Pressure on US to ease global economic pain

Pressure on US to ease global economic pain

Author: BBC World Service April 15, 2026 Duration: 8:56

World finance ministers meeting in Washington have been voicing their anger and frustration at the US because of the financial strains being placed on the global economy caused by its military offensive in the Middle East. Rachel Reeves from the UK described the US-Israeli war with Iran as 'folly' while France's finance minister Roland Lescure called for renewed efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The calls come as Iran's military widens its threats on shipping the Gulf to include the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman - if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. 

The International Monetary Fund has been warning of the risk of a global recession at its Spring Conference in Washington DC. There was further evidence of these concerns today. Hermes is the latest fashion house, after LVMH and Gucci-owner Kering to say sales have been weaker than expected at the start of this year...with spending hit both in the Middle East, but also fewer tourists visiting Paris and buying handbags and designer clothes. And there has been continued unrest in parts of India over wages, as the increased costs of living caused by the crisis continue to hurt the economy. 

Also in the programme - are hedge fund managers cashing in on the uncertainty of whether firms will receive refunds on tariffs?

And we discover why Google is clamping down on so-called ‘back button hijacking’...when sites mess with your browser so you can’t leave.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson


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.
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