Business Matters

BBC World Service

Global business and finance news and discussion from the BBC.

  • 51 minutes 57 seconds
    Could blocked US steel deal strain global partnership

    How will President Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel’s takeover of US Steel impact Americas relationship with Japan

    The US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has suggested that all alcoholic beverages should come with a warning label about the risks associated with cancer.

    And how should couples handle money related disagreements? We hear from Reema Khrais, host of 'This is Uncomfortable' podcast

    4 January 2025, 2:25 am
  • 49 minutes 28 seconds
    Clashes in South Korea after investigators try to arrest the President

    We are in South Korea where police are dispersing the impeached president's supporters who have been blocking access to his residence. They are jostling with protesters.

    We hear from the owner of several restaurants in New Orleans after a man drove a truck into a crowd. The attack took place at Bourbon Street a well-known tourist hotspot that is filled with restaurants, bars and clubs.

    Presenter Rahul Tandon also hears from a US based bike manufacturer about the impact tariffs will have on the global economy as well as on US companies which rely on Chinese parts.

    3 January 2025, 2:01 am
  • 49 minutes 28 seconds
    South Korea: How are events affecting the economy?

    We look at how South Korea's political instability is continuing to effect its economy.

    How might President-elect Donald Trump’s policies affect different parts of the world?

    And as thousands of artistic works come into the public domain in the United States, we look at how people might plan to monetise them.

    2 January 2025, 10:06 am
  • 49 minutes 26 seconds
    Looking back at 2024: how has the entertainment industry performed?

    Happy New Year! Thank you for listening us.

    As millions around the globe celebrate New Year's Eve, our programme delves into how the entertainment industry has fared over the past 12 months.

    We'll explore the blockbuster films that have spearheaded cinemas' fight back as they recover from the Hollywood strikes.

    We'll examine why the gaming industry has seen a surge in layoffs in 2024, the highest in recent times, while live music is booming thanks to artists like Taylor Swift.

    And we'll discuss why one of Germany's most iconic nightclubs is closing its doors.

    You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

    1 January 2025, 2:03 am
  • 49 minutes 26 seconds
    US Treasury says it was hacked by China

    A Chinese state-sponsored hacker has broken into the US Treasury Department's systems, accessing employee workstations and some unclassified documents, according to American officials.

    President Joe Biden makes what is most likely his last multi-billion dollar grant of aid to Ukraine's economy whilst still in office.

    We take a look at how US companies are responding to the prospect of a Trump presidency which might be about to impose much higher import duties on goods from around the world.

    And we're in Scotland where - to some local dismay - the end of year festival, Hogmanay, has partly at least been cancelled.

    You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

    31 December 2024, 2:02 am
  • 49 minutes 27 seconds
    Mexico prepares for the realities of Trump's inauguration

    Mexico's government has announced an emergency strategy to protect migrants in the United States, ahead of the inauguration of the president- elect, Donald Trump, next month.

    There are “early indications” that Russian air defence systems - that's a ground to air missile in plain English - may have caused the downing of an Azerbaijani plane this week. As a number of airlines suspend flights in the region, what does this say about the long-term future of commercial air travel over Russia?

    Also in the show, we recall the impact of this year's Baltimore bridge collapse on local businesses, nine months on.

    And how volunteering - a multi-billion dollar industry in the US especially in this holiday season, could be back on the rise in the US.

    You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

    28 December 2024, 2:04 am
  • 49 minutes 20 seconds
    Is Russia really sabotaging undersea cables?

    The European Union threatens to impose further sanctions on Russia, as a Moscow-linked cargo ship is blamed for severing an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea. Also, we profile Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister credited with transforming India’s economy. Plus, a controversial anti-LGBT bill in Ghana could put western aid to the country at risk. And why even French winemakers are embracing alcohol-free drinking.

    You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

    27 December 2024, 2:21 am
  • 49 minutes 53 seconds
    Myanmar’s Faltering Economy and Boeing's Rocky Year

    Joining us live are Fermin Koop, an Argentine freelance journalist specialising in environmental issues and based in Buenos Aires, and Jessica Khine, Head of Asia for Astris Advisory Japan, based in Penang, Malaysia.

    We examine Myanmar's faltering economy amidst ongoing unrest, with insights from Professor Sean Turnell, an economic advisor to the imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi. How has the military government’s limited control impacted urban areas?

    Boeing has faced a turbulent year with technical problems and costly strikes, yet its shares have risen sharply since November. What’s behind this recovery? Theo Leggett reports.

    In Asia, Japan eases visa rules for Chinese visitors, boosting bilateral engagements. Meanwhile, in Argentina, President Millei outlines an ambitious nuclear energy plan to enhance energy security.

    We also reflect on the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, exploring the immense rebuilding efforts across affected nations with journalist Shoeb Kagda.

    Finally, updates on Australia's fire crisis, India’s booming concert economy, and protests in Panama over U.S. threats to the Panama Canal.

    26 December 2024, 2:05 am
  • 49 minutes 26 seconds
    What's in store for Asian economies in 2025?

    Also, we hear from a health academic, who worked with United Healthcare boss Brian Thompson, shot dead in Manhattan three weeks ago, about healthcare in the US. We'll be talking too with doctors from three continents who each had something in common in 2024: they all went out on strike. What are the challenges facing the health sectors in Kenya, India and the UK? And the Ursa Major, the Russian ship which sunk in the western Mediterranean this week. Where was it going and what was it carrying?

    25 December 2024, 2:12 am
  • 52 minutes 57 seconds
    Honda and Nissan set to take on China in electronic vehicles amidst merger plans

    Honda and Nissan plan to merge as the two Japanese firms seek to fight back against competition from the Chinese car industry.

    Joining forces would create one of the world's biggest car producers alongside Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford.

    We look at how South Korea's political instability is impacting its economy

    And who is France's new finance minister?

    24 December 2024, 2:15 am
  • 50 minutes 57 seconds
    US in last ditch shut down vote

    US in last ditch shut down vote, unless congress can agree on a spending plan The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, could be facing a confidence vote after he reshuffled a third of his cabinet today. And Delhi's pollution levels have once again soared to dangerous levels. But what impact does this smog have on business and workers in the city?

    21 December 2024, 2:10 am
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