World Business Report

The shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have voted yes to an hundred billion dollar acquisition by Paramount. After fighting off Netflix to reach an agreement, the vote for Paramount became a formality....but then the next battle begins with the regulators.Tens of thousands of employees of Samsung have been protesting at a major factory in South Korea.And why China businesses are feeling the squeeze from the economic impact of the US-Israeli war with Iran.Presenter: Andrew Peach Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

Iran has seized two cargo ships and warned that reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be “impossible” if a US blockade continues. Sarah Rogers asks what that means for the US and hear from a business operating inside Iran.We also hear how businesses are expecting to benefit from a $100 billion EU loan to Ukraine.And Tesla reports higher than expected first-quarter profits.(Picture: Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 22, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

The European Union has unlocked a $100 billion loan for Kyiv - money that’s been stuck for months. Hungary had been holding it up, arguing it wasn’t receiving Russian oil through a key pipeline that runs across Ukraine. That line was damaged after a Russian strike earlier this year, but Kyiv says repairs are now complete and oil is flowing again.Plus, we get a rare insight into what it’s like trying to run a shop or even buy bread in Iran these days.And we look at the rise of quality Chinese retail brands, challenging the perception that “Made in China” means cheap and of poor quality.

Andrew Peach is joined by George Conboy as we look at Kevin Warsh’s grilling before the US Senate's banking committee and examine the prospects for the world’s largest economy, with expert analysis from economist Courtney Shupert. With US president Donald Trump extending the ceasefire with Iran, we speak to oil analyst Sarah Emerson about how American oil firms are benefiting from the disruption in the Middle East. And we travel to the Canary Islands to find out how tourism is increasingly turning to sport in the race for profit. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: Kevin Warsh, US president Donald Trump's nominee to be the next chair of the US Federal Reserve, at the end of a Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., 21 April 2026. Credit: Reuters / Kevin Lamarque)

Kevin Warsh - Donald Trump’s nominee for the post as chairman of the Federal Reserve, the US central bank - appears before senators in a bid to convince them he is the right man for the job. Some senators have threatened to block him unless a criminal probe into the current Fed chair Jay Powell is dropped.Plus, the end of an era at Apple as Tim Cook steps down as CEO. We look at his replacement.And the conflict in the Middle East puts a dampener on the German economy.

Global financial markets have headed south again after tensions between the US and Iran took a turn for the worse over the weekend. American forces attacked and then seized an Iranian cargo ship just east of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has responded by saying it will retaliate. Plus, the BBC’s Nick Marsh has been looking at a story that’s been quietly building in financial markets. Traders placing big bets just before major announcements by US president Donald Trump, including during the Iran war. BBC analysis suggests it may be happening more often than we thought.

For the first time in seven years, India has bought its first cargo of Iranian oil. India hasn't purchased any Iranian oil since 2019 because of US sanctions, but those restrictions were waived last month. Leanna hears from the BBC's Archana Shukla. Plus, its a big day for K-pop fans right across the globe as BTS, one of the world's biggest boy bands, have officially kicked off their new tour. Leanna Byrne hears from journalist Nemo Kim based in Seoul.

The US and Iran have come to a temporary ceasefire, but for many businesses and consumers, the pressure may be far from over.Hundreds of ships are still backed up in the Strait of Hormuz, with many waiting for clearance from Iran before they can move.Plus, what it means for flights, holidays and passenger confidence as airlines proceed cautiously.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Matt Lines Editor: Justin Bones

The Sri Lankan government has increased electricity prices for most households by more than 8% as fuel costs surge due to the Iran conflict.Plus, Bisi Adebayo looks at the impact the war is having on jet fuel costs and how British and American food giants, Unilever and McCormick, have agreed a deal to combine parts of their food businesses.

The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels?Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Organsiation fails to reach a deal on ecommerce tariffsand we look at the growth of fast fashion in India

The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, says he will grant India a 30-day waiver to buy sanctioned oil from Russia to help ease supply concerns in the global market.It comes as the Qatari energy minister warns that all energy producers in the Gulf region could shut down exports within weeks.Plus - we hear from Nepal where votes are being counted in what’s being dubbed the young versus old election.

As global oil prices continue to climb, crude oil supplies from Iraq and Kuwait could stop shipping within days if travel through the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually halted. Plus, China cuts its economic growth forecast to the lowest level since 1991.

Natural gas prices spike in Europe after Qatar closes its LNG base. Meanwhile the Strait of Hormuz closure sends crude oil higher and its importance in the shipment of fertiliser ingredients could have major effects on global crop production this year, the boss of Yara says

Airlines have grounded flights, one of the world’s busiest airports has shut, and oil prices are climbing after strikes in the Middle East. We hear from investors and analysts as they react in real-time to the US-Israel war with Iran. And we find out how the disruption is affecting air passengers and the wider travel industry.Plus - we learn how the insurance market is responding to fast-moving events as it assesses coverage and war risk premiums.

President Donald Trump says NATO would be stronger if Greenland were under US control. Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers are about to hold talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.The meeting could shape investment, mining and military spending across the Arctic.China's announced record export numbers and the biggest ever trade surplus in global history of 1 point 2 trillion dollars. We explain what this meansand Saks Fifth Avenue has applied for Bankruptcy protection

Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and collector craze of 2025 - the Labubu doll.