World Business Report

Netflix is screening its latest hit at the cinema and MTV is closing music-video channels. What can the latest moves in the entertainment business tell us about how streaming is changing our viewing and listening habits?

In our last episode before the end of the year, we ask: what could 2026 hold for the global economy? Will the US keep powering ahead, is China finally turning a corner, and how much further can interest rates really fall?And we speak to an applied futurist who advises businesses and governments on the pressures shaping the years ahead. We ask what his key predictions are for 2026, and what they could mean for workers, companies and governments.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Haider Saleem and Amber Mehmood Editor: Stephen Ryan

In this discussion, Sarah Rainsford, BBC East European correspondent, shares the latest on the Nord Stream sabotage trial, detailing arrests and legal challenges faced by those accused. Logan Wright from the Rhodium Group offers a critical analysis of China's GDP growth, arguing that official figures may be misleading due to a collapsing property market and weak domestic consumption. Both guests highlight how these developments could impact global markets and policy.

Iranian shopkeepers are protesting as the rial collapses, highlighting the economic crisis and demands for reform. Denmark is marking the end of an era with its postal service ceasing letter delivery after four centuries, shifting focus to digital communication. Warren Buffett's retirement prompts a reflection on his investment philosophy and lasting impact. Meanwhile, AI is changing the legal landscape, bringing new tools and challenges, as lawyers debate the balance between efficiency and accuracy in their practices.

Berang Tajdin, BBC Persian economics editor, discusses the dire state of Iran's economy as traders protest the rial's sharp collapse, revealing soaring inflation and widespread hardship. Theo Leggett, BBC correspondent, highlights the fallout from the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack, detailing its severe impact on the automotive supply chain. Seamus Daniels, defense budget analyst, examines the surge in global military spending, driven by geopolitical tensions, and explores future warfare trends, including the rise of drones and AI.

Yoon Aku, a dedicated reporter covering the South Korean air crash, provides poignant insights as families continue to seek answers one year on. He discusses their demands for an independent inquiry and highlights their skepticism about the initial investigation. The conversation covers broader implications for aviation safety regulations in South Korea. Additionally, Aku touches on recent developments like Coupang's compensation for a massive data breach, reflecting ongoing concerns about corporate accountability.

Dr. Sam Seon, a policy analyst from the Royal Academy of Cambodia, discusses the severe economic impacts of the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, highlighting a significant drop in tourism and halted $5 billion in trade. Neil Atkinson, an energy analyst, sheds light on the declining global oil prices due to excess supply and low demand. Bissi Adebayo, a BBC reporter, shares insights on Nigeria's festive 'Detti December', showcasing how celebratory spending influences the economy during the holiday season.

Jonathan Josephs, a BBC World Service reporter, discusses the guilty verdict against former Malaysian PM Najib Razak for corruption linked to 1MDB, highlighting its political consequences. William Lee Adams tackles the recent US de minimis rule change and its significant impact on small exporters who are bracing for increased costs. Meanwhile, Remy Adelike dives into Nigeria's booming 'Detty December,' exploring the economic uplift and the logistical hurdles event organizers face during this festive season.

Joe Tidy, BBC cyber security correspondent, dives deep into the troubling rise of high-impact cyber attacks in 2025. He shares firsthand experiences interacting with cybercriminals and highlights the significant economic consequences of these incidents. Tidy provides a chilling account of the complexities he faced while reporting on extortion attempts. The conversation also explores the rapid evolution of tariffs, with experts discussing their global economic impact and how innovative businesses adapted to the challenges of the year.

Muhammad Ali, a privatisation adviser to Pakistan's Prime Minister, discusses the groundbreaking live auction of Pakistan International Airlines, revealing the motivations, past challenges, and future prospects of the sale. Susan Schmidt provides insights on the impact of US tariffs on global markets, emphasizing their effect on jobs and industries in India and South Africa. Ajay Srivastav and Busisiwe Mavuso delve into the consequences of these tariffs, highlighting trade negotiation priorities and economic implications for their respective countries.