Investec Investec Focus Radio SA

Oil price slump amplifies Covid-19 effect on market volatility

Loading player...
The intensity of turbulence in the global financial markets deepened on Monday as the collapse in the oil price amplified the uncertainty created by the corona virus. An oil price war was precipitated by the implosion of an OPEC+ meeting which saw Russia disagreeing with Saudi Arabia to reduce oil production to stabilise the oil price. The potential effect of the corona virus on global economic growth and demand for oil has caused the oil price to retreat from $65/bbl in January to $50/bbl. Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce the price on its oil supplies, precipitated the collapse in the oil price to $35/bbl.
10 Mar 2020 English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

Macro Monday Ep129: Warsh’s hawkish speech

New Fed chief Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish speech at the Jackson Hole symposium of central bankers on Friday, leading to a stronger US dollar and increased expectations of rate hikes this year and next year. Investec Investment Management’s Investment Strategist Osagyefo Mazwai examines what this means for the US…
31 Aug 9 min

No Ordinary Wednesday | The economics of tourism in SA

South Africa’s growth challenge is shifting from reform to delivery. Tourism is part of that test. International arrivals rose 12.3% in the first half of 2026. And phase III of the government-business Partnership now puts the sector firmly on the growth agenda, with a focus on air access, visas, safety…
25 Aug 12 min

Everything Counts | Episode 54: Protecting property wealth

Property is often seen as one of the more reliable ways to build long-term wealth. It’s tangible, familiar and, for many South Africans, an important part of their financial plan. But investing in property comes with risks that can be easy to overlook, from hidden costs and changing rental yields…
25 Aug 28 min

Macro Monday Ep128: US bond market intervention fails to bring down yields

Moves by the US Treasury to intervene in the bond market failed to bring down yields meaningfully, and the continuing worsening of the US’s fiscal position may explain why. According to Chris Holdsworth, Global Chief Investment Officer, Investec Investment Management, the US’s debt-to-GDP ratio is above 100% and seems set…
24 Aug 4 min

Macro Monday Ep127: The Fed’s difficult position

The US Federal Reserve finds itself in a difficult position. The US economy has been shedding jobs, and wage growth is soft. At the same time, says Chris Holdsworth, Global Chief Investment Officer, Investec Investment Management, government debt continues to grind higher while inflation remains elevated, mainly the result of…
17 Aug 7 min
All episodes