World Business Report

The US is ramping up efforts to secure its supplies of critical minerals. Vice-president JD Vance has proposed creating a new critical mineral trading bloc to loosen China’s control over the sector. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Ed Butler finds out more.
Shares of Ozempic manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, dropped as nuch as 17% in the face of strong competition. Meanwhile its rival Eli Lilly, is forecasting strong growth. What's the outlook for weight-loss jabs?
Elsewhere, the US has renewed an agreement that gives 32 African countries access to the US market. The African Growth and Opportunity Act was allowed to expire last September, after 25 years. It's now been re-authorised until the end of 2026, although Washington has warned it may reshape the deal after that.

The maker of Ozempic says tougher competition from generics in India and China will hit profits this year. Leanna Byrne speaks to its chief financial officer.
Plus, Spain moves closer to banning social media for under-16s.
And the United States renews a trade deal giving 32 African countries duty-free access to its market.

There’s a major shift at the top of the Walt Disney Company, as one of entertainment’s most iconic brands welcomes a new leader. Ed Butler examines who Josh D’Amaro is, why he’s been chosen, and what his appointment reveals about the wider state of the industry.
Plus, how high street giant Walmart grew into a trillion dollar business.
And the reasons behind strike action by port workers in Bangladesh.
(Photo: Josh D'Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, who was named next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, poses for a picture in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on February 3, 2026. Credit: REUTERS)

French prosecutors raided Elon Musk’s X offices in Paris as part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged illegal data extraction and possible links to child pornography.
Also, US and India reach trade deal to slash US tariffs on the nation's goods to 18% from 50%.
And the European Union has told the BBC it was unacceptable for the US to threaten trade tariffs during its row over the future of Greenland.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: David Cann
Editor: Justin Bones

Ed Butler examines the latest trade deal announced between the United States and India and what each side stands to gain.

We also look ahead to President Trump’s meeting with Colombia’s president amid rising tensions.

And is Latin pop music coming of age in mainstream American culture?