Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions

Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions

Author: BBC World Service June 8, 2026 Duration: 8:55

Global stock markets have fallen sharply after a sell-off in technology shares combined with growing uncertainty over tensions in the Middle East.

South Korea's Kospi index briefly suspended trading after plunging at the open, while Japan's Nikkei also suffered heavy losses.

Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping is in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un. We look at what the visit could mean for trade and economic ties between the two neighbours.

Oil prices initially surged before easing back. We ask what that tells us about how investors are assessing the risk of a wider regional conflict.

And Prada has entered the space race. The Italian fashion house has helped develop part of a new spacesuit for future NASA missions.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann


Every weekday, the World Business Report from the BBC World Service cuts through the noise to deliver essential global business and finance intelligence. This isn't just a summary of market movements; it's a grounded analysis of the forces shaping economies, industries, and livelihoods across continents. You'll hear directly from the BBC's unparalleled network of correspondents, on the ground in financial hubs and emerging markets alike, providing context that turns headlines into understanding. Each episode focuses on the day's most pressing stories, from corporate mergers and policy shifts to technological disruptions and trade dynamics, all explained with the BBC's trademark clarity and depth. Tuning into this podcast means getting a truly international perspective, hearing how decisions in one corner of the world ripple out to affect prices, jobs, and opportunities elsewhere. It's designed for anyone who needs to grasp the interconnected nature of modern commerce, whether you're directly involved in the business world or simply want to comprehend the economic currents influencing daily life. The reporting is timely, authoritative, and always prioritizes factual accuracy, making it a reliable resource in a fast-changing landscape. For a concise yet comprehensive daily briefing on global economic affairs, the World Business Report delivers consistent insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 98

World Business Report
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