STANLIB Podcasts

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses two topics: 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.

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses two topics: the potential effects of the escalating war in Iran; and broadening private sector credit demand in SA. The war has triggered a rise in safe-haven assets, including gold, and in the oil price. For SA, the effect may be to push inflation higher, deferring interest rate cuts.

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.

In this podcast, STANLIB Asset Management’s deputy head of fixed income, Sylvester Kobo, highlights key positives in the National Budget that caused bond yields to firm. Investors welcomed the announcement of a cut in debt issuance and credit rating agencies are expected to respond with an upgrade to the country’s credit rating later this year, which should provide further support for the rand and bond yields.

STANLIB is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act and a registered Manager in terms of CISCA.

In this podcast, STANLIB Asset Management’s chief economist, Kevin Lings, analyses the main features of the 2026 Budget Speech, which was welcomed by equity, bond and currency markets. The Budget showed further progress in fiscal discipline in six critical parameters, including cutting the budget deficit, keeping government expenditure below revenue, and introducing a fiscal anchor. However, a more urgent focus on growing the economy is needed.

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses disappointing US Q4 2025 GDP growth of 1.4% q/q, which was largely due to the 43-day government shutdown. Underlying growth, at 2.2% y/y, is below long-term averages. However, latest US core PCE inflation was above expectations, at 3% y/y, exceeding the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, which may deter aggressive interest rate cuts. In SA, headline CPI rose slightly more than expected in January, but at 3.5% y/y is generally under control, Kevin says.

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.

In this episode of The More You Know, Jeremy Maggs interviews STANLIB Asset Management CEO, Derrick Msibi, who argues that Africa has the potential to attract capital more broadly than only to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which many investors mistakenly treat as a proxy for the entire continent. He proposes three key policy moves that would help to move the continent onto the investment radar.

STANLIB is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act and a registered Manager in terms of CISCA.

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, looks at US headline consumer inflation, which was below market expectations, at 2.4% y/y in January, with little evidence of a build-up of pressure. At the same time, job creation was above expectations. This should help the US achieve 2% GDP growth this year. Latest South African mining and manufacturing output data was disappointing, due to lingering infrastructural and policy constraints. You can listen to the podcast [here].

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.

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 may be holding back on creating new jobs due to policy uncertainty and AI adoption. You can listen to the podcast [here].

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, focuses on the latest decisions by the US and SA central banks to hold interest rates unchanged. In SA the decision reflects the SARB’s determination to lower inflation expectations, as well as risks to inflation from food and energy. In the US, the decision was widely expected. Instead, attention focused on the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair and what it means for monetary policy. You can listen to the podcast [here].

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, examines the factors that lifted SA’s headline inflation rate slightly to 3.6% y/y in December, though it remains subdued. The SARB is expected to stay cautious, but there is room for an interest rate cut. Low inflation encourages confidence and investment. At the same time, SA’s retail spending is growing faster than the overall economy, partly due to controlled inflation. You can listen to the podcast [here].

STANLIB Asset Management (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act. This should not be construed as advice.