World Business Report

Faisal Islam, a seasoned BBC economics editor, shares insights from the bustling World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on President Trump's controversial ambition for Greenland. Walter Todd, of Greenwood Capital, unpacks market reactions, emphasizing sectors affected by tariff tensions. David Rashid, a proactive manufacturer, discusses the shifting dynamics of supply chains due to tariffs. Together, they highlight the pervasive uncertainty influencing business decisions and the broader economic implications of these developments.

Fiona Sincotta, Senior Market Analyst at City Index, provides sharp insights into how geopolitical tensions, like the Greenland dispute, impact market stability. She discusses the weakening dollar and its implications on the 'sell America' trade, linking tariff concerns with lower US stocks. Meanwhile, BBC reporter Natalie Jimenez delves into Gen Z’s economic perspectives, revealing their struggles with cost of living and housing. The contrasting views on job growth add layers to the discussion, painting a complex picture of today’s economy.

Duncan Edwards, CEO of BritishAmerican Business, provides insight on transatlantic trade tensions, discussing how sudden tariff threats impact various industries. Matthew Bartlett, a former State Department strategist, criticizes President Trump's focus on Greenland, arguing it exacerbates NATO relations. Farmers share their struggles after a year of tariffs, revealing financial pain and rising costs. With uncertain markets and political backlash, both guests emphasize the urgent need for dialogue and stability before the upcoming Davos meeting.

In this discussion, Volker Treyer, head of international trade at the German Chamber of Commerce, analyzes the potential fallout from US tariff threats on European nations, emphasizing caution. Jane Sydenham, an investment director at Redbones, shares insights on market reactions, highlighting a shift towards safe-haven assets amid tariff concerns. Rana Gosal comments on Senegal's triumph in the African Cup of Nations, celebrating its significant boost in commercial revenue. The conversation weaves through the complexities of international trade and economic impacts globally.

Baha Namemi, co-founder of Cancor, shares insights on how the recent Canada-China trade deal aims to enhance supply chain resilience and bolster domestic capacity. Chris Lowe analyzes the macroeconomic implications of these deals amid geopolitical pressures, signaling a shift towards two-way trade. Cecilia Malmström discusses the EU-Mercosur agreement, addressing farmer concerns over competition and tariff removals. Stephanie Hughes highlights the challenges of youth unemployment, stressing the tough job market and its impact on new graduates.

Natalie Tocci, a foreign policy expert and professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS, dives into the groundbreaking EU–Mercosur trade agreement, 25 years in the making. She highlights how this deal will cut import taxes on over 90% of goods, benefiting European exporters while providing new markets for South American farmers. Tocci also discusses the geopolitical implications, including Europe's desire to diversify trade away from US influence, and the political challenges ahead in the European Parliament for ratification.

Laurie-Anne LaRocco, a global supply chain reporter for CNBC, shares insights on Maersk's strategic return to the Red Sea and its implications for global trade. She highlights safety concerns and potential shipping congestion around key events like the Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, Alp Toker, director of Netblocks, discusses the staggering $260 million economic impact of Iran's internet blackout, detailing the sectors affected and the risks of internet access for citizens amidst regime crackdowns.

Chris Vallance, a tech journalist with the BBC, dives deep into the backlash against Musk's xAI and its Grok platform, which faced bans due to generating explicit content. He highlights the global scrutiny Grok is under and the legal risks for X. Meanwhile, Eldor Olufsen, CEO of Amarok, shares insights on the burgeoning investment interest in Greenland's mineral resources amid ongoing diplomatic discussions with the US and Denmark. Optimism flourishes despite geopolitical tensions, pointing to a promising future for the region's mining industry.

Susan Schmidt, a portfolio manager at Exchange Capital Resources, dives into the implications of President Trump’s proposed 10% cap on credit-card interest rates. She highlights concerns from banks about limited lending and access to credit for vulnerable consumers. The discussion also touches on rising consumer debt in the U.S., driven by essential expenses, and the demand for credit counseling. Schmidt warns that while a cap may help some, it could push risky borrowers toward subprime lending and doesn't address the challenges for those already in default.

Annie Meld, a Professor of sustainability and planning at Aalborg University, dives into the geopolitical implications of US interest in Greenland's untapped minerals. She explores the feasibility of mining and how this could impact Arctic military spending as tensions rise with China and Russia. Greenlanders voice their concerns over sovereignty as diplomatic talks unfold in Washington. Additionally, the discussion highlights the significant trade surplus China is experiencing, driven by its renewable sectors and global demand.