Greater clarity on US inflation anticipated after presidential inauguration

Loading player...
US headline inflation data for December was in line with expectations but core inflation surprised on the downside, as it rose by 3.2% y/y from 3.3%. This pushed up US bond and equity markets. Core inflation benefited from a moderation in the rate of increase in rentals. However, this does not affect the outlook for interest rates, with no cuts expected for the next couple of months.

A flurry of executive announcements is expected after US president Donald Trump is inaugurated. An increase in import duties is likely to exert upward pressure on inflation. Trump’s policies may also affect the overall growth rate but at this point the US economy is expected to remain strong.

STANLIB is an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of FAIS and a registered representative manager in terms of CISCA
20 Jan English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

SARB makes cautious 25 bps rate cut but next US rate cut is uncertain

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, considers the factors that are restraining SA’s inflation rate and have influenced the Reserve Bank in cutting the benchmark interest rate by 25 bps at its latest meeting. He also analyses latest US jobs data, which showed an increase in unemployment to…
24 Nov 16 min

Will AI boom become AI bust?

In the seventh episode of our “The More You Know” series, Mark Lovett, STANLIB Head of Investments, shares his experience of other market bubbles to help put the current AI hype into context. He emphasises the need for investors to identify the winners and losers in this new technology wave…
18 Nov 21 min

S&P surprises with positive outlook for SA

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, examines the reasons why S&P decided to revise SA’s credit rating from BB- to BB, while Fitch kept its rating unchanged. SA’s weak GDP growth rate remains a concern for all credit rating agencies but while S&P took a more positive view,…
17 Nov 16 min

Seven positive aspects of the MTBPS that will encourage investors

In this podcast, STANLIB Asset Management Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, explores seven key positive aspects of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) that indicate government finances are moving into a better position. These points will encourage both investors and credit rating agencies. He also discusses the implications of SA moving…
12 Nov 20 min