World Business Report

US consumer confidence and electric vehicles

US consumers are feeling less confident about their economy than at any other time. We hear from researchers and businesses about why war in the Middle East is making households fearful of the cost of living and rising energy prices. And, we hear from one of the bosses of electric vehicle giant BYD about how its performing amid the global shift away from fossil fuels. Also, how table-top board game Warhammer is riding the zeitgeist to win new fans.

Expect global markets to fall, says Bank of England

The Bank of England expects stock markets around the world to fall as share prices are not reflecting the many risks facing the world economy, so says the Bank of England Deputy Governor and head of financial stability Sarah Breeden. It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements. Breeden, who is also the Bank's head of financial stability, declined to say when she expected markets to fall or by how much, but pointed to a number of factors that markets seemed complacent about. The Chinese artificial intelligence company, DeepSeek, has released a preview version of its long-awaited new model, allowing users to test its capabilities and features. DeepSeek introduced its first open source model last year, causing turmoil in western tech markets because of its matching capabilities with American rivals and low cost. The firm says its V3 model achieves strong performance against others. And one of the world’s biggest car shows has been showcasing the very latest electric car technology. The timing of the Beijing show is pivotal - as the Iran war pushes up fuel prices, global demand for EVs is accelerating. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior producer: Craig Henderson

Is a $110bn Paramount–Warner deal about to reshape Hollywood?

Shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have approved its sale to media conglomerate Paramount Skydance, with the merger valued at $110 billion. Rahul Tandon looks at what the deal could mean for competition, content and consumers. Also, BP suffers a shareholder rebellion over climate reporting. And Meta announces plans to cut around 10% of its workforce. (Picture: The studio lot at Warner Bros. Studios is seen in Los Angeles, California, USA, 23 April 2026. Credit: CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock)

Warner Brothers Discovery agree to Paramount acquisition

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 seizes cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz

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)