Synopsis
The latest business and finance news from around the world from the BBC
Episodes
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French MPs bid farewell to François Bayrou
09/09/2025 Duration: 26minFrance's political crisis has deepened with the government being toppled in the National Assembly through a no confidence vote. It forces prime minister François Bayrou to resign over plans to deal with the country's deficit by cutting public spending. Andrew Peach examines the family settlement confirming the long battle for control of Rupert Murdoch's global conservative media empire has drawn to a close. We are in Munich where the European auto industry is talking about threats from the US and China, while we find out the latest in the immigration raid on a huge Hyundai car plant in the US state of Georgia. And we'll look at Donald Trump's plan to offer residency in the US for five million dollars. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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French PM François Bayrou on the brink in crucial vote
08/09/2025 Duration: 26minThe French prime minister, François Bayrou, is expected to be ousted in a confidence vote on Monday afternoon - which could lead to the collapse of his government. The Eurozones' second biggest economy is mired in debt - 114% of its annual economic output - and the prime minister has introduced an austerity budget, aimed to slash government spending by €44bn. But he does not have the votes to get it through.In Germany - the Munich car show is usually a glitzy and glamorous display of the latest models by an industry that thrives on style and tech. But it’s a more subdued affair this year as European carmakers face a series of problems: sinking sales in China and tariffs on sales in the US.AI has been used in many aspects of film-making and now the company OpenAI is putting its muscle behind a full-length animated movie, Critterz, which could be screened at the Cannes Film Festival next year. Roger Hearing speaks to Dr Dominic Lees, lead writer on AI for the BFI’s Sight & Sound magazine - and Associate Pr
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US immigration agents arrest workers at Hyundai plant
05/09/2025 Duration: 26minWe're on the ground in the US state of Georgia where immigration agents have arrested nearly 500 people during a raid on a Hyundai battery-production facility.And, we'll break down the latest US jobs report, which showed hiring in America stalled last month. We'll explain what that means for the Federal Reserve which has come under immense pressure from President Trump to cut rates.Also, McDonald’s is taking a stand on tipping. It says all restaurant workers should get a full minimum wage rather than relying on tips to boost a smaller amount of pay. And why Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks many companies in the US want to resume work with Russia?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
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The economic hit of Afghanistan's earthquakes
05/09/2025 Duration: 26minAfghanistan is one of the world's poorest countries, and after its eastern region was hit by a level 6.0 earthquake killing thousands and displacing thousands more - we hear from Stephen Rodriques of the UN to find out the financial impact involved with rebuilding its infrastructure and supporting families who have lost everything. Hannah Mullane speaks to Han Lin about the growing financial pressure on businesses in China after the nation's pension system shake up. Meanwhile, we discuss the global impact of the latest cyber-attack that's forced Jaguar Land Rover to keep production lines across the UK closed into next week. And why the future of France's film making subsidies are coming into question. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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Trump's Fed nominee faces the senate committee
04/09/2025 Duration: 26minThe US president's pick Stephen Miran is nominated to serve as governor of the central bank. Will he cut interest rates?The Italian fashion designer and billionaire brand owner Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. We hear from his former employee.Is it the end of the illegally streamed sport programmes? We look at the closure of Streameast - the world’s largest illegal sports streaming site.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
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What's the impact of India's tax cuts?
04/09/2025 Duration: 26minThe Indian government has announced massive tax cuts on items ranging from snacks and biscuits to electronic products and cars. But how will it affect the world's fastest growing major economy, and the businesses operating there? In the wake of Giorgio Armani's death at 91, Hannah Mullane speaks to author and writer Pauline Brown about what this could mean for his business empire worth more than US$7billion. Elsewhere, we discuss why Nigeria's banned the export of Shea butter nuts - which are used to make beauty products around the world - in a bid to make the trade more lucrative, while some exporters are worried it could have the opposite effect. And does a 4am morning routine make you more successful? The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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What’s fuelling the protests in Indonesia?
03/09/2025 Duration: 26minNationwide protests have swept Indonesia this week, sparked by anger over police violence and government spending.In Jamaica, parliamentary elections are taking place. Roger Hearing finds out what's on voters minds.A Chilean drinks company is locked in a legal battle with actor Pedro Pascal over its brand name, ‘Pedro Piscal’.And in the US, artwork once owned by Leonardo DiCaprio and linked to the 1MDB scandal is up for auction.
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Why are government debts going up globally?
03/09/2025 Duration: 26minAs government borrowing costs and debts rise around the world, we take a closer look at Japan, the UK and the US, and ask why? Hannah Mullane speaks to New Zealand's minister of immigration Erica Stanford as the Antipodean country plans to open up their housing market to foreign investors as part of a golden visa programme. Elsewhere we discuss how TSMC, the biggest semi-conductor producer making chips for electronic products, has become the latest company to face restrictions from the US government as it looks to limit China's access to American technology. And amid its tariff war with the US, we find out why some grocers in Canada have been ticked off for falsely labelling goods as Canadian. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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Is Washington DC a 'safe zone' for businesses?
02/09/2025 Duration: 26minUS President Donald Trump says Washington DC is a 'safe space' after announcing he will send National Guard troops into Chicago . Do businesses agree?Elsewhere in the US, Google won a court case meaning it doesn’t have to sell its popular Chrome web browser.Russia and China are working together on a major new gas pipeline deal. North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un has made a very rare trip to Beijing.And could you go a month without spending? We hear about 'No Spend September', the social media trend about saving money.
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Could China and Russia re-shape global energy?
02/09/2025 Duration: 26minWith China and Russia agreeing to build a new gas pipeline through Siberia, we take a look at its global economic impact and what it could mean for the two countries as they become ever more reliant on each other.Elsewhere, Ed Butler discusses the economic forces driving the brutal civil war in Myanmar while visiting a rehabilitation centre inside Thailand where wounded rebel soldiers go to recover.We hear from farmers in Nigeria investing in solar power to keep water running to their farms.And Hannah Mullane hears how a supermarket in France is upsetting bakeries by undercutting them on price.
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Guyana Election: Oil boom and Venezuela tensions
01/09/2025 Duration: 26minGuyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, votes for a new leader amid an oil boom and rising tensions with Venezuela.Swiss food giant Nestlé has sacked its CEO over his romantic relationship.Is the English Premier League in an inflation spiral? Roger Hearing investigates, as record-breaking transfer fees dominate the headlines.And 40 years after the Titanic wreck was discovered, we explore how a tragic shipwreck became a booming global industry, from movies and museums to podcasts.
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Is any intervention to the Fed a global risk?
01/09/2025 Duration: 26minThe head of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, fears that any intervention by US president Donald Trump's administration into the Federal Reserve could have wider implications and be a global economic risk. We hear from Dr Yu Jie, of Chatham House, on the significance of today's summit between China, India and Russia, as well as what a new development bank could look like. Elsewhere, Ed Butler discusses Trump's claims that Ethiopia's showpiece hydro-project, formally inaugurated this month, has actually been financed with American money. But the east African country say that's nonsense. And why a tiny Caribbean island is cashing in on its internet web name. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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Is the US Fed's independence at stake?
29/08/2025 Duration: 26minAs 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 to a former regional Fed president who says he’s up for the job.Canada’s economy shrinks much more than expected amid trade disputes with the US. An economist from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce weighs in on whether it might improve any time soon.And as a Chinese property giant’s shares are removed from a major stock market, is the golden era for Chinese real estate well and truly over?
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The legal battle between Fed Governor and US President
29/08/2025 Duration: 26minFederal 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 things like food and medicines cold in the heat? We hear from Ghana-based start-up revolutionising cold chain logistics across West Africa.Also, some foreign investors are now rethinking their India plans after the US President imposed new tariffs. We hear from one of them.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
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The USA sticks to plans on charges for some small parcels
28/08/2025 Duration: 26minAs 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 on whether Donald Trump's administration has compromised on the plans, and if ending the loophole will provide US$10bn of revenue as claimed. Elsewhere, Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook has filed a legal case against the US president over his efforts to fire her, while police raids have taken place across Brazil as authorities try to close down a US$10bn money laundering operation. Roger Hearing speaks to the man at the centre of a multi-billion dollar investment from South Korea into US shipbuilding. And how old is too old when it comes to being a commercial pilot? Former flyer Kit Darby shares his thoughts. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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President Trump wants the US government to take a share when American companies succeed
28/08/2025 Duration: 26minHow 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 us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
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India labels Trump's tariffs 'unfair and unjust'
27/08/2025 Duration: 26minWith 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, unjustified and unreasonable." Roger Hearing speaks to USA-India trade specialist Gunjan Bagla about what this could mean for both countries. Elsewhere Donald Trump has threatened the billionaire financier, George Soros, with an indictment for racketeering. We hear how professional golfers are surviving in Africa, while London's transport chiefs are trying to end commuters growing aggravation of having to listen to other people's music and entertainment on trains and buses. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.
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Trump's 50% tariff on India kicks in
27/08/2025 Duration: 26minIndian 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 uproar, the ‘Old Timer’ is here to stay.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
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US central bank governor to sue Trump
26/08/2025 Duration: 26minFederal 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 a few hours’ time, unless there's a last-minute change of heart, Indians will be dealing with 50% tariffs on most exports to the United States. It's punishment for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, which Washington argues helps finance Moscow's war in Ukraine.
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Growing pressure on the US Federal Reserve
26/08/2025 Duration: 26minPresident 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 aiming for the global stage.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.