World Business Report

The Bank of England expects stock markets around the world to fall as share prices are not reflecting the many risks facing the world economy, so says the Bank of England Deputy Governor and head of financial stability Sarah Breeden. It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements. Breeden, who is also the Bank's head of financial stability, declined to say when she expected markets to fall or by how much, but pointed to a number of factors that markets seemed complacent about.
The Chinese artificial intelligence company, DeepSeek, has released a preview version of its long-awaited new model, allowing users to test its capabilities and features. DeepSeek introduced its first open source model last year, causing turmoil in western tech markets because of its matching capabilities with American rivals and low cost. The firm says its V3 model achieves strong performance against others.
And one of the world’s biggest car shows has been showcasing the very latest electric car technology. The timing of the Beijing show is pivotal - as the Iran war pushes up fuel prices, global demand for EVs is accelerating.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Senior producer: Craig Henderson

Shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have approved its sale to media conglomerate Paramount Skydance, with the merger valued at $110 billion. Rahul Tandon looks at what the deal could mean for competition, content and consumers.
Also, BP suffers a shareholder rebellion over climate reporting.
And Meta announces plans to cut around 10% of its workforce.
(Picture: The studio lot at Warner Bros. Studios is seen in Los Angeles, California, USA, 23 April 2026. Credit: CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock)

The shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have voted yes to an hundred billion dollar acquisition by Paramount. After fighting off Netflix to reach an agreement, the vote for Paramount became a formality....but then the next battle begins with the regulators.
Tens of thousands of employees of Samsung have been protesting at a major factory in South Korea.
And why China businesses are feeling the squeeze from the economic impact of the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Presenter: Andrew Peach
Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

Iran has seized two cargo ships and warned that reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be “impossible” if a US blockade continues. Sarah Rogers asks what that means for the US and hear from a business operating inside Iran.
We also hear how businesses are expecting to benefit from a $100 billion EU loan to Ukraine.
And Tesla reports higher than expected first-quarter profits.
(Picture: Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 22, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

The European Union has unlocked a $100 billion loan for Kyiv - money that’s been stuck for months. Hungary had been holding it up, arguing it wasn’t receiving Russian oil through a key pipeline that runs across Ukraine. That line was damaged after a Russian strike earlier this year, but Kyiv says repairs are now complete and oil is flowing again.
Plus, we get a rare insight into what it’s like trying to run a shop or even buy bread in Iran these days.
And we look at the rise of quality Chinese retail brands, challenging the perception that “Made in China” means cheap and of poor quality.