World Business Report

Technology stocks face renewed pressure across US and Asian markets as investors grow increasingly concerned about the huge sums being poured into artificial intelligence. Luke Wilson examines what's driving the uncertainty. Also, Greece becomes the latest country to introduce a social media ban for children. And Volvo announces 2,000 job cuts after reporting a quarterly loss of more than $560 million. Producer: Bisi Adebayo Presenter: Luke Wilson

A New Mexico judge has fined Meta $25 billion for its handling of user data. It is the latest large legal payout for the tech firm, following an $18 billion settlement reached with California over child safety, and comes as it releases its latest financial results.

Vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language have led to websites being down in several countries, including Japan, Finland and the UK. Around seven in 10 of the world's websites use PHP. Is this a new era of cyber insecurity and instability? ​

And a BBC investigation finds that employees from Google have resigned due to the use of AI for military technologies. We hear from one former employee.

(Photo: Meta logo and a keyboard in this illustration taken 18 October, 2026. Credit: Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Neil Morrow and Neggeen Sadid

For the second day, many websites around the world — including those of government agencies and banks — are down. These are due to vulnerabilities in PHP — a programming language that much of the internet relies on. One government cyber security official in Finland tells us how his government is preparing for cyber-attacks.

We go to Virginia to speak to a housing realtor about the housing market. Have interest rates made home ownership unaffordable?

And we ask the co-founder of France's first literary AI prize if it sets a dangerous precedent for authors.

Presenter: Leanne Byrne Producers: Neil Morrow & Neggeen Sadid

(Photo: "Cyber Attack" phrase and PHP code appears in this illustration taken October 22, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic / Illustration)

Millions of hacking attempts have been detected after a major security flaw was discovered in PHP. We hear from the cybersecurity firm behind the discovery and a business whose website remains offline.

Also, Electronic Arts shuts down BioWare after 31 years, cutting 400 jobs.

And Airbnb is banning lengthy checkout chores for guests.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Bisi Adebayo

A New Mexico judge has fined Meta for its handling of user data. It's the latest large legal payout for the tech firm, following an $18 billion settlement reached with California over child safety, and comes as it releases its latest financial results.

Vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language have led to websites being down in several countries, including Japan, Finland and the UK. Around seven in 10 of the world's websites use PHP. Is this a new era of cyber insecurity and instability? ​

And a BBC investigation finds that employees from Google have resigned due to the use of AI for military technologies. We hear from one former employee.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producers: Neil Morrow & Neggeen Sadid

(Photo: Meta logo and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic)

India telecoms company Jio Platforms has launched what is expected to be the country’s biggest ever share sale. The company, which is part of Reliance Industries and backed by India’s second richest man, Mukesh Ambani, aims to raise around $3.2bn in its initial public offering (IPO).

Also, protests in Portugal over housing affordability spill on to the streets. And why Starbucks China has run out of patience with customers who take a seat…but not a coffee.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Naomi Rainey

With two weeks until the US midterm elections, Luke Wilson examines how rising living costs could influence voters and what the latest economic figures reveal.

Also, Netflix reports its latest results after a difficult few months marked by job cuts and executive departures.

And could Africa's economy grow faster than China's for the first time in decades?

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producers: Neil Morrow and Bisi Adebayo

(Picture:Two women stand beside a golf cart decorated with American flags during a Republican voter turnout event ahead of the midterm elections in The Villages, Florida, US, October 18, 2026. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona)

French lawmakers are continuing their scrutiny of next year's budget as the country reels from days of violent unrest. What began as protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools has escalated into some of the worst rioting France has seen in years.Thousands of people have been arrested, businesses have been looted and buildings set alight.

We hear why the boss of one of the world’s biggest airlines - Ryanair - predicts the cost of flights will increase by up to 20% next year.

And the people of oil rich Alberta have decided whether to stick with Canada.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Naomi Rainey

Around 2,000 businesses have been affected by riots and looting across France. We hear from those caught up in the unrest and examine the economic impact.

Also, can Europe's biggest mobile operators build a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink?

And Saudi Arabia postpones a major investment conference as Houthi attacks disrupt business in the kingdom.

Presenter: Andrew Peach Producers: Neil Morrow and Bisi Adebayo

(Picture: Masked protesters stand next to burning bicycles amid clashes during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices near the Place de la Republique in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers and parents demanding better school conditions and government action, as well as labour unions, workers, farmers and retirees, France, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor/File Photo)

The world's second largest economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, but worries persist in China over weak spending at home. China’s economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of the year, thanks to the AI boom driving investment in Chinese exports. But global trade tensions and continued concerns at the level of consumer spending at home hang over the future of the world’s second largest economy. Meanwhile in the Eurozone’s second largest economy, France, shares have fallen and borrowing costs have risen after violent protests in the country over the weekend. Why the World Bank is concerned there won’t be enough jobs to go around in future for today’s youth. And in England, the Government gets tough on so-called headphone dodgers, who insist on listening to music loudly on public transport - driving other passengers mad.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Naomi Rainey

Jean-Claude Trichet , former president of the European Central Bank, joins the programme to discuss economic stability. We hear his thoughts on the student protests in France and that country's fiscal struggles. Should the ECB intervene or can France sort this out on its own?

And voters in the U.S. are worried about housing, polls suggest. But what role will it play in shaping the midterms? One researcher joins us to explain the issues and races.

Elizabeth Holmes allowed a filmmaker into her home before she went to prison. We speak to a critic on the documentary, a result of three years' work, that is out now.

Presenter: Will Bain Producers: Barbara George and Neggeen Sadid

(Picture: A protester holds a placard reading "Bismillah c'est les tenebres" (Bismillah, it's darkness) during a demonstration by French high school and university students in Nantes as part of a nationwide protest movement led by students, supported by teachers, school parents and labour unions, demanding better school conditions and concrete measures, France, October 13, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Stephane Mahe)

Shares in Tesla have climbed after Elon Musk's carmaker launched its new 'flying' Roadster car.

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels, with its two biggest members - France and Germany - calling for tougher action against Chinese imports, particularly chemicals and plastics.

And violent clashes between police and protestors are entering their fourth day in the Albanian capital, Tirana, as protests against poor education facilities, rising living costs and alleged government corruption continue.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Guy Kilty

Tesla is set to show off its latest EV, the Roadster, nearly nine years after it first unveiled the next-generation version of the electric sports car. We'll be hearing if Tesla's bet on an ultra luxury sportscar will pay off.

It's another bumpy day for tech stocks as investors question who will pay for the AI spending boom.

And why bold flavours such as Tequila ’Rita, Chilli Mango and Watermelon Smash are proving a hit for an alcohol industry under pressure.

Presenter: Will Bain Producers: Craig Henderson and Barbara George

(Picture: The silhouette of Elon Musk and Tesla logo are seen in this illustration taken. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

Brazil's Congress has approved a constitutional amendment that will cut the working week from 44 hours to 40 and give employees two days off per week without cutting their salary. The change represents the biggest overhaul to workers' rights since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988. Also on the programme, a global sell-off in memory-chip stocks has deepened, with South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index closing down more than 8 per cent. Plus, in Kenya, an initiative is helping women to keep animals, like goats and sheep, in an effort to build their financial independence and grow their incomes.

US inflation figures are higher than forecast in September. With the price of diesel and food increasing, lower income Americans have been hit the hardest. We hear from a saw manufacturer in Iowa and a computer repair shop in New York on how they’re coping with the higher prices.

In China, many leave home for big cities in search of work and livelihoods. Our China correspondent reports Beijing on the alienation many experience in the city after leaving loved ones behind.

And as today marks the hundredth anniversary of the launch of the first Winnie the Pooh book, we take a look at how it became such a money-spinner.

Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producers: Craig Henderson and Neggeen Sadid

(Picture: Plastic letters arranged to read "Inflation" are placed on U.S. dollar banknote in this illustration taken, June 12, 2022. Credit: REUTERS / Dado Ruvic)

US inflation rose more than expected, climbing to 3.7% from 3.4% in the year to September. We'll look at what's driving the surprise increase in prices.

China's exports are getting a boost from strong demand for AI-related products and electric vehicles.

And despite tougher US sanctions, American exports to Cuba have reached record levels.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warns that an AI bust could wipe 1% off global GDP, rising to 1.8% in the U.S. The warning came as global tech and semiconductor stocks fell. We go to Ohio, where growing opposition to data centres is becoming a key issue ahead of the US midterm elections. And singer Raye questions whether the ticketing industry is fit for purpose.

Presenter: Vishala Sri-Pathma Producers: Craig Henderson and Neggeen Sadid

(Picture: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 October 2026. Credit: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA)

Rwanda will host the F1 African Grand Prix in a 10-year deal starting in the early 2030s. We delve into why F1 wants Africa back on the calendar.

Earnings season gets underway with results from some of America's biggest banks.

And Netflix has secured the rights in Spain and Andorra for the next men's football World Cup.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

As fuel prices continue to put pressure on the global economy, we ask which has the greatest impact: the conflict in the Middle East or Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

Hundreds of supermarkets across France were hit by a cyber-attack that has left supermarkets empty. We're joined by a journalist in Paris who tells us how shoppers have reacted.

And why are so many of us watching horror movies? What does the genre's popularity say about the world today? A critic helps us understand.

(Photo credit: Reuters)

We examine the impact of Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia's aviation industry and wider economy, with thousands of flights cancelled. Also, Ukraine faces fresh power cuts following Russian attacks, as Washington's decision to import Russian diesel draws criticism. And a cyberattack on French supermarkets leaves fridges defrosted, food destroyed and businesses facing millions in potential losses.

President Trump claims Russia has agreed to supply the United States and other countries with millions of tonnes of diesel. And as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, President Zelensky has condemned the deal which will also ease sanctions so that Russia can supply the diesel. We get the latest from an economist.

The President and Vice-Chairman of Microsoft Brad Smith has hit back at claims by the US Government it's employing too many foreign workers. He told the BBC the White House has got its sums wrong. Our BBC correspondent Samira Hussain explains.

And the much-anticipated film The Social Reckoning is released. We hear from film critic Adam Nayer and from Jeff Horowtiz, the journalist who wrote the investigative series "The Facebook Files" and book that the film is based on.

(Photo credit: Jeenah Moon / Reuters)

We examine new US restrictions on green card sponsorship by Microsoft and other tech firms.

Also, Adidas sues Australian fashion brand White Fox over its four-stripe designs And thieves steal $5.5 million worth of wine from a winery in Tuscany.

France is under growing pressure over its finances. The government is spending much more than it brings in through taxes, while borrowing becomes more expensive. We speak to a French businessman to get his thoughts.

We hear from the World Trade Organisation's chief economist, Robert Staiger about the significance of Artificial Intelligence in global trade.

The BBC's Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy explains the ASOS data breach.

And official replica football shirts are made by workers paid only a dollar an hour — a BBC investigation finds .

(Photo credit: Reuters / Gonzalo Fuentes)

The World Trade Organization has more than doubled its forecast for global goods trade growth this year, with AI-related products driving much of the strong performance.

Also, Samsung and TSMC report bumper results as demand for AI chips continues to grow.

Plus, France's finance minister addresses concerns over rising borrowing costs.

Buying a home in America has just become even more expensive as mortgage rates have gone up for a seventh straight week to their highest level in nearly three years. We'll find out what's pushing the rate up further.

We hear from the first black woman in the world to own and run a billion-dollar company who says she had to forgive herself for being 'black, female and smart' when setting up her business.

And as Jaguar unveils its new electric car, can it put its ‘woke’ controversy behind it and win over drivers?

(Picture: A picture taken with a drone shows single-family homes in Woodbridge, Virginia, USA Credit: JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Interest rates rise in the world's most-populous country for the first time in four years: will it curb inflation? Also, are hybrid vehicle prices about to jump in the EU? World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.

Paramount Skydance has officially taken over Warner Bros Discovery in a $110bn merger that is set to change the entertainment industry. We hear what this mean for cineme goers across the globe.

As Lionel Messi prepares to play his final match for Argentina, we look at the extraordinary fortune the football superstar has built alongside his record-breaking career.

And we will tell you why the price of your favourite chocolate bar could be about to go up.

(Picture: A billboard displaying the logos of Skydance, Warner Bros. and Paramount on the Paramount Global offices in New York. Credit: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

Mass protests and school blockades have swept across France as teenagers, teachers, and unions demand more investment in dilapidated classrooms and smaller class sizes.

India says its trade talks with the United States have now reached a “plateau”, after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal wrapped up negotiations in the US without the breakthrough many had hoped for.

OpenAI’s chief strategy officer has apologised to an Australian parliamentary committee after one of its models gained unauthorised access to government websites during testing.

Brazil's presidential election fails to return a frontrunner. This sets up a second-round runoff later this month between right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro finishes and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

There’s increasing concern about the pressures on airlines as fuel forces up costs. One airline, AirBaltic has announced more than 500 jobs losses

And we look at the financial fallout for Tom Cruise's latest film, Digger, at the box office.

(Photo: Scenes following the first round of Brazil's presidential election. Credit: Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez seeks new mandate after Parliament rejected housing reforms. The election will be held on November 29.

More oil is leaving the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman than in the days before the US/Israel war on Iran began. Will oil prices start to fall?

And workers in India from different sectors are being used to train robots of the future.