World Business Report

French lawmakers are continuing their scrutiny of next year's budget as the country reels from days of violent unrest. What began as protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools has escalated into some of the worst rioting France has seen in years.Thousands of people have been arrested, businesses have been looted and buildings set alight.
We hear why the boss of one of the world’s biggest airlines - Ryanair - predicts the cost of flights will increase by up to 20% next year.
And the people of oil rich Alberta have decided whether to stick with Canada.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Craig Henderson
Editor: Naomi Rainey

Around 2,000 businesses have been affected by riots and looting across France. We hear from those caught up in the unrest and examine the economic impact.
Also, can Europe's biggest mobile operators build a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink?
And Saudi Arabia postpones a major investment conference as Houthi attacks disrupt business in the kingdom.
Presenter: Andrew Peach
Producers: Neil Morrow and Bisi Adebayo
(Picture: Masked protesters stand next to burning bicycles amid clashes during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices near the Place de la Republique in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers and parents demanding better school conditions and government action, as well as labour unions, workers, farmers and retirees, France, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor/File Photo)

The world's second largest economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter, but worries persist in China over weak spending at home.

China’s economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of the year, thanks to the AI boom driving investment in Chinese exports. But global trade tensions and continued concerns at the level of consumer spending at home hang over the future of the world’s second largest economy.

Meanwhile in the Eurozone’s second largest economy, France, shares have fallen and borrowing costs have risen after violent protests in the country over the weekend.

Why the World Bank is concerned there won’t be enough jobs to go around in future for today’s youth.

And in England, the Government gets tough on so-called headphone dodgers, who insist on listening to music loudly on public transport - driving other passengers mad.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Senior Producer: Craig Henderson
Editor: Naomi Rainey

Jean-Claude Trichet , former president of the European Central Bank, joins the programme to discuss economic stability. We hear his thoughts on the student protests in France and that country's fiscal struggles. Should the ECB intervene or can France sort this out on its own?
And voters in the U.S. are worried about housing, polls suggest. But what role will it play in shaping the midterms? One researcher joins us to explain the issues and races.
Elizabeth Holmes allowed a filmmaker into her home before she went to prison. We speak to a critic on the documentary, a result of three years' work, that is out now.
Presenter: Will Bain
Producers: Barbara George and Neggeen Sadid
(Picture: A protester holds a placard reading "Bismillah c'est les tenebres" (Bismillah, it's darkness) during a demonstration by French high school and university students in Nantes as part of a nationwide protest movement led by students, supported by teachers, school parents and labour unions, demanding better school conditions and concrete measures, France, October 13, 2026. Credit: REUTERS / Stephane Mahe)

Shares in Tesla have climbed after Elon Musk's carmaker launched its new 'flying' Roadster car.
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels, with its two biggest members - France and Germany - calling for tougher action against Chinese imports, particularly chemicals and plastics.
And violent clashes between police and protestors are entering their fourth day in the Albanian capital, Tirana, as protests against poor education facilities, rising living costs and alleged government corruption continue.
Presenter: Luke Wilson
Producer: Guy Kilty