Global economic predictions for 2026

In our last episode before the end of the year, we ask: what could 2026 hold for the global economy? Will the US keep powering ahead, is China finally turning a corner, and how much further can interest rates really fall?And we speak to an applied futurist who advises businesses and governments on the pressures shaping the years ahead. We ask what his key predictions are for 2026, and what they could mean for workers, companies and governments.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Haider Saleem and Amber Mehmood Editor: Stephen Ryan

From buying his first shares at just 11 years old to now retiring at 95, we look back at what has made Warren Buffett one of finance’s most successful figures - and hear from someone who knows him about his legacy.China is the world’s second-largest economy and official figures show strong growth. But a new report suggests the reality may be different. We speak to one of the people behind that report.Also, we look at the upcoming trial of a former military officer accused of blowing up one of Europe’s largest gas pipelines.(Picture: Warren Buffet. Credit: EPA)

Iranian shopkeepers are taking part in protests as the currency hits a record low against the US dollar, and annual inflation is running at over 40 percent. Denmark’s national postal service is delivering its last letter today, bringing an end to four centuries of letter delivery by the state-owned firm PostNord. And, just before he retires, we say goodbye to Warren Buffett and look back at his career. Also how artificial intelligence is driving a shake up in the legal profession worldwide. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Justin Bones

Traders in Iran have staged a second day of protests in Tehran, with many closing their shops and marching through key commercial areas to protest the collapse of the rial. Videos on social media show crowds chanting slogans against the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian, as officials warn against unrest and blame sanctions for the currency’s sharp fall.Also, the hacking of Jaguar Land Rover has highlighted growing cyber vulnerabilities in the global car industry.And with global military spending at record highs, we look at how defence budgets have surged in response to war and rising geopolitical tensions, with analysis from defence budget expert.(Image: A Iranian man sells boiled beetroot and lava beans in Tajrish Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, 08 December 2025. Credit: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock.)

One year on from South Korea’s worst air crash, families say they’re still waiting for answers. Also, South Korea’s biggest e-commerce firm, Coupang, has agreed to pay over a billion dollars in compensation to its users for a massive data breach. We also look back at the hacking of one of the UK's most famous brands – Jaguar Land Rover. And the new James Bond game, 007 First Light, has been delayed until the end of May.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Justin Bones

We're looking at what's happening inside Cambodia, amidst that border conflict, with incursions going deeper into the territory from the Thai military. What are the economic consequences for Cambodia? Also we're looking at the sliding global oil price, and what Nigerians do for fun at the year's end.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.(Picture: A woman cooks food as she takes refuge in Prey Chamkar Ta Doak market in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, after fleeing home following fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Credit: AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Ex-Malaysia PM Najib Razak has been jailed for 15 years for abuse of power and money laundering - Bisi Adebayo looks at the details.Japan approves a record-breaking budget with defence spending at a new high.And we head to to Nigeria, where 'Detty December' is proving to be big business, a point echoed by Nigerian singer and event co-founder Darey Art Alade.

Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and collector craze of 2025 - the Labubu doll.

In Pakistan, the government has sold its national carrier, PIA, in an auction which was televised live. The airline sold for $482 million. Gideon Long speaks to Muhammad Ali, the privatisation adviser to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. We hear from two countries at the sharp end of Donald Trump’s tariffs over the past year - India, which is on 50% US export tariffs, and South Africa facing 30%. And in the UK there is a blue and smelly cheese called Stilton which many people traditionally eat at Christmas. In fact 40% of sales are in the six weeks before Christmas. But its makers are on a mission to change all that and make Stilton a year round nibble. (PHOTO: View of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan October 3, 2023. Credit: REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo)

Leanna Byrne is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell to look back at the market moments that defined the year from tariffs and precious metals to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Plus,the latest US jobs figures show a fall in new applications for unemployment benefits. And India launches its heaviest-ever rocket yet, another sign of its ambitions to compete in the fast-growing global satellite industry.