US labour market looks strong, while Trump’s tariffs threaten global growth

Loading player...
The US added 143 000 jobs in January, fewer than expected, but the unemployment rate fell to 4% from 4.1%, showing the labour market is still extremely strong. However, wage growth accelerated by 4.1% y/y. This is relatively high, and may persuade the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates on hold for the foreseeable future as it gauges the effect of new import tariffs.
US President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes create wider concerns, given the high correlation between global trade and global growth. His executive order on SA has created tensions between the two countries, heightens negative foreign investment sentiment and raises uncertainty about the continuation of AGOA benefits.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
10 Feb 2025 English South Africa Investing · Business News

Other recent episodes

SA’s fuel price surges while manufacturing continues to slow

In this podcast, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, analyses the inflationary pressure of SA’s recent sizable fuel price increases: 18% for petrol in the last two months and 22% for diesel. This has implications for interest rates to control second-round effects. He also examines SA’s latest manufacturing data for August,…
12 Oct 10 min

Active vs Passive investing: Where does each fit in a portfolio?

Active and passive investing each have distinct characteristics and can play different roles within an investment portfolio. In this episode of The More You Know, Ryan Basdeo, Head of Index Portfolio Management at 1nvest, and Brendan Howie, Head of Product at STANLIB Asset Management, explore the differences between active and…
1 Oct 11 min

SARB hikes rates: What it means for your STANLIB Money Market Fund

In this podcast, Stephen Backhouse, Head of Retail Strategy: Group Channels at STANLIB Asset Management, chats to Eulali Gouws, Head of Money Market, about the interest rate decision. Eulali explains the reasoning behind the decision, how the team positions the STANLIB Money Market Fund to respond to the interest rate…
25 Sep 5 min