Investec

Brent fell sharply last week, dropping from $118/b to nearly $93/b as hopes of progress in US–Iran peace talks and the US mid-term election results sparked a sell-off. However, ongoing tensions and uncertainty over a deal have since prompted a partial recovery.

Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Democratic Party control of the US House of Representatives and Senate has had three broad market implications: data centre buildouts are unpopular with voters; Congress will likely limit military escalation in the Middle East (which could bring down energy prices); and slower artificial intelligence-linked investment could be good for US Treasuries. Investec Focus Radio SA

AI agents have entered the workplace, robots are edging closer to our homes and billions continue to flow into the infrastructure powering artificial intelligence. But as technology advances, are the returns keeping pace with expectations?

In this episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Investec Global Equity analysts David Smith and Zane Bezuidenhout join Jeremy Maggs to examine the year's defining technology trends, the debate over an AI bubble and the companies best placed to benefit. From the future of work to the economics of AI, they unpack what 2026 has taught investors and what to watch in 2027 and beyond. Investec Focus Radio SA

Brent crude is slightly lower, although the apparent $7-a-barrel fall largely reflects the switch from December to January contracts. Reports that Donald Trump still favours diplomacy with Iran may be easing prices, but the risk of escalation after the US midterm elections remains.

Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Global equities continue to advance, while US corporate earnings continue to beat expectations. Taking into account these ongoing beats, notes Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Holdsworth, the overall US market now trades at just under 20 times earnings, which is not excessive by historical standards. Investec Focus Radio SA

Brent crude reached $117.50 a barrel last week as renewed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz heightened supply concerns. Physical market tightness, rather than speculative buying, appears to be driving prices, while options signal concern about further near-term increases.

Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

The US economy continues to grow, thanks to ongoing investment into AI, and despite federal government indebtedness and higher inflation because of rising fuel prices. One area where the strain is showing though, says Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Holdsworth, is in the housing market, where mortgage rates are climbing and applications are falling. Should weaker house prices follow, this will be a headwind for consumer spending. Investec Focus Radio SA

AI investment is supporting growth, but its wider benefits remain uneven. Where will global capital go next, and what will businesses pay to access it?

In this special edition of No Ordinary Wednesday, Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa, and Andrew Lillywhite, head of bank funding group at Investec UK, share first-hand insights from their time at the 2026 IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok. Drawing on conversations at the meetings, they examine the forces shaping global investment. They also identify signals that could support investment, from more stable long-term interest rates to the potential impact of a stronger South African credit rating. Investec Focus Radio SA

Trump’s efforts to lower diesel prices have had little lasting impact, with New York futures near $200 a barrel. Brent crude touched $110 as attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and regional tensions intensified.

Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

The war in the Middle East continues to weigh on markets and the economy, with second round effects showing up in US inflation numbers, notes Investment Strategist at Investec Investment Management Osagyefo Mazwai. The tech sector was the biggest loser in the days following the US inflation print. Investec Focus Radio SA