World Business Report

Economic growth in the US will be stronger than expected – but what does this mean for small businesses? We hear from an American business owner about the impact of an economic boom coinciding with inflation.Also, a UK legislation to ban cigarette sales leads to questions being raised on how tax duty for those specific sales will be recovered. Plus, is the return of investment worth much for countries hosting global events? It has been estimated that in preparation for the Olympic games France has spent 9 billion euros and forcing additional contributions from the government – but does the investment reap the rewards?

The global economy is set to grow 3.2% this year, slightly more than previously expected, according to the International Monetary Fund. It’s optimistic assessment in today's keenly awaited Global Growth forecast, suggests the world is heading for a soft landing rather than a crash over the next few months. Ed Butler talks to a former deputy director of the IMF.He also finds out what matters to young Indian voters as the country’s election gets closer, and talks to a Kenyan doctor about why he’s been joining the strikes for a month.

Redundancies are expected after Tesla announces it will lay off more than 10% of its global vehicle workforce.Also how has a rise in consumer spend affected America’s economy which is grappling with inflation?Plus, the truth behind truth social continues as we look how Trump Media shares have been falling. And finally, is America’s immigration system broken? Our reporter Erin Delmore has been looking at the political and bureaucratic issues adding to America's labour shortage.

Israel's economy is struggling in the wake of conflict with Hamas in Gaza. We hear from a start-up in the EV sector how tensions between Iran and Israel will affect businesses.Also, presenter Will Bain, looks at why Tesla is set to lay off more than 10% of its global electric vehicle workforce. And how Japan’s biggest brewer Asahi plans to expand its production of zero and low-alcohol drinks.

On today’s program we find out why Ukraine is suffering its worst power crisis since Russia launched its invasion. Also, find out why South America’s largest economy is grappling with high inflation. Plus, activists have begun a hunger strike on the island of Tenerife, in protest at what they see as the destructive growth of tourism on the Canary Islands. And finally, find out how an American Farm Grows $1,700-Per-Pound White Truffles…

Moderna has halted plans to build a Covid-19 plant in Kenya alleging the demand after the pandemic has fallen dramatically. Rahul Tandon explores the different challenges that keep Africa missing out on investments to develop vaccines and the consequence this has on the population. And shareholders of United States Steel will vote on a planned takeover of the company by a Japanese firm. We hear why not everyone's happy with the deal.

As the European Central Bank holds interest rates steady at a record high of 4%, Vivienne Nunis asks whether the EU is ahead of the US in the race to reduce interest rates.We examine the economic relationship between Japan and the United States - as the Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida addresses the US Congress.Plus in another Japan-US relationship issue, we talk about Shohei Ohtani, a baseball, a home run, and a woman who feels she's lost out on $100,000 as a result.

Property tycoon Truong My Lan has been found guilty of embezzling from one of the country's largest banks for 11 years, and given a rare death sentence. We get the latest from our correspondent. And as the political crisis deepens in Myanmar, we hear the latest report from the United Nations which says the middle classes in the nation are at risk of being wiped out.

Consumer prices in the US rose faster than expected last month. The CPI measure of inflation rose 3.5% over the 12 months to March, up from 3.2% in February, the US Labor Department said.How will the new law restricting abortion in Arizona affect the state’s clinics?Plus UK Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson tells us what she makes of the news that athletes will soon be paid for winning an Olympic gold medal.

The EU General Court removed Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven off an EU sanction list

Commodities - the raw materials that power business around the globe - are surging in price. And that suggests investors betting on a prolonged expansion—and a potential rebound in inflation. The S&P GSCI, which tracks commodity prices has advanced 12% this year. Copper and oil have gained more than 10% and 17%, respectively. Gold is also posting fresh records, rising 13% to $2,332 a troy ounce. So what's going on?Also, in the programme, the presenter Roger Hearing finds out why some politicians have pushed back against New York City’s congestion charging plan.

As the impact of climate change expands across the world, a top European court issues the first ruling against a country for climate inaction. We get the latest from our correspondent. And we go to Spain to hear why the government is scrapping its golden visa scheme.

The world's largest chip maker, TSMC - The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, has announced it will take advantage of generous US subsidies to build cutting-edge tech in Arizona. The Biden administration has committed more than six billion dollars in subsidies and five billion in possible loans to support the plan.Also, in the programme, the presenter Sam Fenwick finds out what it's like to experiencing complete darkness a rare total solar eclipse.

As U.S Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, wraps up her four-day visit to Beijing, Rahul Tandon looks at what the trip could mean for future relations between the U.S and China.Tens of thousands of people in the gaming industry sector have lost their jobs in the last few months. Reporter Izzy Greenfield explains what’s going on.And as North America waits to watch a total solar eclipse we hear from the business community in Rochester, New York, how the event has delivered a ‘tourism boom’ for the local economy.

A rare earthquake that struck New York City has swayed landmarks and cracked roads. Roger Hearing has been speaking to a stockbroker who describes the moment of impact. We also hear from the co-director of the Global Resilience Institute Dr Daniel Aldrich about whether New York is prepared to withstand a quake of a larger magnitude.Also on the program discover why emerging economies joining US and Europe in shielding domestic manufacturers from a rising tide of Chinese imports. And finally we find out why there’s been a sharp rise in the sale of horror novels around the world.

McDonald's has announced its buying restaurants back, and bringing them in house - after the former franchise owner gave free meals to Israeli soldiers. That decision sparked a McDonald's boycott in many other countries across the world. We find out what happens when global brands and global politics collide.

Gucci splashes out on a new $1.3bn office in Europe’s biggest property deal since 2022

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stresses the importance of maintaining trade relationships and dialogue between the nations, as she spoke to reporters in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. China accuses the West of feeling threatened by their cheaper exports to developing economies, but Yellen stands by her assessment that China is saturating the markets, driving down competitors. Also, in the programme, we will talk about Google and how its search engine is powered by artificial intelligence.....

We look at what the effects of chip suspension mean for Asia's semiconductor supply chain. Plus, Roger Hearing speaks to the executive vice president of Taiwan Residential Earthquake Insurance Fund to highlight the estimated cost of damage so far. Also, Zimbabwean president declares state of disaster due to droughtAnd finally, Disney secures its happy ever ending after convincing shareholders they’re heading in the right direction

The devastating earthquake with a 7.2 magnitude has killed at least nine people and damaged buildings, sparking evacuations at microchip plants. The country is a huge player in the world of microchips - with many large factories supplying the likes of tech giant Apple and AI supremo Nvidia. Those factories however have had to shut their doors temporarily over fears of the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, which has meant a halt in production. Also, in the programme, we will talk about rising cocoa price and how will it affect farmers.