US CPI eases in October, while SA’s consumers more resilient than expected

In this podcast, STANLIB Chief Economist Kevin Lings discusses US October CPI inflation data, which delivered a pleasant surprise, moderating from 3.7% to 3.2% y/y. This will give space to the US Federal Reserve not to increase rates any further, and it had a positive impact on markets. Turning to SA, Kevin discusses the fourth consecutive monthly increase in retail sales, which will support Q3 GDP growth, although underlying trends are concerning. He also analyses S&P’s decision to keep SA’s credit rating unchanged with a stable outlook, despite the deterioration in the fiscal parameters reflected in the recent MTBPS.