does a Banksy artwork do to your house price? Our reporter speaks to home and business owners.

The country is under a state of emergency as gangs try to expand their control over the capital, and other regions. We get the latest. As Elon Musk's X is banned in Brazil, rival BlueSky gains ground in the South American nation. We talk to its CEO, Jay Graber.And we get an insight on how airplane seats are made.

President Xi has offered $51 billion of Chinese finance for Africa and says it will create a million jobs... there are plenty of warm words about it but we'll examine who's getting the best deal.Andrew Peach to a Swedish government minister about why they're abolishing a tax on air travel despite environmental concerns.And why President Putin wants Russian cargo to make more use of a sea route which used to be blocked by ice before global warming.

Shares are down... with the tech giant Nvidia slumping almost 10%... is that because of fears about the US economy... or does it reveal wider concerns about artificial intelligence?And fifty African leaders are in Beijing, looking for investment and tourism in exchange for access to minerals. We speak to DRC’s minister of communications about what delegates may be looking for from China.And the German town worrying what will happen if VW closes the car plant their town depends on.