World Business Report

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet/Google, explores the dual nature of AI—a source of opportunity and a potential investment bubble. He emphasizes the need for workers to embrace AI tools, while also discussing its effects on core professions. Joining the conversation, Tamsin Dizi Weinstein highlights the rise of automation in entry-level jobs, revealing how task replacement is underway. Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu provides insight into the economic implications of generative AI, warning against overinvestment and stressing the importance of 'machine usefulness'.

Global stocks are on a downward slide, driven by concerns over AI valuations and central bank rates. An interview with Google's boss reveals insights on the potential fallout if the AI bubble bursts. The electric vehicle market is set to boom, with predictions showing that one in four car sales will be electric next year. Additionally, a court in France is making waves over bottled water regulations, while the UK is considering banning profit-driven ticket reselling, sparking debate among fans.

Erin West, Founder and President of Operation Shamrock and former deputy district attorney, sheds light on the harrowing realities of scam centers and human trafficking in Southeast Asia. She explains how 'pig butchering' crypto scams operate, trapping many workers as victims themselves. The podcast also explores military involvement in Myanmar, questioning if they're profiting from these networks. West emphasizes the need for international cooperation and sanctions to combat these issues, highlighting the dire situation for displaced workers.

Nick Marsh, BBC Asia business correspondent, provides keen insights into the escalating China-Japan tensions, sparked by Japan's Prime Minister's military comments regarding Taiwan. This diplomatic spat has led to a sharp decline in Japanese retail and travel stocks. Meanwhile, Carol Alexander, a finance professor at the University of Sussex, delves into the staggering decline of Bitcoin’s market value, exploring how regulatory challenges and manipulative trading have contributed to its volatility. Plus, find out about a new statue honoring Bridget Jones!

Imogen Foulkes, a BBC correspondent in Geneva, discusses the recent US-Swiss trade deal that slashed tariffs on imports and the role of Swiss lobbying in this shift. Caroline Hustetler, owner of Quality Cheese Inc., shares insights on the immediate relief felt by cheesemakers who have struggled under previous tariffs. John Marsh, owner of St Killian's Cheese Shop, highlights retail impacts and pricing challenges. Meanwhile, Chris Lowe analyzes market reactions, and Maria Hollandhurst talks about innovative apps that help reduce screen time.

Takara Small, a national technology columnist for CBC, and Randeep Somal, a fund manager at M&G Investments, delve into the recent sell-off in tech stocks, particularly AI favorites like Nvidia and Alphabet. They discuss AI fatigue and failed projects contributing to waning investor interest. Randeep highlights macroeconomic factors and profit-taking, while Takara notes geopolitical risks affecting valuations. They also touch on Google’s efforts to comply with EU regulations and the surprising news around Domino's UK sales.

Jürgen Warborn, a Member of the European Parliament, explains the recent vote to relax sustainability reporting rules, arguing it boosts EU competitiveness and saves businesses billions. Tom Gellin, Greenpeace campaigner, criticizes this as deregulation that undermines the EU’s climate credibility, especially at COP in Belém. Yoon Ah-ko brings attention to South Korea's shipyards facing challenges from increased migrant labor, stemming from local skill shortages and wage issues.

Diane Swonk, Chief Economist at KPMG, and Emma Wall, Chief Investment Strategist at Hargreaves Lansdowne, dive into the consequences of the recent US government shutdown. Diane highlights the potential void in critical October jobs and inflation data, jeopardizing the Federal Reserve’s decision-making. Emma discusses the global ripple effects of missing US economic indicators and wayward corporate results. They also touch on striking Starbucks workers and Scotland's quirky 'kilt bonds', showcasing a unique intersection of economics and culture.

Susan Schmidt, a portfolio manager with insights on U.S. household finances, discusses the growing stress from rising consumer debts. Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz dives into the factors fueling global inequality, advocating for fairer taxation. Stephen MacDonald highlights the economic struggles of Chinese youth, emphasizing their reduced spending habits. Brendan Doherty shares how tariff impacts on coffee prices affect his café business. Meanwhile, Mahavi Arora reveals India’s food price dynamics and the positive effects of recent tax cuts on disinflation.

Arsenault Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, discusses his push for a global carbon levy in shipping despite facing opposition from major players like the US and Saudi Arabia. Ross Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, explores the International Energy Agency's predictions for ongoing oil demand and its impact on energy markets. Elena Panaritis, an economist, sheds light on the political turmoil behind Greek farmers' protests, driven by rising costs and delayed subsidies.