Our Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses SA inflation trends and changes to Fed policy under its new chairman.
In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses SA’s GDP numbers for Q1, which surprised a little to the upside, and expectations of what economic growth could look like for the rest of the year.
STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses the SARB’s decision to hike interest rates by 25 bps and the risk of more hikes if the US/Iran conflict continues. The SARB indicated it was concerned about second-round effects from the higher oil price and remains determined to achieve its 3% inflation goal. Kevin also analyses latest SA government revenue collection data.
STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses the SARB’s decision to hike interest rates by 25 bps and the risk of more hikes if the US/Iran conflict continues. The SARB indicated it was concerned about second-round effects from the higher oil price and remains determined to achieve its 3% inflation goal. Kevin also analyses latest SA government revenue collection data.
Kevin Lings, discusses Moody’s encouraging review of SA from stable to positive, although GDP growth is necessary to get a full upgrade. April inflation, which is up at 4%, reflects a sizeable increase in food prices and an adjustment to medical aid inflation, while retail sales increased modestly as consumer income came under pressure.
We discuss the upcoming SA Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee meeting, when a 25 bps interest rate hike is expected, as well as latest US inflation data. US CPI in April rose 3.8% y/y – and this does not yet fully reflect the increase in gasoline prices. In the short term, though, US interest rates are expected to be held, with the risk of a hike if the oil price remains above $100/barrel.
Our Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, focuses on the continuing strength of the US labour market, despite pressure from higher fuel prices and AI investment.
In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses the below-forecast 2% q/q growth in US GDP in the first quarter, which indicates the economy is being largely sustained by AI investment.
Kevin Lings, discusses the factors that influenced the surprisingly low increase in US PPI data for March, which is showing no second-round effects from tariffs and the higher oil price.
Kevin Lings, discusses longer-term trends in US inflation and South African manufacturing.
In this podcast, STANLIB’s chief economist, Kevin Lings, discusses the effect of the oil price on SA fuel prices, currently pointing to petrol increasing by around R6.50 a litre and diesel by R11 a litre in April.
Kevin Lings discusses the effect of the oil price on SA fuel prices, currently pointing to petrol increasing by around R6.50 a litre and diesel by R11 a litre in April. He also discusses interest rate developments around the world, where about 15 significant central banks have held meetings, and most have opted to keep rates on hold. However, they have signalled that if oil prices remain elevated and feed into broader inflationary pressures, they may be forced to hike rates.
In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses how the war in the Middle East, now in its 17th day and going on longer than most people anticipated, continues to affect the oil price.
Kevin Lings, discusses, the latest developments in the Middle East and their effect on the oil price and disappointing US labour market data. Escalation of the Middle East conflict has resulted in a dramatic increase in the oil price, which could see petrol and diesel prices shoot up in April and cause upward inflation pressure.
Latest South African mining and manufacturing output data was disappointing, due to lingering infrastructural and policy constraints.
Latest South African mining and manufacturing output data was disappointing, due to lingering infrastructural and policy constraints.
Latest South African mining and manufacturing output data was disappointing, due to lingering infrastructural and policy constraints.
In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, analyses latest US ISM manufacturing and labour data. The manufacturing index increased significantly to above 50, normally indicating expansion in the sector, but Kevin believes this reflects shorter-term factors, including anticipation of greater consumer spending ahead of tax cuts. US labour data continues to soften as businesses maybe holding back on creating new jobs due to policy uncertainty and AI adoption.
Kevin Lings, Chief Economist, discusses the decisions by the US and SA central banks to hold interest rates unchanged and the likelihood of future rate cuts.
In a separate podcast, our Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses SA’s inflation and retail sales data in more detail and its significance for GDP growth and investment.
Kevin Lings, discusses US inflation, which is under control, and the Chinese economy's reliance on growing exports.
Kevin Lings discusses both global and domestic US policy trends, and why SA's manufacturing output continues to struggle.
Kevin Lings discusses SA’s sustainable economic growth rate and the US Federal Reserve’s likely response to signs of tariff pressure on small businesses.
Kevin Lings explores lackluster US retail sales growth and what’s driving SA’s private sector credit growth.
Kevin Lings discusses the factors behind the SARB’s rate cut and how the latest US jobs data may be influencing the Fed’s decision-making.
Kevin Lings discusses a potential resolution to the shutdown and SA’s upcoming Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.
Kevin Lings discusses a potential resolution to the shutdown and SA’s upcoming Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.
Kevin Lings discusses the latest US interest rate cut and what will follow, as well as SA’s encouraging government revenue and expenditure trends.
In a separate podcast, our Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses US and South African inflation trends and the implications for interest rates.
Our focus is on the risk of a US government shutdown, hawkish comments from US Federal Reserve officials and a decline in South African consumer confidence.
Our focus is on the risk of a US government shutdown, hawkish comments from US Federal Reserve officials and a decline in South African consumer confidence.
Kevin Lings focuses on the US government shutdown, and South African government revenue and expenditure for August.
Our focus is on the risk of a US government shutdown, hawkish comments from US Federal Reserve officials and a decline in South African consumer confidence.
Kevin Lings, examines SA's outlook for growth, inflation and interest rates this year and continuing uncertainty in global trade.
Kevin explores in more depth SA's Q2 2025 GDP performance and the factors that are likely to influence the next US interest rate decision.
Kevin analyses the US jobs data in more detail and considers whether President Trump's tariff hikes are likely to stimulate US manufacturing
Kevin discusses government revenue and expenditure data for July,
Kevin discusses the effect on US jobs, inflation and interest rates of significantly higher import tariffs.
Kevin discusses the effect on US jobs, inflation and interest rates of significantly higher import tariffs.
Kevin discusses the effect on US jobs, inflation and interest rates of significantly higher import tariffs.
Kevin discusses what is driving SA's inflation upwards and the implications of US tariff announcements for the economy.
Kevin discusses what is driving SA's inflation upwards and the implications of US tariff announcements for the economy.
Kevin discusses continuing growth in the Chinese economy and the impact of import tariffs on US inflation and interest rates.
Kevin discusses fresh uncertainty triggered by Trump's tariff threats and the possible effect on US interest rates.
Kevin discusses the underlying softer trend in private sector job creation in the US and what could be causing it.
The US S&P 500 gained 1.5%, after strengthening by 1.9% in the prior week. Year-to-date the S&P 500 is up only 2%, which is obviously very disappointing - especially considering that a month after President Donald Trump was inaugurated (and before his policy initiatives started to focus on import tariffs) the S&P 500 had gained 4.5%.
The US S&P 500 gained 1.5%, after strengthening by 1.9% in the prior week. Year-to-date the S&P 500 is up only 2%, which is obviously very disappointing - especially considering that a month after President Donald Trump was inaugurated (and before his policy initiatives started to focus on import tariffs) the S&P 500 had gained 4.5%.
The US S&P 500 gained 1.5%, after strengthening by 1.9% in the prior week. Year-to-date the S&P 500 is up only 2%, which is obviously very disappointing - especially considering that a month after President Donald Trump was inaugurated (and before his policy initiatives started to focus on import tariffs) the S&P 500 had gained 4.5%.
Kevin Lings, examines SA’s outlook for growth, inflation and interest rates this year and continuing uncertainty in global trade.
Kevin Lings discusses South African inflation and interest rates and some of the implications of the US tax bill.
