World Business Report

A fall in Chinese producer prices has fuelled concerns grow that deflation may be taking hold in the world’s second-largest economy. Industrial producer prices fell 1.8 per cent in August, the most in four months. Steel and agriculture were among the sectors hit. Meanwhile, consumer prices rose 0.6 per cent. In Africa, the Africa CDC and WHO have launched a $600 million plan to combat mpox in 14 countries from September 2024 to February 2025. The initiative focuses on improving surveillance, laboratory detection, case management, infection prevention, and vaccination efforts to strengthen public health responses across the continent. Apple’s iPhone 16 series, made in India, will be globally available shortly after its sales launch, marking a milestone for India’s manufacturing sector and the Make-in-India initiative.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has begun its journey back to Earth - but the astronauts it was supposed to be carrying are staying behind on the International Space Station. What happened? US job growth was weaker than expected last month, with only 142,000 new jobs added. Is a recession imminent, and how might the Federal Reserve react? And in South Africa, the Post Office teeters on the brink of closure. Business rescue practitioners have been brought in, jobs have been cut, and the CEO warns that billions are needed to save the state-owned company. What went wrong?

US job growth was weaker than expected last month, with only 142,000 new jobs added. Is a recession imminent, and how might the Federal Reserve react? Also, Boeing’s Starliner space shuttle will return to Earth soon, but not with its intended passengers. What happened, and what does it mean for commercial space travel? Plus, the Biden Administration is tackling the issue of difficult subscription cancellations—what are their proposed solutions?

We’ll be looking at the US economy following the release of closely watched jobs data. And, it's over 200 years old but it's on the brink of collapse: South Africa's postal office is looking to the government for a bail out. We speak to the man tasked with saving the institution. Plus, what does a Banksy artwork do to your house price? Our reporter speaks to home and business owners.

The country is under a state of emergency as gangs try to expand their control over the capital, and other regions. We get the latest. As Elon Musk's X is banned in Brazil, rival BlueSky gains ground in the South American nation. We talk to its CEO, Jay Graber. And we get an insight on how airplane seats are made.

President Xi has offered $51 billion of Chinese finance for Africa and says it will create a million jobs... there are plenty of warm words about it but we'll examine who's getting the best deal. Andrew Peach to a Swedish government minister about why they're abolishing a tax on air travel despite environmental concerns. And why President Putin wants Russian cargo to make more use of a sea route which used to be blocked by ice before global warming.

Shares are down... with the tech giant Nvidia slumping almost 10%... is that because of fears about the US economy... or does it reveal wider concerns about artificial intelligence? And fifty African leaders are in Beijing, looking for investment and tourism in exchange for access to minerals. We speak to DRC’s minister of communications about what delegates may be looking for from China. And the German town worrying what will happen if VW closes the car plant their town depends on.

We start in Germany, where perhaps the biggest warnings yet about the pressure on Europe's car industry have come from one of the continent's biggest firms. Volkswagen - VW - has warned it could close factories for the first time in its history as it comes under increasing financial pressure. Also today the boss of one of the world's biggest delivery firms warns of disruption to global trade, And, fancy an AI dating - wingman?

Campaign donations have been a key feature of the 2024 US election. Since Kamala Harris entered the presidential race huge donation figures have been widely reported in the media. One Republican donor tells us why he’s hoping for a Trump win. We examine where campaign donations are coming from and how decisive they might be in this election. Also in the programme, Rahul Tandon looks at the protests and general strike in Israel following the death of six hostages held by Hamas, and looking back at Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador’s economic record as he prepares to leave office.

Businesses, schools, universities and transport across Israel have been disrupted by a general strike called to put pressure on the government to agree a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. We find out how firms are operating and from one boss who's encouraging his staff to strike. Also, Thailand's war on an "alien" fish that it fears could cost its economy almost $300 million. And cries of foul play from fans of the band Oasis, after a ticketing meltdown and experiencing the rough side of dynamic pricing.

Elon Musk's social platform X expects to be blocked in Brazil after missing a judge's deadline to appoint a new legal representative. We get the latest. As The Maldives see their credit rating downgraded by ratings agency Fitch, investors fear the archipelago could become the first country to default on a sukuk, an Islamic financial product similar to a bond. We hear more about the islands' situation. And as more young Africans are leave their countries in search of a better future, we find out what happens to the elderly parents who are left behind.

Germany’s DAX Index, which tracks the country's 40 largest companies on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, has hit a record high as investors expect the European Central Bank to cut rates. Certain African countries have seen prices and taxes rise in the last few years, leading people to take the streets. We hear from people in Uganda, Nigeria and Kenya. And could a universal basic income help protect the Amazon rainforest?

Tech companies are scrambling for its technology, but the firm has seen production delays. We hear from an investor who has held shares in the company for more than 20 years. The Telegram boss Pavel Durov is under formal investigation in France as part of a probe into organised crime on the messaging app. And how some companies are going out of their way to hire older workers.

The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, visits Germany to explore a 'reset' of relations with the European Union. But how easy is his quest? We find out. Ageing population is also a big concern in the UK, where 15 million people are over the age of 50 and economically inactive. As this trend rises, we look into what companies are doing to recruit these older workers. The National Football League (NFL) has taken a historic step which could transform the financing of American football. We hear the details.

The Pentagon says an oil tanker in the Red Sea which was recently attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels is still on fire and appears to be leaking oil. The MV Delta Sounion was carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil. Also, in the programme, Roger Hearing hears why American consumers are feeling more optimistic and asks why Estonia's justice minister wants to rent out unoccupied prison cells.

The US national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, is visiting China where he's meeting with authorities to discuss Taiwan and trade. As India's population continues to grow, we hear about businesses trying to cash in on the booming 'silver economy'. And how the construction of an airport in the Philippines has been delayed due to a sand shortage.

The CEO of the Telegram messaging app Pavel Durov is being held by French authorities until at least Wednesday. Why has he been arrested and what does this say about social media regulation? Plus, IKEA is trying out a second-hand marketplace. And business opportunities from India's ageing population.

The owner of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been arrested in France for offences related to the app. We get the latest. The oil tanker attacked by Houthi rebels last week is still on fire in the Red Sea. We find out the consequences this can have on the shipping industry. People in Australia can now refuse to respond to their employers outside working hours. We hear more about the countries new "right to disconnect" law.

As US jobless claims rise and housing affordability worsens, will the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September? Plus, are tech giants ready to embrace open-source software? And, is Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports World Cup just an example of 'sportswashing'?

We hear what the Democratic presidential nominee could do for American voters on lower incomes, as she prepares to address the party's National Convention. Also, major disruption to Canada's rail freight network could be short-lived. And what's behind the sudden departure of Nestlé's top boss?