Since 2002
Postings and Commentaries
by Ron Robins
Podcast: August 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks
August 2026 Sustainable Stock and ETF Picks. Includes articles on the top clean-tech companies, AI infrastructure stocks, and ESG funds.…
The Payoffs and Pitfalls of ESG Due Diligence
“Although Europe has spearheaded more stringent ESG regulations, dealmakers in all surveyed countries, including those in the US, recognize the…
The Missing “T” in ESG
“In a recent paper, we argue that amidst the enthusiasm about ESG, a critical parameter has gone virtually unnoticed: corporate tax…
How consultants have taken over sustainability reporting – and not for the better
“Companies are hiring external consultants to help report on ESG, but there aren’t enough checks to guard against greenwash.” [COMMENTARY]…
Active or Passive? Seeking Solutions to ESG Confusion
“Investors with an environmental, social and governance (ESG) focus are increasingly leaning toward passive portfolios, which may seem to offer…
CEOs Invest Less in Corporate Social Responsibility When Their Own Money Is At Stake
“In a new paper written with Ing-Haw Cheng of the University of Toronto and Harrison Hong of Columbia University and…
Catalyzing Sustainable Investment: Revealing ESG Power in Predicting Fund Performance with Machine Learning
“Our findings substantiate the positive correlation between ESG ratings and fund performance. In fact, our investigation identifies ESG score as…
FDIC bid to strip BlackRock and Vanguard of superpower ‘has legs’ and reckoning may start with curbs on self-certification of passive index funds
“The bank deposit insurer could make the $17-trillion ETF power bloc lose the ability to self-certify as ‘passive’ funds because…
How important is the G in ESG? Latest sustainable investment analysis from Robeco
“Robeco have reminded us that governance can seem neglected compared with the E and S in ESG, although it is…
ESG in 2024: Traps for the Unwary
“ESG continues to be a hot topic for 2024 for investors and regulators alike. The specific concerns investors and regulators…
Renewable energy projects can cost more than fossil fuels: DBS’ Piyush
“THE energy-transition journey in South-east Asia is hampered by the high costs involved in developing renewable-energy power plants, which can…
Europe stands firm against US-driven ESG backlash
“Europe has so far largely resisted the anti-ESG tide, due to greater political and consumer support for greener products and…
What drives sustainable investing? Adoption determinants of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds in Europe
What drives sustainable investing? Adoption determinants of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds in Europe. “Our results confirm the positive effects of…
Walk well and talk well: Impact of the consistency of ESG performance and disclosure on firms’ stock price crash risk
Walk well and talk well: Impact of the consistency of ESG performance and disclosure on firms’ stock price crash risk.…
80% of Global Investors Now Have Sustainable Investment Policies in Place: Deloitte/Tufts Survey
“Deloitte and The Fletcher School surveyed more than 1,000 asset owners, asset managers, and investment advisers, including CEOs, CIOs, Heads…
Do Green Bonds Actually Lead to Rosy Returns?
Do Green Bonds Actually Lead to Rosy Returns? “Skeptics argue these instruments amount to little more than greenwashing. New research…
How does greenness translate into greenium? Evidence from China’s green bonds
How does greenness translate into greenium? Evidence from China’s green bonds. “The empirical findings show that green labeling bonds have…
On the superior performance of SRI funds
On the superior performance of SRI funds. “We compare the performance of 1126 US mutual funds deemed socially responsible to…
More female, better corporate performance? Evidence from Chinese listed companies
More female, better corporate performance? Evidence from Chinese listed companies. “Our analysis indicates no significant impact of gender diversity on…
Morningstar Low Carbon Transition Leaders Indexes
“Providing diversified, broad market exposure to companies leading their sector peers in their readiness for—and action towards—climate transition.” [COMMENTARY] How…
