Investec

Global energy markets have entered a critical phase, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten to spiral into a full-scale supply crisis. In this episode, we unpack the latest developments following Iran’s retaliatory strike on Qatar’s liquified natural gas facility, an attack that wiped out roughly 17% of its capacity and sent shockwaves through global markets. With vital energy infras...

Central banks in the US, Eurozone and Japan all kept rates unchanged last week. But behind these decisions lie rising concerns about the impact of the Iranian War on a range of prices that have a major impact on inflation. The duration and intensity of the conflict will be key determinants of the overall impact on the inflation and growth outlooks. Investec Focus Radio SA

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, societies and power structures yet much of the conversation has swung between uncritical optimism and existential fear. In this episode of What Next? We explore how leaders can reclaim agency over the future of AI, ensuring it serves human progress rather than narrow commercial or political interests. Vilas Dhar, President, Patrick J. McGover...

Markets are sending a surprisingly calm signal in the face of escalating conflict with Iran. Oil prices are rising, supply chains are under pressure, and recession risks are quietly ticking higher, yet equities remain relatively steady. In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs is joined by Investec experts in SA and the UK - Callum Macpherson, Phil Shaw and Chris Holdsworth - t...

Markets are sending a surprisingly calm signal in the face of escalating conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices are rising, supply chains are under pressure, and recession risks are quietly ticking higher, yet equities remain relatively steady. In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs is joined by Investec experts in SA and the UK - Callum Macpherson, Phil Shaw and Chris Holds...

Oil markets experienced extreme volatility last week as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East created significant uncertainty around global supply. Brent crude briefly surged toward $120/b, its highest level since 2022, as it became clear the conflict in the region could be prolonged. Prices later fell sharply, briefly nearing $81/b, after comments from president Donald Trump suggest...

With uncertainty over how long, the Iranian conflict will last, it’s not just the oil market that’s been affected. Natural gas prices have risen, but so too have grain and aluminium prices, pointing to inflation pressures in the coming months. However, as Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, highlights, global equities are only 2% down, impl...

In this episode, of the What Next series, we discuss the power of philanthropy in transforming markets, through investing in high risk innovation and early stage ideas that often require new economic thinking. Podcast hosts Investec's Marc Kahn and Cambridge's Lindsay Hooper invite Peter Bennett, founder of the Bennett Foundation and Leslie Johnston, founding CEO of the Laudes Foundation to explor...

Most athletes train for medals. Few train for financial longevity. In this episode of Everything Counts: Sports Edition, Paralympic record holder Mpumelelo Mhlongo shares how he approached money with the same discipline he applies to sport − investing his first serious paycheque, supporting his family and building generational wealth that will outlast his career. From scholarships and setbacks to...

With no sign of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, energy markets are facing an extraordinary supply shock. Around 20% of global oil supply has effectively become unavailable, pushing Brent crude above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. While an emergency G7 meeting to discuss a coordinated reserves release, along with the drawdown of commercial inventories, may buy some time, these measu...

As the conflict in the Gulf continues, energy prices have risen sharply. Chris Holdsworth Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, examines the impact on global inflation and growth, as well as on President Donald Trump’s popularity ahead of the US midterm elections later this year. Investec Focus Radio SA

What Next? Leadership Conversations for a Better Future examines how leaders can build future-fit economies in a time of accelerating technological and societal change. In this episode we're joined by educator, leadership thinker and author, Sudhanshu Palsule, Gillian Secrett, Director of Leadership and Culture at CISL and community leader and rector, Richard Springer. Together they examine what m...

Private equity is shifting gears. As rates turn and investor confidence improves, funds are deploying again, and South Africa is firmly back on the radar. But this isn’t a return to excess, it’s a shift toward smarter leverage, disciplined execution and sharper capital structuring. In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs speaks to Rishanth Pillay, Head of Sponsor Leveraged Fin...

Brent crude surged above $80 per barrel, after escalating conflict in the Middle East sharply increased fears of disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Just days earlier, Brent had been trading near $73, with markets broadly assuming that US-Iran negotiations would continue. Escalation was recognised as a risk, but a large-scale disruption to...

What will be the impact of the hostilities in the Middle East on the world economy? Chris Holdsworth Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, examines the impact on oil prices, in particular, taking into account further disruption at the key Strait of Hormuz. Investec Focus Radio SA

In this episode, of What's Next, we explore how corporate values shape decision-making in a time of political polarisation and markets that reward short-term performance. Ethics expert, Alison Taylor, and experienced board chair, Karen Wood, discuss the tension between purpose and profit, the realities of trade-offs, and how leaders can stay grounded while building trust and aligning values with a...

Please note: The tax-free savings account limits discussed in Everything Counts episode 42 reflect the regulations in place at the time of recording. Following changes announced in the Budget Speech on 25 February 2026, the annual contribution limit has been increased from R36 000 to R46 000 per tax year, effective 1 March 2026. This article has been updated to reflect new limit. In this episode o...

It was a difficult Friday for US President Donald Trump, as the Supreme Court ruled against his tariffs, while GDP in the fourth quarter grew by less than expected and a core measure of inflation rose. But, notes Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, Trump has already announced other measures to retain tariffs. Investec Focus Radio SA

Oil reached a fresh yearly high as US-Iran tensions intensified, with Washington boosting military presence while leaving room for negotiations. Markets rallied after Trump suggested a 10–15 day window for a deal, though speculative positioning remains measured, with strong demand for high-strike call options signaling limited expectations of a major price surge. Meanwhile, European energy markets...

What Next? Leadership Conversations for a Better Future examines how leaders can build future-fit economies in a time of accelerating technological and societal change. This episode looks at the power shifts created by AI and digital systems - asks where real agency still lies. Hosts Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn sit down with Thomas Lingard, who previously founded Unilever’s Global Advocacy team t...

In the final episode of Art in Focus Series 2, Tristanne Farrell is joined by Alexander Richards (Stevenson), Jana Terblanche (Southern Guild) and Hamzeh Alfarahneh (Art Advisory) to unpack how narrative shapes perception, value and global positioning in African art. From curating across continents to challenging dominant canons, the conversation explores how exhibitions, galleries and collectors...

Oil markets continue to gyrate as shifting signals from Washington and Tehran fuel uncertainty ahead of the next round of nuclear talks in Oman. Mixed rhetoric from both sides has left Brent caught between easing risk premium and renewed geopolitical tension, with traders closely watching for clearer direction. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be c...

While US earnings have been strong, more and more companies are seeing artificial intelligence (AI) as a risk, rather than an opportunity, notes Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, that while there’s been a selloff in sectors likely to be disrupted by increased AI deployment. Investec Focus Radio SA

South Africa’s 2026 Budget arrives at a pivotal moment. Debt is hovering near 78% of GDP. Growth is forecast at just 1.5%. Debt-servicing costs absorb around 5% of GDP. And yet, bond yields have fallen, sentiment has improved and S&P maintains a positive outlook. Is this genuine fiscal stabilisation or simply a window of opportunity? In the latest episode of No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs sit...

From stitched fabrics and beaded surfaces to gel capsules and monumental sculptures, this episode of Art in Focus explores how personal memory becomes cultural narrative. Mary Sibande, Sahlah Davids and Leila Abrahams join Tristanne Farrell to talk identity, heritage, healing and how artists transform lived experience into work that resonates locally and globally. KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Introduction 0...