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Global business/economy coverage with commodities price and macro stories

The World's Carmakers Are Struggling to Compete with China
NewsMay 27, 2026

The World's Carmakers Are Struggling to Compete with China

Global automakers are confronting a rapid shift as Chinese manufacturers dominate electric‑vehicle production, battery supply, and automotive software. State subsidies and massive investment have made Chinese EVs roughly 30% cheaper to build, while factories in Beijing and Hefei showcase unprecedented...

By BBC Business
Iran War Impact to Hit Household Energy Bills for the First Time
NewsMay 26, 2026

Iran War Impact to Hit Household Energy Bills for the First Time

The UK energy regulator Ofgem will raise the domestic price cap by about 13% in July, pushing the typical household bill to £1,850 (≈$2,350) a year. The increase reflects a 25% jump in global gas prices after the Iran‑Israel conflict...

By BBC Business
This Beach Hut Costs the Same as a Three-Bedroom House
NewsMay 25, 2026

This Beach Hut Costs the Same as a Three-Bedroom House

A modest beach hut in the Welsh seaside town of Abersoch has been listed for £100,000, roughly $125,000, a price comparable to a three‑bedroom house in the area. The asking price reflects a surge in demand for coastal second homes...

By BBC Business
From Decades to Years - AI Could Speed Search for Brain Drugs Hiding in Plain Sight
NewsMay 22, 2026

From Decades to Years - AI Could Speed Search for Brain Drugs Hiding in Plain Sight

Scientists at the UK Dementia Research Institute are using artificial intelligence to sift through patient data, voice recordings, eye scans and lab‑grown brain cells, aiming to repurpose existing drugs for neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease (MND). By training...

By BBC Business
Trump Wants New Fed Chair to Be 'Totally Independent'
NewsMay 22, 2026

Trump Wants New Fed Chair to Be 'Totally Independent'

President Donald Trump publicly urged the newly sworn‑in Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh to act “totally independent,” emphasizing that he should ignore outside opinions, including the president’s own. The swearing‑in ceremony, held at the White House for the first time...

By BBC Business
Laura Pomfret - CCJs, Decrees and Unpaid Court Debts
NewsMay 22, 2026

Laura Pomfret - CCJs, Decrees and Unpaid Court Debts

On 22 May finance commentator Laura Pomfret appeared on Morning Live to discuss the sharp rise in County Court Judgments (CCJs) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and their Scottish counterpart, decrees. She outlined why more borrowers are receiving judgments, the...

By BBC Business
Meta Settles Social Media Addiction Case with US School District
NewsMay 21, 2026

Meta Settles Social Media Addiction Case with US School District

Meta settled with Kentucky's Breathitt County School District, ending a lawsuit that sought roughly $60 million to cover mental‑health costs linked to its platforms. The agreement’s financial terms were not disclosed, but the settlement avoids a June trial in Oakland and...

By BBC Business
UK Agrees £3.7bn Trade Deal with Six Gulf States
NewsMay 21, 2026

UK Agrees £3.7bn Trade Deal with Six Gulf States

The United Kingdom has sealed a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s six members—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—valued at roughly £3.7 bn (about $4.6 bn). The pact eliminates an estimated £580 m ($725 m) in annual tariffs...

By BBC Business
China Confirms It Will Buy 200 Boeing Jets After Trump-Xi Summit
NewsMay 20, 2026

China Confirms It Will Buy 200 Boeing Jets After Trump-Xi Summit

China has confirmed a purchase of 200 Boeing jets following President Donald Trump’s summit with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The agreement includes U.S. guarantees for engine parts and components, and both sides will work to extend the existing tariff truce...

By BBC Business
UK Growth Forecast Upgraded by IMF but Risks Remain
NewsMay 18, 2026

UK Growth Forecast Upgraded by IMF but Risks Remain

The International Monetary Fund upgraded its outlook for the United Kingdom, projecting that inflation will fall back to the 2% target by the end of 2027 and that the Bank of England can keep its policy rate at 3.75% for...

By BBC Business
Oil Prices Rise After Trump Warns 'Clock Is Ticking' On Iran Peace Talks
NewsMay 18, 2026

Oil Prices Rise After Trump Warns 'Clock Is Ticking' On Iran Peace Talks

Oil prices jumped on Monday in Asian markets after President Donald Trump warned Iran that the peace‑talks clock was ticking. Brent crude rose 1.85% to $111 per barrel (about £83.6) and U.S. WTI gained 2.32% to $108 per barrel. The...

By BBC Business
Why Does Amazon Have No Western Rivals?
NewsMay 17, 2026

Why Does Amazon Have No Western Rivals?

Amazon has become the world’s largest company by sales, commanding 40.5% of U.S. online retail and about 30% of the U.K. market. Its dominance stems from a first‑mover advantage, relentless reinvestment of AWS profits into low‑margin retail, and the sticky...

By BBC Business
HS2 Failings Blamed on High-Speed Focus and Political Pressure
NewsMay 17, 2026

HS2 Failings Blamed on High-Speed Focus and Political Pressure

Britain’s high‑speed HS2 project is under scrutiny as a review blames its focus on ultra‑high speeds and political pressure for spiralling costs and delays. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has ordered a “reset”, including lowering the planned 360 km/h (224 mph) top speed...

By BBC Business
Heathrow Rival Could Lead Expansion, Watchdog Says
NewsMay 15, 2026

Heathrow Rival Could Lead Expansion, Watchdog Says

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is weighing reforms that could force Heathrow Airport to open its third runway and new terminal to competitive bids, aiming to curb the £33 billion (≈ $42 billion) cost outlook. The proposals would tighten Heathrow Airport Limited’s governance...

By BBC Business
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