Investec Focus Radio SA Investec

In this week's episode, Investec Wealth & Investment Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth looks at a change of sentiment from the FED, what’s happening in commodities, preview of the US election, and the CCPI print in South Africa.

This year, South Africa is set to become the tenth-largest solar market in the world. In 2023 R17.5 Billion rands of solar panels were imported into this country. In the latest episode of The Current podcast series, we’re talking all things solar PV – from market dynamics to how much it costs and whether it makes commercial sense for you to install it for your business or your home. Listen to Investec’s Melanie Humphries, Bernard Geldenhuys, and SAPVIA’s De Wet Taljaard, as they enlighten us on SA’s solar boom.

00:00: Intro
01:56: Meet the guests
02:24: Overview of solar in SA and its domination
03:36: 86% of all solar is residential or rooftop
04:24: Large-scale solar PV projects
05:03: SA in comparison to other country's solar adoption
06:20: The impact of residential solar's boom on the national grid
07:16: The cost implications of installing solar
09:46: Homeowners installing solar for commercial value
11:55: Equitable access to solar power
13:55: Local manufacturing of solar lagging behind
14:49: REIPP Programme attracting substantial FDI
15:19: Feeding excess energy back into the grid
17:32: Transmission is the biggest hurdle for large-scale solar
18:50: What is wheeling and why is it important for IPPs?
21:19: Top considerations when installing rooftop solar
22:28: Maintenance of solar equipment
23:10: Loadshedding and solar's relationship is changing
24:17: SMMEs benefit from solar
25:24: What are the risks to SA's solar boom?
28:28 Closing comments and some practical advice

In this episode, journalist Ferial Haffajee hosts a discussion with Cumesh Moodliar, Fumani Mthembi, Ravi Naidoo, Reyburn Hendricks, and Wrenelle Stander. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing Cape Town and South Africa as they navigate uncertainty and work toward sustainable economic growth.

The conversation delves into various topics, including the impact of dropping the licensing cap on independent power producers like Pele Energy Group and the positive outcomes it has brought. They also discuss the global energy revolution and how South Africa can leverage this momentum for its benefit.

The CEO initiative is examined, focusing on its impact and sustainability beyond elections. This analysis takes into account the significance of private capital in generating public good, as well as the role of public-private partnerships in driving economic development.

The discussion also touches on the growth of Cape Town's aviation and cruise industries, showcasing the positive impact on the tourism sector. The issue of youth unemployment is addressed, with a focus on finding innovative solutions to integrate young people into the economy.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Cape Town and South Africa, highlighting the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking strategies for sustainable growth.

Skip ahead

00:00 Intro
03:05 The impact of removing the licensing cap on independent power producers, such as Pele Energy Group.
05:58 Example of Pele’s impact on rural communities in the Western Cape
07:53 The energy revolution
09:24 The CEO initiative
10:08 How sustainable are the decisions taken by the CEO initiative post-election?
12:04 What is the impact of the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria cruise ships docking in Cape Town's harbour on the city's tourism industry?
14:11 Youth unemployment and how PPPs are finding innovative solutions to integrate young people into the economy.
19:56 Is the private sector assuming responsibilities that should be handled by the state?
23:01 How is Cape Town driving this great growth strategy?
27:11 How do we filter this growth into the rest of the country?

The rand has been a leading beneficiary of a weaker US dollar, as expectations of a rate cut this year grow. In this week's episode, Investec Wealth & Investment Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth discusses global inflation, mixed data coming out of China and why the rand has been strengthening as much as it has.

With over 60 countries going to the polls in 2024, including South Africa, financial markets are keeping a close eye on developments worldwide. What does a historic year of global elections mean to investors? Investec Wealth & Investment Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth shares his insights on what election outcomes matter most to markets, and how investors should navigate this time of uncertainty. Listen to the latest episode of our No Ordinary Wednesday podcast.

Podcast key moments:

00:00 – Introduction

01:24 – What are the key elections investors are watching and why?

02:49 – What strategies can investors employ to hedge against the ambiguity of
elections?

03:40 – Are bond markets concerned about the big election year?

05:05 – Are there any opportunities for investors?

06:07 - How will this historic year likely shape investment decisions for the medium and long term?

07:19 - What are some of the common mistakes investors make during a time of election anxiety or a period of uncertainty?

08:40 - What can we expect from the currency markets due to uncertainty and risk associated with elections in major economies?

11:02 - What economic indicators do you think are going to be impacted by the global elections?

12:14 – What is the impact of the US elections?

13:20 - Are there any market or investor concerns as South Africans head to the polls?

14:35 – Post elections, what are some of the economic missteps we should watch out for as a country?

16:05 – Staying the course during election uncertainty

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.

Read more on www.investec.com/now

In this week’s episode, Chief Investment Strategist Chris Holdsworth discusses latest PMI data and what it means for global growth, the FED decision and a surprising decline in a key leading indicator for the Chinese economy.