World Business Report

Bomb threats have disrupted around 30 flights across Europe. The threats also caused Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ to go off air briefly, just days before Ireland hosts major European leaders for a summit. What's behind the threats? Garment workers in Bangladesh have returned to work after protests about pay brought factories to a standstill. They'll be given a pay rise, but with the final amount still unclear, they could hit the streets again. Elon Musk says Tesla will stop making its Cybertrucks at its Texas facility. A series of recalls and quality issues have made for a bumpy ride since its 2023 launch. Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producers: Guy Kilty and Amy Booth (Image: Ryanair logo on a plane. Gareth Price, BBC)

Global tech stocks tumble as investors question the billions being poured into artificial intelligence. And so we ask, is the AI boom running out of steam? Also, Paraguay's president faces impeachment proceedings over a banking scandal. And pollution threatens one of India's busiest shopping seasons, Diwali. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producers: Matt Lines and Bisi Adebayo

US stock markets were down sharply on Thursday following the US midterms. Technology shares suffered the deepest declines, led by Elon Musk's Tesla and SpaceX. Also, Paraguay's President Santiago Peña has announced his resignation following a political crisis sparked by the collapse of a bank. And Nintendo says sales of its Switch 2 console are down 37%. Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producers: Guy Kilty and Amy Booth (PHOTO: US President Donald Trump presents the National Medal of Science to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during the "A New Golden Age" summit at the US Institute of Peace, renamed The Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace by the Trump administration, in Washington, DC, US, October 8, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci/File Photo)

Fighter jets are scrambled as a wave of bomb threats disrupts flights across Europe. We hear what the diversions and security alerts mean for airlines and passengers. Also, Democrats take control of the US Congress. We examine what their victory means for the economy and President Trump's tariffs. And hundreds of thousands of people protest across France over rising living costs and pay. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Bisi Adebayo

We break down the US Midterms to learn about the state of the US economy, how consumers and business owners are feeling and what that economy might look like in the months to come. One issue that came up in states across the country during the midterms was the building of data centres. Will this slow down as voters back candidates who've pledged to stop building them. Also, we hear from an oil expert about falling oil prices. Is it a sign that investors think there'll soon be an end to the US war with Iran? PRESENTER: Luke Wilson PRODUCER: Neil Morrow & George Baylis (PHOTO: US President Donald Trump looks on the day the final steel beam goes into the ballroom, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 4, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci)

After victories for Democrats in the Senate and Congress, we hear from business owners about what it means for them. We get the views of a hotel owner in Texas and a department store owner in Indiana, on this historic Midterm result for the Democratic Party. And get the latest market reaction to the Midterms. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Matt Lines

Polling day is coming to an end in the US, with millions of Americans having their say on who will control Congress. Will the results reshape the political landscape of the USA? Meanwhile, Binance says hackers used a fake job interview to steal billions of dollars in cryptocurrency, raising fresh concerns about security in the digital currency industry. And what will Kellogg’s Rice Krispies taste like without puffed rice? Consumers outside North America are about to find out.

Voting is underway in what is seen as a referendum on President Trump's 2nd term. The cost of living has been a major issue throughout the campaign, with high food and fuel prices weighing on households. We also hear from South Africa, as the US plans to suspend the country and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, which allows thousands of African products to enter America duty-free. And a ban on social media for under-16s in Australia is being challenged in the country's High Court. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Matt Lines

The mass walkouts are over low pay and rising prices, with hundreds of clothing factories facing disruptions. We hear from workers demanding more pay and how likely a deal is to be done. Also, we hear how a Budget dispute in Belgium has led to the resignation of the Prime Minister. And an unusual race up one of China's most famous mountains with dozens of robots climbing the thousands of steps up Mount Tai. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Matt Lines

Americans are heading to the polling stations for mid-term elections that could shift the balance of power in Congress. How is the electoral climate affecting businesses? As big tech's AI spending draws mounting scrutiny, one persistent problem is that these tools can present us with false information. AI "hallucinations," as they're known, can have serious consequences for business. So why do we keep falling for them - and what makes them so convincing? Hackers have hit fridges at dozens of supermarkets across Europe, ruining millions of Euros worth of food. We speak to a security expert. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producers: Neil Morrow and Amy Booth (Photo by CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (14839509b) A person shows an 'I voted' sticker after she cast her vote at the Palmetto Bay library in the early voting for the 2024 US presidential election in Miami, Florida, USA, 29 October 2024.)

A record $6.3 billion has been stolen from crypto exchange Binance by hackers. It's believed that the North Korean government is behind the attack - but how can they spend it, and why is Pyongyang behind so many of these attacks? As the United States mid-term elections approach, we speak to representatives from both the Republicans and Democrats about the battle, which could shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Music streaming giant Spotify is reportedly planning to launch a new service allowing users to remix songs using AI. We'll be hearing from a singer about how she feels about the proposal. Presenter: Ed Butler Producers: Barbara George & Amy Booth (Image: Binance logo and hacker code are seen in this illustration taken October 30, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

Hackers steal around $6.3 billion from Binance in what could be the biggest cryptocurrency heist in history. We examine how the attack happened and what it means for the crypto industry. Also, France's economy unexpectedly shrinks as inflation rises, despite stronger growth across the wider Eurozone. And nearly two years after the fall of Syria's Assad regime, rising living costs spark protests as the country struggles to rebuild its economy. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Bisi Adebayo

Amazon has reported lacklustre Q3 results and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, shedding some $500 billion in a day. The developments come as investors question companies' massive spending on AI. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has explained what Canada's "associate" EU membership could look like at the two-day EU-Canada summit. One of Japan's largest providers of internet services is in a battle with hackers. After it refused to pay a million-dollar ransom, the hackers started to publish what they claim are personal details. Presenter: Ed Butler Producers: Barbara George & Amy Booth (Image: Amazon logo is seen in this illustration taken February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

Volkswagen reports its biggest quarterly loss in more than a decade, losing almost $7 billion in three months. We look at the challenges facing the German car giant as it plans thousands of job cuts. Also, Christine Lagarde announces she's stepping down early as president of the European Central Bank, triggering a race to replace her. And fuel shortages loom in Kenya as independent petrol retailers clash with major oil suppliers over prices. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Bisi Adebayo

Microsoft and Alphabet have reported their latest earnings. We' ll be taking a look at their performance as Microsoft shares surged off the back of their results while Alphabet's took a dip. European gas prices spiked, with a key contract hitting €100 for the first time since 2022 - but how is that affecting European manufacturers? Elsewhere, why the passengers on a cruise ship have been left stranded in Cambodia - and a year after Hurricane Melissa, how Jamaica's tourism sector is recovering. Presenter: Ed Butler Producers: Barbara George & Amy Booth (Photo: Microsoft logo and a keyboard in this illustration. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

India's biggest telecom giant, the Meta and Google-backed Jio Platforms, made its stock market debut on Wednesday. The UK's finance minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has revealed the government's budget plans for the next 12 months. And passengers on a round-the-world cruise ship have been told to disembark in Cambodia, because the company can't afford the current cost of fuel oil.

Subscription window for Africa's "People's IPO" closes today for the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria. Which has reportedly been almost three times oversubscribed, with billions of dollars' worth of orders from retail and institutional investors. We find out what it means for investment in the continent. The first three ships full of Russian diesel head for the US, but two of them are currently sanctioned by the EU, UK and Canada. We find out if they will be able to land and what could be the legal implications for any US companies handling the product. China's state television company has reportedly suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches after the Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe appeared to call the late Mao Zedong a "Chinese dictator" on a French TV chat show. We hear about the commercial fall out. Presenter: Ed Butler Producer: Barbara George & George Baylis (PHOTO: Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of…

French football star Kylian Mbappé has apologised after a joke about China's former leader Mao Zedong sparked a growing boycott.Major brands have dropped sponsorship deals, while Chinese broadcasters are reportedly pulling Spanish football matches. We examine the financial fallout. Also, Microsoft offers voluntary redundancy to thousands of workers as it increases spending on AI. What could it mean for India's IT industry? And, is the Labubu craze over? Sales slump at Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the viral dolls. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Bisi Adebayo

One of the world's most valuable AI companies is heading to wall street. Anthropic has warned artificial intelligence (AI) could pose "catastrophic or existential risks to humanity" as it unveiled details of its planned stock market listing in the US. We hear what tech investors want from the listing. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva has won a fourth term in office and is promising unity and democracy. We hear what victory means for Brazil's economy. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested the country should prepare ways to work around potential banking sanctions. We hear about the country's economy and political mood. And London’s Oxford Street is about to get a lot quieter, as one of the world’s most famous shopping destinations goes traffic-free. We here from shoppers. (Photo: Anthropic logo in this illustration taken on 26 October, 2026, is a black rectangle with the brand name Anrhopic in white, bold type. Credit: Dado Ruvic/Reuters) Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producer: Barbara…

Lula da Silva wins fourth term as President in dramatic Brazil election comeback, but his opponent refuses to accept the result. India legalises E100 ethanol fuel for vehicles. And London's famous Oxford Street shopping district is going traffic

In the U.S., President Trump's war in Iran has caused pain for low-income Americans. As voters go to the polls for nationwide Congressional elections, people are struggling to pay for food and fuel. The cost-of-living crisis deepens. Brazilians will be voting for a new president on Sunday in a run-off election. The current president - Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - is being challenged by right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a tight race that will have consequences for the region and the world. We speak to economists in the country. Presenter: Rahul Tandon Producers: Neil Morrow & Neggeen Sadid (Photo: A person pumps gas into their car at the 76 gas station at the corner of Roscoe Boulevard and Woodman Avenue in Los Angeles, California, USA, 04 September 2026. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock / Chris Torres)

Technology stocks face renewed pressure across US and Asian markets as investors grow increasingly concerned about the huge sums being poured into artificial intelligence. Luke Wilson examines what's driving the uncertainty. Also, Greece becomes the latest country to introduce a social media ban for children. And Volvo announces 2,000 job cuts after reporting a quarterly loss of more than $560 million. Producer: Bisi Adebayo Presenter: Luke Wilson

A New Mexico judge has fined Meta $25 billion for its handling of user data. It is the latest large legal payout for the tech firm, following an $18 billion settlement reached with California over child safety, and comes as it releases its latest financial results. Vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language have led to websites being down in several countries, including Japan, Finland and the UK. Around seven in 10 of the world's websites use PHP. Is this a new era of cyber insecurity and instability? ​ And a BBC investigation finds that employees from Google have resigned due to the use of AI for military technologies. We hear from one former employee. (Photo: Meta logo and a keyboard in this illustration taken 18 October, 2026. Credit: Dado Ruvic/Reuters) Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Neil Morrow and Neggeen Sadid

For the second day, many websites around the world — including those of government agencies and banks — are down. These are due to vulnerabilities in PHP — a programming language that much of the internet relies on. One government cyber security official in Finland tells us how his government is preparing for cyber-attacks. We go to Virginia to speak to a housing realtor about the housing market. Have interest rates made home ownership unaffordable? And we ask the co-founder of France's first literary AI prize if it sets a dangerous precedent for authors. Presenter: Leanne Byrne Producers: Neil Morrow & Neggeen Sadid (Photo: "Cyber Attack" phrase and PHP code appears in this illustration taken October 22, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic / Illustration)

Millions of hacking attempts have been detected after a major security flaw was discovered in PHP. We hear from the cybersecurity firm behind the discovery and a business whose website remains offline. Also, Electronic Arts shuts down BioWare after 31 years, cutting 400 jobs. And Airbnb is banning lengthy checkout chores for guests. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Bisi Adebayo

A New Mexico judge has fined Meta for its handling of user data. It's the latest large legal payout for the tech firm, following an $18 billion settlement reached with California over child safety, and comes as it releases its latest financial results. Vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language have led to websites being down in several countries, including Japan, Finland and the UK. Around seven in 10 of the world's websites use PHP. Is this a new era of cyber insecurity and instability? ​ And a BBC investigation finds that employees from Google have resigned due to the use of AI for military technologies. We hear from one former employee. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producers: Neil Morrow & Neggeen Sadid (Photo: Meta logo and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic)

India telecoms company Jio Platforms has launched what is expected to be the country’s biggest ever share sale. The company, which is part of Reliance Industries and backed by India’s second richest man, Mukesh Ambani, aims to raise around $3.2bn in its initial public offering (IPO). Also, protests in Portugal over housing affordability spill on to the streets. And why Starbucks China has run out of patience with customers who take a seat…but not a coffee. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Naomi Rainey

With two weeks until the US midterm elections, Luke Wilson examines how rising living costs could influence voters and what the latest economic figures reveal. Also, Netflix reports its latest results after a difficult few months marked by job cuts and executive departures. And could Africa's economy grow faster than China's for the first time in decades? Presenter: Luke Wilson Producers: Neil Morrow and Bisi Adebayo (Picture:Two women stand beside a golf cart decorated with American flags during a Republican voter turnout event ahead of the midterm elections in The Villages, Florida, US, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona)

French lawmakers are continuing their scrutiny of next year's budget as the country reels from days of violent unrest. What began as protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools has escalated into some of the worst rioting France has seen in years.Thousands of people have been arrested, businesses have been looted and buildings set alight. We hear why the boss of one of the world’s biggest airlines - Ryanair - predicts the cost of flights will increase by up to 20% next year. And the people of oil rich Alberta have decided whether to stick with Canada. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Naomi Rainey

Around 2,000 businesses have been affected by riots and looting across France. We hear from those caught up in the unrest and examine the economic impact. Also, can Europe's biggest mobile operators build a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink? And Saudi Arabia postpones a major investment conference as Houthi attacks disrupt business in the kingdom. Presenter: Andrew Peach Producers: Neil Morrow and Bisi Adebayo (Picture: Masked protesters stand next to burning bicycles amid clashes during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices near the Place de la Republique in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers and parents demanding better school conditions and government action, as well as labour unions, workers, farmers and retirees, France, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor/File Photo)

The world's second largest economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, but worries persist in China over weak spending at home. China’s economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of the year, thanks to the AI boom driving investment in Chinese exports. But global trade tensions and continued concerns at the level of consumer spending at home hang over the future of the world’s second largest economy. Meanwhile in the Eurozone’s second largest economy, France, shares have fallen and borrowing costs have risen after violent protests in the country over the weekend. Why the World Bank is concerned there won’t be enough jobs to go around in future for today’s youth. And in England, the Government gets tough on so-called headphone dodgers, who insist on listening to music loudly on public transport - driving other passengers mad. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Naomi Rainey

Jean-Claude Trichet , former president of the European Central Bank, joins the programme to discuss economic stability. We hear his thoughts on the student protests in France and that country's fiscal struggles. Should the ECB intervene or can France sort this out on its own? And voters in the U.S. are worried about housing, polls suggest. But what role will it play in shaping the midterms? One researcher joins us to explain the issues and races. Elizabeth Holmes allowed a filmmaker into her home before she went to prison. We speak to a critic on the documentary, a result of three years' work, that is out now. Presenter: Will Bain Producers: Barbara George and Neggeen Sadid (Picture: A protester holds a placard reading "Bismillah c'est les tenebres" (Bismillah, it's darkness) during a demonstration by French high school and university students in Nantes as part of a nationwide protest movement led by students, supported by teachers, school parents and labour unions, demanding better school conditions and…

Shares in Tesla have climbed after Elon Musk's carmaker launched its new 'flying' Roadster car. EU leaders are meeting in Brussels, with its two biggest members - France and Germany - calling for tougher action against Chinese imports, particularly chemicals and plastics. And violent clashes between police and protestors are entering their fourth day in the Albanian capital, Tirana, as protests against poor education facilities, rising living costs and alleged government corruption continue. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Guy Kilty

Tesla is set to show off its latest EV, the Roadster, nearly nine years after it first unveiled the next-generation version of the electric sports car. We'll be hearing if Tesla's bet on an ultra luxury sportscar will pay off. It's another bumpy day for tech stocks as investors question who will pay for the AI spending boom. And why bold flavours such as Tequila ’Rita, Chilli Mango and Watermelon Smash are proving a hit for an alcohol industry under pressure. Presenter: Will Bain Producers: Craig Henderson and Barbara George (Picture: The silhouette of Elon Musk and Tesla logo are seen in this illustration taken. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

Brazil's Congress has approved a constitutional amendment that will cut the working week from 44 hours to 40 and give employees two days off per week without cutting their salary. The change represents the biggest overhaul to workers' rights since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988. Also on the programme, a global sell-off in memory-chip stocks has deepened, with South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index closing down more than 8 per cent. Plus, in Kenya, an initiative is helping women to keep animals, like goats and sheep, in an effort to build their financial independence and grow their incomes.

US inflation figures are higher than forecast in September. With the price of diesel and food increasing, lower income Americans have been hit the hardest. We hear from a saw manufacturer in Iowa and a computer repair shop in New York on how they’re coping with the higher prices. In China, many leave home for big cities in search of work and livelihoods. Our China correspondent reports Beijing on the alienation many experience in the city after leaving loved ones behind. And as today marks the hundredth anniversary of the launch of the first Winnie the Pooh book, we take a look at how it became such a money-spinner. Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producers: Craig Henderson and Neggeen Sadid (Picture: Plastic letters arranged to read "Inflation" are placed on U.S. dollar banknote in this illustration taken, June 12, 2022. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic)

US inflation rose more than expected, climbing to 3.7% from 3.4% in the year to September. We'll look at what's driving the surprise increase in prices. China's exports are getting a boost from strong demand for AI-related products and electric vehicles. And despite tougher US sanctions, American exports to Cuba have reached record levels. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warns that an AI bust could wipe 1% off global GDP, rising to 1.8% in the U.S. The warning came as global tech and semiconductor stocks fell. We go to Ohio, where growing opposition to data centres is becoming a key issue ahead of the US midterm elections. And singer Raye questions whether the ticketing industry is fit for purpose. Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producers: Craig Henderson and Neggeen Sadid (Picture: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 October 2026. Credit: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA)

Rwanda will host the F1 African Grand Prix in a 10-year deal starting in the early 2030s. We delve into why F1 wants Africa back on the calendar. Earnings season gets underway with results from some of America's biggest banks. And Netflix has secured the rights in Spain and Andorra for the next men's football World Cup. Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

As fuel prices continue to put pressure on the global economy, we ask which has the greatest impact: the conflict in the Middle East or Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Hundreds of supermarkets across France were hit by a cyber-attack that has left supermarkets empty. We're joined by a journalist in Paris who tells us how shoppers have reacted. And why are so many of us watching horror movies? What does the genre's popularity say about the world today? A critic helps us understand. (Photo credit: Reuters)

We examine the impact of Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's aviation industry and wider economy, with thousands of flights cancelled. Also, Ukraine faces fresh power cuts following Russian attacks, as Washington's decision to import Russian diesel draws criticism. And a cyberattack on French supermarkets leaves fridges defrosted, food destroyed and businesses facing millions in potential losses.

President Trump claims Russia has agreed to supply the United States and other countries with millions of tonnes of diesel. And as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, President Zelensky has condemned the deal which will also ease sanctions so that Russia can supply the diesel. We get the latest from an economist. The President and Vice-Chairman of Microsoft Brad Smith has hit back at claims by the US Government it's employing too many foreign workers. He told the BBC the White House has got its sums wrong. Our BBC correspondent Samira Hussain explains. And the much-anticipated film The Social Reckoning is released. We hear from film critic Adam Nayer and from Jeff Horowtiz, the journalist who wrote the investigative series "The Facebook Files" and book that the film is based on. (Photo credit: Jeenah Moon / Reuters)

We examine new US restrictions on green card sponsorship by Microsoft and other tech firms. Also, Adidas sues Australian fashion brand White Fox over its four-stripe designs And thieves steal $5.5 million worth of wine from a winery in Tuscany.

President Trump will welcome China's leader to the US capital ahead of talks ranging from tariffs to energy costs to the future of AI. The trip is Xi's first state visit to the US in just under a decade and his third meeting with Trump since the US president began his second term in office. Meanwhile, the head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that advanced economies need to reduce borrowing because of the spiralling cost of it. Kristalina Georgieva said that global economic shocks had pushed up debt levels, but not enough had been done to contain the rising interest costs.

The prices companies are paying for shipping the fuel have risen 12 fold in the last few months. In that time Brent Crude oil has fallen below 100 dollars a barrel, relieving some pressure that the rising prices have put on inflation around the world. But there are concerns that the shortage in tankers could reverse those falls. Also, Volkswagen's top executive in China says the country's domestic car market is going to decline by 20 per cent this year, and the impact will be the same as the COVID pandemic.

New import taxes have been placed on more than 60 trading partners of the United States. Businesses in Australia and Norway give us their reaction Tech stocks continue to struggle and should AI have a 'kill-switch' Presenter: Barbara George Editor: Justin Bones

The price of oil has gone back above $100 a barrel which could mean higher prices at the pump. It's after attacks on at least one tanker in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed Houthis Plus a shortage of eggs in Myanmar has led to prices soaring and the footballers rewarded for winning the world cup in Tomatoes Presenter: Gideon Long Senior Producer: Naomi Rainey Editor: Justin Bones

New 25% US tariffs on selected Brazilian imports are raising trade tensions. What impact could they have on Brazil's economy? Also in the programme Malaysia's ambition to become Southeast Asia's next data centre powerhouse. And why a campaign encouraging Japanese office workers to wear shorts is causing controversy. Presenter: Gideon Long Producer: Barbara George Editor: Naomi Rainey.