Has gold lost its lustre?

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?

This precious metals rally has been tarnished after a sudden slide in prices. So what does this tell us about metals like gold, known to be the ultimate safe haven. Can we still call it a refuge when things get rocky?Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

US President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, when the four-year-term of current chairman Jerome Powell's ends in May. Rahul Tandon hears from people who worked closely with Warsh. Also, the BBC visits Maracaibo, once the heart of Venezuela's booming oil industry. And silver and gold prices plummet after their recent rise. (Photo: Kevin Warsh, speaking during the Sohn Investment Conference in New York City, U.S., May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo)

The former Federal Reserve governor has deep ties to Wall Street, was previously interviewed for the job in 2017, and has been an outspoken critic of America's central bank. We’ll ask how financial markets have responded to the news. Also, Venezuelan MPs have approved a bill to open up its oil sector to private firms. And, Panama's Supreme Court has voided a Hong-Kong based company's canal port contracts.

The Japanese auto giant Toyota says its global sales set a new record last year, despite trade tensions. What did Toyota do differently to others? Also, in a week where gold hit another record high, Rahul Tandon hears about what a gold boom means for Ghana. And, strong iPhone demand boosts Apple's profits, as Microsoft faces pressure over spending on data centres. (Photo: Members of the media inspect a Toyota Yaris car displayed during a media preview at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 automobile showcase in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, 24 March 2025. Credit: by RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

The dollar is normally seen as the ultimate safe haven, it's the currency most other currencies benchmark themselves against – so why is it taking a downward spiral? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in Beijing meeting President Xi and says steps have been taken to improve trade with China. And Germany is experiencing a potato glut, we find out why.