World Business Report

US government debt has topped $40 trillion for the first time, raising fresh questions about America’s finances and the cost of borrowing.

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.

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.

The US has paused 50% tariffs on Canada, hours before they were due to come into effect as the countries firm up a trade deal. Donald Trump said a deal has been reached, but the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said there was still important work to be done.

In China, the world's biggest humanoid robot manufacturer, Unitree Robotics, has seen its share price soar more than 500% on its stock market debut in Shanghai.

And why are businesses banning Meta smart glasses?

Presenter: Luke Wilson

Tech giant Meta on trial over claims it deliberately keeps young people scrolling. Four US states are seeking billions of dollars from the company, as part of a wider case brought by 29 states.

New trade tariffs set to be imposed on Canada by the USA unless there's a late breakthrough in trade talks.

And why does the owner of the LA Lakers, the LA Dodgers and part owner of Chelsea FC need to raise a lot of money quickly?

Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta is heading into a legal battle against a group of US states that argue it deliberately designed its products to be addictive for younger users. It could pose the biggest threat yet to social media operations with the states demanding changes.

In Canada, pressure is rising to reach a trade deal with the US or be hit with Donald Trump's new 50% tariff on hundreds of Canadian goods.

We find out why borrowing costs for some of the world's major economies are on the rise.

And why is price of wool is skyrocketing?

Presenter: Luke Wilson

The US has threatened Canda with a 50% tariff on goods, with billions of dollars of trade at stake. But can Canada persuade President Trump to change course? We take a look into the talks that have been happening so far.

And we ask if changing jobs is becoming a gamble fewer workers are willing to take?

We speak to the creator of the Katsu Curry Index about what the price of the iconic Japanese dish can tell us about the yen, inflation and the country's tourism boom. Elsewhere we dig into the Chinese economic data released today and ask if European companies should be worried by a retail spending slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter.

International Labour Organisation reported that joblessness among young people rose globally in 2025. We take a look at the issue of youth unemployment.

Elsewhere, President Trump says he'll declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, as the US threatens to subject Iran to economic isolation. We examine what further sanctions Washington might have in mind.

And in Indonesia, the president has hit out at official corruption and vowed greater state intervention in the economy. We take a closer look at the country's economy and investment opportunities.

PHOTO: Job seekers and recruiters for garment factories gather on a street in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, REUTERS/Go Nakamura

Australian lawmakers have been questioning executives from the likes of Meta and Tiktok over the country's social media ban for under 16s.

Data suggests the majority of Australian teens still use the platforms, despite December's law change. The companies have told politicians not to focus too much on this early data and that they don't need to face tougher penalties.

Also, President Trump has announced tariffs of up to 100% on imports of drones and their components to try and reduce reliance on Chinese technology.