Markets & Economy

Oil markets continue to gyrate as shifting signals from Washington and Tehran fuel uncertainty ahead of the next round of nuclear talks in Oman. Mixed rhetoric from both sides has left Brent caught between easing risk premium and renewed geopolitical tension, with traders closely watching for clearer direction. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Oil prices softened into the end of last week following talks between the U.S. and Iran, which were described by both sides as constructive. While the meeting has eased immediate fears and pushed Brent back to around $67/b from recent highs near $70/b, markets remain cautious given the long road ahead and persistent supply-side pressures. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Brent surged above $70/b last week, nearing $72/b, as markets priced in the risk of U.S. military action against Iran. Sentiment has since cooled after confirmation that talks are under way, with prices easing back toward $65/b. While the immediate risk premium has faded, uncertainty around the outcome of negotiations is likely to keep markets on edge. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Brent crude has climbed above $66/b this morning, its highest level since Iran-related tensions peaked earlier this month. The rally reflects renewed geopolitical nervousness and a series of supply-side disruptions, prompting markets to price in a higher short-term risk premium. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

In this episode, we examine the erosion of trust between institutions and communities, and why rebuilding legitimacy depends on place-based, locally led approaches Mike Kenny and Jacinta Koolmatrie. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

We are joined by Helena Norrman (SSAB), Sang-Hyup Kim (GGGI) and Marina Grossi (CEBDS – Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development). Together, we focus on how leaders can accelerate clean and green growth by tackling real execution challenges. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Oil markets were volatile last week as tensions around Iran pushed Brent close to $67/b before easing back below $64/b after fears of imminent U.S. military action subsided. While the immediate risk premium has faded, prices remain elevated compared with earlier this year, reflecting ongoing concerns over potential disruptions to sanctioned crude flows. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

How can we harness AI to deliver human progress, not just corporate profits? Listen today to gain a clearer idea of how the promise of AI’s excites with possibilities. We speak to Vilas Dhar, President of Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and philanthropist, technologist and advocate for human-centred AI, to discuss the social and political dynamics in an AI-driven world. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

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 action. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Before turning to our 2026 Hedging Considerations note circulated on Friday, markets are digesting developments in Iran over the weekend. Rising tensions and the risk of broader regional instability have added a fresh geopolitical premium to oil prices, with Brent firming as investors assess the potential implications for supply and sentiment. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

Political uncertainty in Venezuela has resurfaced as a risk factor for oil markets, with US intervention and mixed signals around a leadership transition driving short-term price volatility. Despite this, Venezuela’s constrained and sanctioned production limits its immediate impact on global supply. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

We sit down with two leaders reshaping philanthropy, Peter Bennett and Leslie Johnson. Philanthropy funds much of the world’s high-risk innovation, early-stage ideas and new economic thinking - often long before markets or governments are able to act. So what role can it play in driving systemic change? The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

In this episode, we sit with guests, former Group Chairman of Standard Chartered, José Viñals, Sarah Kemmitt, former lead of the UN Net Zero Banking Alliance, and Dr. Nina Seeger, Director, CISL Centre for Sustainable Finance, to explore how finance can accelerate sustainable development more effectively. From addressing the mispricing of climate and nature risk, to correcting market distortions, tackling permitting bottlenecks and supporting coherent policy, the conversation highlights the conditions needed to align global capital with a cleaner, fairer, more resilient global economy. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Gillian Tett and Professor Bob Eccles join us as we examine how anti-ESG sentiment and political tensions are reshaping climate policy, corporate behaviour, and markets, and what leaders can do to navigate this landscape. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

We examine what many describe as a growing ‘meaning deficit’ in society. Along with Sudhanshu Palsule, Gillian Secrett, and Richard Springer, they explore how fragmentation, consumerism and polarisation erode our sense of purpose, and discuss how leaders can help rebuild meaning. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

As we close out the year, we’re taking stock of the global energy landscape - from oil markets caught between geopolitical tension and shifting fundamentals, to Europe’s winter gas outlook and the risks that lie ahead. Today, we’ll break down where the market stands, what’s driving price movements, and what to watch as we head into the new year. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

In this episode, we explore whether corporate values really matter when markets, politics and societal expectations pull in different directions. We’re joined by Alison Taylor, author of Higher Ground, and Karen Wood, Chair of global mining and metals company South32, and Thomas Lingard from think tank, the Centre for Future Generations to try an unpack the possible impact of AI and how values and purpose actually show up in boardrooms and tough decisions. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

This episode examines the power shifts created by AI and digital systems with global sustainability leader Thomas Lingard. Lindsay Hooper and Marc Kahn explore where real agency lies, why governance is struggling to keep up, and what leadership capacities now matter most as technology reshapes the foundations of the global economy. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec

Brent crude has firmed this morning, approaching $64/b as a series of geopolitical risks, from rising U.S.–Venezuela tensions to attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, push a risk premium back into the market and reverse last week’s optimism around Ukraine peace talks. Please note: this podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell financial instruments. This podcast does not constitute a personal recommendation and is not investment advice. Investec

In this episode, Mark Kahn speaks with Professor Carlos Lopes and investment executive Jasandra Nyker about Africa’s energy transition. Our guests reframe Africa’s narrative from risk to opportunity, showing the continent to be a dynamic platform for innovation and reinvention, with green energy at its core as a driver of industrial transformation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The views in this podcast are those of the contributors, and don’t necessarily represent those of CISL, the University of Cambridge, or Investec, and should not be taken as advice or a recommendation. Investec