World Business Report

Long: Meteorologists warn a developing El Niño could be the strongest in living memory, with scientists saying next year could become the hottest on record. We look at what that could mean for businesses and global trade as low rainfall forces the Panama Canal to restrict shipping.
Also, Premier League clubs spend billions on new players despite new financial rules.
And how a low-budget animated film became an unlikely box-office hit in China.
(Photo: Panama Canal Authority limits daily ship traffic due to El Nino drought, Panama City - 20 Aug 2026. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

A strong weather system which causes the globe to heat up is already having an impact on business with the Panama Canal reducing the number of ships which can pass through and certain food prices in India rising
Japan's inflation hits its highest level of the year
and the Golden Ball - why a football could sell for $10 million

US government debt has topped $40 trillion for the first time, raising fresh questions about America’s finances and the cost of borrowing.
We also look at a new trade deal between Switzerland and China.
And the workplace behaviours most likely to land employees in trouble with their bosses.
(Photo:A screen displays the total U.S. National Debt, which surpassed $40 trillion for the first time according to the Treasury Department, in New York City, U.S., August 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

Moderna shares soared more than 172% after strong results for its vaccine for melanoma skin cancer. Elsewhere, the Evergrande saga came to a dramatic conclusion in a Shenzhen court.
And what will Walmart spend its $3 billion Trump tariffs rebate on?
World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledges that Ukrainian attacks and sanctions are affecting his country’s economy, while insisting there have been no critical consequences. In this special episode, we examine the economic pressures created by Russia’s war in Ukraine, and look at how the conflict has transformed the drone industry, with Ukraine planning to produce millions of drones this year.
(Photo: A firefighter works at a burnt-out hypermarket following an overnight Ukrainian drone strike, in the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Donetsk, a Russian-controlled city of Ukraine, August 16, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)