Political angst and Trump trepidation stalk Davos
Beneath the veneer of optimism at the World Economic Forum lurks anxiety about an increasingly toxic political climate and uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's presidency
The global economy is in better shape than it has been in years. Stock markets are booming, oil prices are on the rise again and the risks of a rapid economic slowdown in China have eased. Yet as bankers, CEOs and politicians make the annual trek to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the mood is anything but celebratory. Beneath the veneer of optimism about the economic outlook lurks anxiety about an increasingly toxic political climate and a sense of uncertainty surrounding the US presidency of Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on the final day of the forum. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a South African delegation comprising government ministers, academics and business people including mining mogul Patrice Motsepe, Absa CEO Maria Ramos, MTN Group executive chairman Phuthuma Nhleko, Nedbank CEO Mike Brown, Anglo Gold Ashanti chairman Sipho Pityana and JSE chairwoman Nku Nyembezi-Heita. Brand SA CEO Kingsley Makhubela said the overarching messa...
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