Business Matters

Los Angeles has been devastated by wildfires, forcing nearly 200,000 residents to flee, destroying homes, and taking lives. We hear firsthand from those caught in the chaos, including Julia Pollak, who narrowly escaped the flames. We aslo hear from someone fighting these fires who is also an architect, on how LA can rebuild better. Plus, updates on Venezuela’s contested elections, TikTok’s legal battle in the US, and the impact of tariffs on California’s almond industry.

As the wildfires continue to rage in California, damages are projected at $50 billion. Plus, TikTok will appear before the U.S. Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to overturn a ban over ties to China. And as UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves visits China for trade talks, we discuss how the West should navigate its relationship with Beijing.

The wildfires in Los Angeles continue to devastate communities, burning more than 1,000 structures and putting pressure on insurers. Could this be the tipping point for California's insurance market? Also, China's inflation slows adding to concerns after government efforts to boost the economy. Plus, in Las Vegas, we explore cutting-edge innovations unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. Rahul Tandon joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Katia Dmitrieva in Hong Kong and Michael Malone in the US.

President elect Donald Trump has announced some of his plans energy policies. He promises to overturn ban on offshore oil development, as well as launching a scathing attack on renewable energy such as wind power Meanwhile Chinese-based clothing company Shein has been questioned by UK MP’s over the transparency of their supply chains and allegations of human rights abuses And in Italy low-alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made from grapes can now be marketed as "wine".

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business tells the BBC that business fears a recession as a result of Donald Trump’s tariff threats. We also ask just how popular is New York's newly introduced congestion charge? And how Netflix is taking another step into live sport

How will President Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel’s takeover of US Steel impact Americas relationship with Japan The US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has suggested that all alcoholic beverages should come with a warning label about the risks associated with cancer. And how should couples handle money related disagreements? We hear from Reema Khrais, host of 'This is Uncomfortable' podcast

We are in South Korea where police are dispersing the impeached president's supporters who have been blocking access to his residence. They are jostling with protesters. We hear from the owner of several restaurants in New Orleans after a man drove a truck into a crowd. The attack took place at Bourbon Street a well-known tourist hotspot that is filled with restaurants, bars and clubs. Presenter Rahul Tandon also hears from a US based bike manufacturer about the impact tariffs will have on the global economy as well as on US companies which rely on Chinese parts.

We look at how South Korea's political instability is continuing to effect its economy. How might President-elect Donald Trump’s policies affect different parts of the world? And as thousands of artistic works come into the public domain in the United States, we look at how people might plan to monetise them.

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening us. As millions around the globe celebrate New Year's Eve, our programme delves into how the entertainment industry has fared over the past 12 months. We'll explore the blockbuster films that have spearheaded cinemas' fight back as they recover from the Hollywood strikes. We'll examine why the gaming industry has seen a surge in layoffs in 2024, the highest in recent times, while live music is booming thanks to artists like Taylor Swift. And we'll discuss why one of Germany's most iconic nightclubs is closing its doors. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

A Chinese state-sponsored hacker has broken into the US Treasury Department's systems, accessing employee workstations and some unclassified documents, according to American officials. President Joe Biden makes what is most likely his last multi-billion dollar grant of aid to Ukraine's economy whilst still in office. We take a look at how US companies are responding to the prospect of a Trump presidency which might be about to impose much higher import duties on goods from around the world. And we're in Scotland where - to some local dismay - the end of year festival, Hogmanay, has partly at least been cancelled. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Mexico's government has announced an emergency strategy to protect migrants in the United States, ahead of the inauguration of the president- elect, Donald Trump, next month. There are “early indications” that Russian air defence systems - that's a ground to air missile in plain English - may have caused the downing of an Azerbaijani plane this week. As a number of airlines suspend flights in the region, what does this say about the long-term future of commercial air travel over Russia? Also in the show, we recall the impact of this year's Baltimore bridge collapse on local businesses, nine months on. And how volunteering - a multi-billion dollar industry in the US especially in this holiday season, could be back on the rise in the US. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

The European Union threatens to impose further sanctions on Russia, as a Moscow-linked cargo ship is blamed for severing an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea. Also, we profile Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister credited with transforming India’s economy. Plus, a controversial anti-LGBT bill in Ghana could put western aid to the country at risk. And why even French winemakers are embracing alcohol-free drinking. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Joining us live are Fermin Koop, an Argentine freelance journalist specialising in environmental issues and based in Buenos Aires, and Jessica Khine, Head of Asia for Astris Advisory Japan, based in Penang, Malaysia. We examine Myanmar's faltering economy amidst ongoing unrest, with insights from Professor Sean Turnell, an economic advisor to the imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi. How has the military government’s limited control impacted urban areas? Boeing has faced a turbulent year with technical problems and costly strikes, yet its shares have risen sharply since November. What’s behind this recovery? Theo Leggett reports. In Asia, Japan eases visa rules for Chinese visitors, boosting bilateral engagements. Meanwhile, in Argentina, President Millei outlines an ambitious nuclear energy plan to enhance energy security. We also reflect on the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, exploring the immense rebuilding efforts across affected nations with journalist Shoeb Kagda. Finally, updates on Australia's fire crisis, India’s booming concert economy, and protests in Panama over U.S. threats to the Panama Canal.

Also, we hear from a health academic, who worked with United Healthcare boss Brian Thompson, shot dead in Manhattan three weeks ago, about healthcare in the US. We'll be talking too with doctors from three continents who each had something in common in 2024: they all went out on strike. What are the challenges facing the health sectors in Kenya, India and the UK? And the Ursa Major, the Russian ship which sunk in the western Mediterranean this week. Where was it going and what was it carrying?

Honda and Nissan plan to merge as the two Japanese firms seek to fight back against competition from the Chinese car industry. Joining forces would create one of the world's biggest car producers alongside Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford. We look at how South Korea's political instability is impacting its economy And who is France's new finance minister?

US in last ditch shut down vote, unless congress can agree on a spending plan The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, could be facing a confidence vote after he reshuffled a third of his cabinet today. And Delhi's pollution levels have once again soared to dangerous levels. But what impact does this smog have on business and workers in the city?

A government shutdown looms over the US as funding deal is rejected Amazon workers have gone on strike at the peak of the Christmas rush. Changes in weather patterns have been causing problems in some ski resorts around the world, including in India where one mountain resort has reported a fall in visitor numbers.

Will this interest rate cut be the last rate reduction for some time? Also on World Business Report, Rahul Tandon hears how The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear last-ditch legal arguments from TikTok as to why it should not be banned or sold in the US. And the de-facto leader of Syria tells the BBC that sanctions on his country should be lifted immediately.

Canada takes a breath after the resignation of the country’s Finance Minister, with calls growing for Chrystia Freeland to consider challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the country’s Liberal Party. Also on Business Matters, Andrew Peach hears how 26 tonnes of gold has been found in the vaults of Syria’s National Bank. Andew hears how the Japanese carmakers Nissan and Honda appear to be edging closer to a merger. And with Christmas just around the corner,, why do we keep buying presents for each other if it makes so many of us unhappy?

Andrew Peach is joined by Peter Morici, an economist at the University of Maryland and columnist for Dow Jones Market Watch and the Washington Times, and Sushma Ramachandran, who's a columnist at the Tribune newspaper, in Delhi, to discuss the latest business and economic news. They look at Canada, where the finance minister Chrystia Freeland has resigned on the same day an economic statement was due, triggering a political crisis. There's more political crisis in Germany, where the government has collapsed amid a row over the economy. We ask what businesses want from the country's next leaders. We hear from India - as Sri Lanka wants closer relations with the country on energy and trade. Plus we discuss the safety of CEOs - as the president of the global insurance giant AON tells us firms are going to have to rethink their security process for executives.