STANLIB STANLIB Podcasts

US labour market looks strong, while Trump’s tariffs threaten global growth

Loading player...
The US added 143 000 jobs in January, fewer than expected, but the unemployment rate fell to 4% from 4.1%, showing the labour market is still extremely strong. However, wage growth accelerated by 4.1% y/y. This is relatively high, and may persuade the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates on hold for the foreseeable future as it gauges the effect of new import tariffs.
US President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes create wider concerns, given the high correlation between global trade and global growth. His executive order on SA has created tensions between the two countries, heightens negative foreign investment sentiment and raises uncertainty about the continuation of AGOA benefits.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
10 Feb English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

SA’s removal from the grey list could contribute to 2026 growth

In this podcast, STANLIB Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses why the Financial Action Task Force decided to remove SA from the grey list today and how this development could contribute to economic growth in 2026. STANLIB is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS Act and a…
24 Oct 4 min

No resolution to US government shutdown; SA’s retail sales slow

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, looks at the economic disruption as the US government shutdown enters its third week, with no resolution in sight. He also considers the slowdown in SA’s retail sales in August, which appears to be largely due to the tapering off of two-pot…
20 Oct 10 min

Trust your manager to navigate through volatile fixed income markets

In the latest episode of our The More You Know vodcast series, Sylvester Kobo, Deputy Head of Fixed Income at STANLIB Asset Management, counsels investors to “get comfortable with discomfort” for the foreseeable future and avoid focusing on short term ups and downs. He also discusses the factors that have…
16 Oct 18 min

Markets soften on US government shutdown, escalating trade war with China

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, considers the likely implications if the US government shutdown continues for an extended period. He also touches on export restrictions announced by China on certain rare earth minerals and the US response to threaten higher tariffs on China, which suggest the trade…
13 Oct 6 min

US government shutdown likely to drag on; SA collects more tax than expected

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, discusses the reasons for and impacts of the US government shutdown, including on economic activity and business confidence. He suggests that, given current political tensions in the US, it is likely to drag on for a while. He also looks at SA’s…
6 Oct 13 min
All episodes