NOW Ep117: WEF2026 | What markets will be watching in Davos

Loading player...
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is here and markets are paying attention. As leaders gather in Davos, the conversations will likely shape risk premiums, capital allocation and investor confidence in the months ahead.
In episode one of our special Davos Debrief podcast series, host Jeremy Maggs is joined by Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist at Investec, to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters for investors.

Podcast key moments:
00:00 - Introduction
01:49 - How should investors interpret the 2026 Global Risks Report findings
02:28 - Does a shift in risk weighting change the thinking around capital allocation and diversification?
03:03 - Are investors underestimating the economic side of global risk?
04:47 - Are investment opportunities and risks in a more multipolar or contested economic order?
05:24 - Where do you see growth potential right now, both in developed economies and in emerging markets?
07:03 - How should investors balance their innovation upside with systemic risk exposure?
08:02 - How do investors think about resilience, whether for portfolios, for businesses or economies?
08:47 - What are the three signals or outcomes that you'll be watching closely at WEF2026?
10:03 - From an investment perspective, how material are positive economic signals from South Africa?
11:55 - What’s the one thing investors should be watching this week when it comes to South Africa's positioning in global portfolios?

Read more on www.investec.com/now

Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business, and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business.
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:49 How should investors interpret the 2026 Global Risks Report findings
  • 02:28 Does a shift in risk weighting change the thinking around capital allocation and diversification?
  • 03:03 Are investors underestimating the economic side of global risk?
  • 04:47 Are investment opportunities and risks in a more multipolar or contested economic order?
  • 05:24 Where do you see growth potential right now, both in developed economies and in emerging markets?
  • 07:03 How should investors balance their innovation upside with systemic risk exposure?
  • 08:02 How do investors think about resilience, whether for portfolios, for businesses or economies?
  • 08:47 What are the three signals or outcomes that you'll be watching closely at WEF2026?
  • 10:03 From an investment perspective, how material are positive economic signals from South Africa?
  • 11:55 What’s the one thing investors should be watching this week when it comes to South Africa's positioning in global portfolios?
18 Jan English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

Everything Counts | Episode 41: Global Shopping for South Africans

Earning, spending, investing and shopping overseas has never been easier, but it has never been more complex either. If your money is constantly moving between currencies, countries, and platforms, it can feel like you’re doing everything right on paper while still losing value through fees, exchange rates and timing. In…
9 Feb 20 min

Macro Monday Ep103: PMI numbers point to solid global growth this year

The world economy appears to be in good shape. Global composite purchasing managers index numbers are on the rise, with US manufacturing enjoying a significant uptick in January, and Germany’s factory orders have risen strongly too. All in all, says Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, Investec Wealth & Investment International,…
9 Feb 13 min

What next? | Changing minds, changing markets

In this episode of podcast series, What Next? Michael Liebreich and Rory Sutherland lift the lid on how to shift behaviour at scale to achieve the energy transition. Marc Khan and Lidnsey Hooper interview the pair on the sociopolitical backlash we have seen in some sectors with regard to climate…
2 Feb 45 min

Art in Focus Series 2 | Ep 3: Whose art is it anyway?

When ideas meet machines and many hands shape one work, where does creativity begin? In episode 3 of Art in Focus series 2, Investec’s Tristanne Farrell invites curator Antonia Strauss, artist Aaron Philander and gallerist Brett Bellairs to unpack how technology is transforming not just into how art is made…
4 Feb 34 min

NOW Ep 120 | Water risk is business risk

Water scarcity is no longer a future risk. It is already reshaping how businesses operate, invest and grow in South Africa. With water demand in Gauteng at record levels and ageing infrastructure under strain, water has become a material constraint on business continuity, supply chains and long-term competitiveness. For many…
3 Feb 26 min