World Business Report

Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on foreign messaging platforms and digital communications.
Also, China is heading into the Lunar New Year holiday after a turbulent period in its trade relationship with the United States. Despite tensions, Beijing says it’s striking deals across Europe, India, Africa and South America. We hear from Rutie Zhang, Chief Strategy Officer at China Minmetal Futures in Shanghai, on what’s really driving the numbers.
And Irish artists could soon receive a weekly payment worth about three hundred and eighty dollars, under a new government scheme designed to support creative work.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: David Cann
Editor: Stephen Ryan

The US jobs market shows signs of steady but subdued growth. Andrew Peach examines what’s driving the numbers, including the impact of tariffs and a tougher immigration crackdown.
Also, Dutch brewer Heineken cuts thousands of jobs worldwide as beer consumption falls.
And we look at the rise of “biohacking” and whether changing your daily routine could really help you live longer.
(Photo: A view of the US Department of Labor in Washington DC, USA, 05 September 2025. Credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock).

US employers added a greater-than-expected 130,000 jobs in January, helping nudge the unemployment rate lower to 4.3%, according to official government statistics released on Tuesday The figures could help ease fears about the health of the job market, after last year's sharp slowdown as firms wrestled with changes, including major cuts to government spending and a crackdown on immigration. The US added just 181,000 jobs in 2025, according to the latest data, even weaker than previously reported.
The Dutch brewers Heineken cuts thousands of jobs after it finds drinkers are consuming less beer. Heineken - which also brews Amstel and Tiger lagers - said the cuts would come from brewing and white-collar roles among its 87,000-strong global workforce.
And China teeters on the edge of stagflation as inflation slows and worries continue over why consumers just don’t appear to be spending - putting pressure on firms to sell their goods abroad and make profits there.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available, signalling a deepening energy crunch as the US seeks to squeeze Cuba’s oil supply. We find out what this means for tourism.
Transparency International says corruption is worsening worldwide, with the global average score in its Corruption Perceptions Index at its lowest level in more than a decade. Our International Business Correspondent Theo Leggett explains what is driving the deterioration - and why it matters for investment and growth.
And one Insurance company says it has launched the first insurance comparison app built on ChatGPT, letting customers shop for cover by “chatting” rather than filling in forms. The move has unsettled investors, knocking shares in comparison and insurance sites amid fears AI could disrupt the sector. We hear from one Insurance CEO on how AI could change the way people buy insurance.
(Picture: Airplane on a runway in Cuba. Credit: Getty Images).

Oil giant BP is pulling back billions that had been earmarked for shareholders as it looks to steady its finances after a fall in profits. Leanna Byrne asks what it means for BP’s longer-term strategy in energy?
Also, how unusual is it for a major artist to walk away from a powerful talent agency?
And Spotify wraps its fourth quarter with good numbers.