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Business Matters

BBC

Global business and finance news and discussion from the BBC.

Location:

United Kingdom

Networks:

BBC

Description:

Global business and finance news and discussion from the BBC.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Trump's Impact on the Eurozone and Sri Lanka's Economic Outlook

11/15/2024
We analyse the potential economic challenges the Trump administration could bring to the Eurozone, with forecasts already downgraded by the European Commission. Carsten Brzeski, chief Eurozone economist at ING Bank, offers his analysis on what this could mean for the region's future. We also explore the race for the next U.S. Treasury Secretary and what it signals for future U.S. policy, with insights from Sylvan Lane, Business Editor at The Hill. Finally, we turn to Sri Lanka, where President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s decisive election victory raises hopes for sweeping economic reforms. Shanta Devarajan, a professor at Georgetown University and former World Bank senior official, provides a closer look at the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

Duration:00:49:25

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Trump nominates ‘vaccine sceptic’ to lead health department

11/14/2024
President elect Donald Trump Nominates Robert F Kennedy to lead US Health Department. Shares in vaccine companies fell on the news of the announcement Ben & Jerry’s have filed a case against their owner, Unilever. They accuse Unilever of trying to prevent the ice cream company from making public statements supporting Palestinian refugees. The President of Guyana has announced that every adult in the country will receive one- hundred- thousand ($100,000) Guyanese dollars -- or nearly five hundred US Dollars. We ask, why?

Duration:00:52:58

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What should we expect from Musk's new role?

11/13/2024
US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Elon Musk for a role in government cost-cutting, as part of his drive to "dismantle" bureaucracy. We speak to Trevor Traina, former United States Ambassador to Austria during Donald Trump's first presidency. Also, China is showing off its latest generation of stealth fighter jets and other military hardware at its Zhuhai Airshow. Why Germany is in the midst of a lot of political and economic trouble? Devina Gupta explains us how businesses copying in Indian capital city Delhi while facing high levels of air pollution. And the New York City council passed a bill that will prevent tenants from having to pay fees to brokers hired by landlords. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:49:24

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The 2024 APEC summit begins in Lima

11/12/2024
President Xi goes to Lima, as Peru gears up for the thirty-first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economic leaders' meeting. Bitcoin continues to hit new highs following Trump's victory. How long can it continue? Jaguar is betting big on EVs and is even going so far as to stopping selling its new petrol cars in the UK entirely. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:49:25

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Court blocks Italy’s migrant plan

11/11/2024
It's been three weeks since Italy's far-right government signed the five-year migration deal with Albania. Now, a court has blocked Italy's plan to send asylum seekers to the Balkan nation, disrupting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's main migration policy and raising questions about what's next. Also, we find out why dockers have been locked out of the Port of Montreal after they reject their latest pay offer. And we'll speak to one man who's riding the waves of retirement... quite literally. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:49:24

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Will Donald Trump start new trade war?

11/8/2024
There are reports that Donald Trump wants his former trade representative back when he returns to the White House - what does it mean for the economy? Robert Lighthizer was the man who pushed protectionism and tariffs on imports during President Trump's first term. So what will it mean for global trade if he takes up his old job? And will this provoke another trade war with China? Also, why are Swedish police seizing luxury items without formal suspicion? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:35:08

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The US Federal Reserve cuts rates second time in a row

11/7/2024
America’s central bank has announced a quarter-point rate cut - rates down to 4.5% from 4.75%. It's been the second time in a row that the US Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates. Mostly because the inflation continues to ease and a Trump presidency hangs over the central bank. We hear from economists what will happen next. Also, Rahul Tandon talks to Everett Eissenstat, a former Trump trade adviser. And we look at German economy and find out why Australia plans social media ban for under-16s. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:49:24

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US and China: Are we set for a trade war after Donald Trump win?

11/6/2024
President elect Donald Trump is promising to increase tariffs of 60% on goods coming into the US from China. We discuss whether this will lead to a trade war between the two economic superpowers. Presenter Rahul Tandon assesses the economic fallout from Donald Trump’s big win over Kamala Harris in the US Presidential race. We explore what this means for the future of relations with China and the issue of tariffs. Bitcoin and the US dollar also reached record highs. We hear why from a US based fintech company. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sacked his finance minister. We assess what this means for the country's shaky coalition government and will it lead to a snap election next Spring.

Duration:00:49:28

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What can we expect from US elections?

11/4/2024
Hours before the US elections we take a look at the different economic routes proposed by Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and their differing views on taxes, tariffs and inflation. A lot of money has been spent on campaigning and advertising. We find out how much. And what does the US presidential election mean for world trade? We hear from our correspondent in the US. Rahul Tandon discusses these and more stories with two guests on opposite sides of the US: Peter Morici, Economist at the University of Maryland, and Allie Garfinkle, Los Angeles-based Senior Finance Reporter at Fortune.

Duration:00:51:44

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US elections: Swinging by the swing states

11/1/2024
On today's programme, job growth and housing affordability are front and centre as Trump and Harris visit Michigan and Wisconsin. In Botswana, a new political era unfolds as the long-dominant ruling party is replaced, primarily due to falling global diamond demand. Also, what ever happened to the classic Tupperware party? And how much wealth exists worldwide? Roger Hearing is joined throughout the programme by Mandi Woodruff, Co-host of the Brown Ambition podcast - who's in New York, and Peter Ryan, ABC's senior business correspondent, also in New York.

Duration:00:49:29

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Boeing’s big move: Can a new contract offer end the strike?

10/31/2024
With the U.S. election in its final stretch, Roger Hearing examines how the economy might sway voters at the polls. Also on the programme, Boeing aims to resolve a costly strike by presenting a fresh offer to its main union. And we explore why concerns over AI costs are weighing down big tech. Roger Hearing is joined by Katia Dmitrieva, Bloomberg’s Asia Economics Correspondent in Hong Kong, and Alexander Kaufman, a Senior Reporter for the Huffington Post in New York.

Duration:00:49:29

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Michigan in the spotlight as US election draws closer

10/30/2024
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are making whirlwind tours of key battleground states in the final week of campaigning. Opinion polls show the candidates are neck and neck. Rahul Tandon looks at the swing state of Michigan and examines what really matters to voters there. In the UK, the Chancellor has delivered the first budget of the new Labour government. It was seen as a key moment for the economy, with some describing it as the most important budget for years as the government raised taxes by over $50 billion. Also, millions of people will be celebrating Diwali which can lead to an increased demand for gold. But with the price at record highs is demand for gold falling? Rahul is joined by Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at global nonprofit thinktank The Conference Board, and Tony Nash CEO and founder of Complete Intelligence.

Duration:00:49:27

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Electric vehicles from China face EU tariffs

10/29/2024
The European Commission has given approval for steep tariffs on electric vehicles made in China. It closes an investigation which started a year ago. They will remain in place for five years. We examine why there is such a high unemployment rate in one of the key swing states in US ahead of the Presidential Election. Our focus is on the swing state of Nevada, and some of the concerns of the people living there. Homeware giant Ikea, says it will put money into a planned hardship fund for victims of the former communist regime in East Germany. This includes political prisoners who were forced to make Ikea products. Presenter Rahul Tandon discusses these and other global business stories with Mehmal Sarfraz a journalist based in Pakistan and Emily Peck the Markets correspondent for Axios based in New York in the US.

Duration:00:49:26

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Muted market reaction to Japan election

10/28/2024
Japan’s Prime minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he will not step down despite failing to win a majority in Sunday's elections. We examine the market’s reaction to the loss and look ahead to whether the opposition parties could form a ruling coalition. We look at Pennsylvania, one of the crucial swing states that may decide US the election. Rahul Tandon examines the shifting voter demographics in industries such as steel manufacturing and trucking. Also, in Germany, Volkswagen plans to close three plants, lay off thousands of workers and cut pay by 10%, according to trade unions in negotiations with the car giant. Rahul is joined by Stephen Nagy, Senior Associate Professor at the Department of Politics and International Studies, International Christian University, Tokyo and Anneke Green - Republican Political Strategist at Reach Global Strategies and former political speech writer.

Duration:00:50:55

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Israel has conducted air strikes in Iran

10/25/2024
Iranian media say several explosions have been heard in the capital, Tehran, and the neighbouring city of Karaj. We look at the current situation in Middle East conflict. Also, Japanese voters are getting ready to take part in the country's General Election on Sunday. How will it affect Japan’s economy? We speak to business owners and find out what do they expect from this election? And we look at the US election campaign in Texas, plus we learn about the very first online banner ad which went live exactly 30 years ago. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:49:25

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How will Canada’s new immigration plan affect the economy?

10/24/2024
Canada has just announced plans to change its migration policy. The government will reduce permanent residency by 21% from 2025. Migration is a global political issue but it is also an economic one. We get the reaction from the Canadian chamber of commerce Diana Palmerín Velasco. Also, Rahul Tandon looks at the US economy and speaks to democratic economist Bharat Ramamurti. And we find out how potential US tariffs on China could impact businesses. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:49:23

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Boeing workers prepare to vote on pay offer

10/23/2024
Boeing workers vote on pay offer on Wednesday. Workers downed tools six weeks ago after rejecting initial pay offer. They’ve been offered a 35% pay increase, over the next 4 years. Also, Tesla’s share price jumps after its 3Q results beat market expectations. We hear from Stephen Moore, an economist and an advisor to Donald Trump’s 2016 Presidental campaign. Plus we have a report about migrants on the US/Mexico border. And we hear why France is home to both haute cuisine and fast food. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Duration:00:50:54

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Countdown to the US election

10/22/2024
Former president Donal Trump has held a rally in North Carolina US police arrested former Abercrombie and Fitch boss Mike Jefferies on suspicion of sex trafficking Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from around the world gather in the US for the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. We hear from the BBC’s Faisal Islam

Duration:00:52:58

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Israel targets Hezbollah funding

10/21/2024
Israel claims a bunker under a Beirut hospital holds hundreds of millions of dollars belonging to Hezbollah. The hospital has been evacuated Brazil,Russia,India,China and South Africa, also know as BRICS, are set to have a summit meeting this week. The BBC’s Steve Rosenberg tells us more And the worlds largest entertainment company Disney, has announced its CEO’s successor will be announced in 2026

Duration:00:52:58

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Cuba’s energy blackout

10/18/2024
The Cuban government has declared an energy emergency after a huge power cut led to the failure of supplies across the entire country. The blackout came after the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas - the largest on the island - went offline. The government had already suspended all non-essential public sector services in an effort to conserve supplies. President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed the decades-long US embargo against his country for the problem. Meanwhile, in China, latest GDP figures show the slowest growth since early 2023. Rahul Tandon examines what's contributing the country's sluggish economy. The global food industry is growing rapidly - some estimates say it’s now worth more than $10 trillion. But there are growing concerns about how healthy some of that food is. The UN has stepped in, detailing what they want global food producers to do about food labelling. Also, families of fentanyl victims in the US have asked their government to place tariffs on China - for what they say is its role in the opioid crisis. They have submitted a petition seeking trade countermeasures that include tariffs on a range of Chinese merchandise. Rahul is joined by Katia Dmitrieva, Bloomberg Asia Economics Correspondent, and Andy Uhler - Journalism Fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute and Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.

Duration:00:49:25