“Some of the country’s largest asset managers, including Vanguard, Fidelity and American Century, received low marks in Morningstar’s first assessment of asset managers’ commitment to incorporating ESG factors in their investment processes and strategies. Others, like BlackRock, which has stressed sustainability as its ‘new standard for investing,’ and Pimco, received the second-to-lowest rating of ‘Basic.’”…

“Just Capital’s researchers found that the top 20% of firms enjoyed a 6.5% higher average annual return versus their industry peers. Companies whose miserly pay packets landed them in the bottom quintile were found to earn 3% less than their industry peers.” [COMMENTARY] The data looks convincing. Questions I have and not sure they’re answered…

“Just Capital’s researchers found that the top 20% of firms enjoyed a 6.5% higher average annual return versus their industry peers. Companies whose miserly pay packets landed them in the bottom quintile were found to earn 3% less than their industry peers.” [COMMENTARY] The data looks convincing. Questions I have and not sure they’re answered…

“The total US-domiciled assets under management using sustainable investing strategies grew from $12.0 trillion at the start of 2018 to $17.1 trillion at the start of 2020, an increase of 42 percent. This is 33 percent – or 1 in 3 dollars – of the total US assets under professional management.” [COMMENTARY] The value of…

“The total US-domiciled assets under management using sustainable investing strategies grew from $12.0 trillion at the start of 2018 to $17.1 trillion at the start of 2020, an increase of 42 percent. This is 33 percent – or 1 in 3 dollars – of the total US assets under professional management.” [COMMENTARY] The value of…

“However, they do outperform the rest of the market when there are unexpected shifts in customers’ tastes for green products and investors’ tastes for green holdings, the authors added.” [COMMENTARY] I’m unsure with the conclusion that ESG investors settle for lower returns. That might’ve been the case — until fairly recently. I suspect that many…

“However, they do outperform the rest of the market when there are unexpected shifts in customers’ tastes for green products and investors’ tastes for green holdings, the authors added.” [COMMENTARY] I’m unsure with the conclusion that ESG investors settle for lower returns. That might’ve been the case — until fairly recently. I suspect that many…

“If the U.S. stays out of the Paris agreement, there will be consequences for American businesses with a global footprint, and even for some without… The lack of a plan to substantially (or entirely) eliminate net carbon emissions creates an unfunded liability for companies… [and] access to global capital, which might be choked off if…

“If the U.S. stays out of the Paris agreement, there will be consequences for American businesses with a global footprint, and even for some without… The lack of a plan to substantially (or entirely) eliminate net carbon emissions creates an unfunded liability for companies… [and] access to global capital, which might be choked off if…

“The legal risk for pension funds that fail to account for climate change in portfolio investments is about to become a little clearer.” [COMMENTARY] In light of the US DOL’s ruling (see below) a successful similar case in the US would be a great challenge to that ruling!The World’s Courtrooms Could Unleash the Next Wave…

“The legal risk for pension funds that fail to account for climate change in portfolio investments is about to become a little clearer.” [COMMENTARY] In light of the US DOL’s ruling (see below) a successful similar case in the US would be a great challenge to that ruling!The World’s Courtrooms Could Unleash the Next Wave…

“The final version of the regulation emphasizes the importance of using only ‘pecuniary’ factors in the assessment of investment options within tax-qualified retirement plans, rather than expressly limiting the use of environmental, social and governance themed investments.” [COMMENTARY] It’s unfortunate for US retirement account investors that the current US administration is so centered on 19th…

“The likely outcome is that less climate-conscious firms will buy these carbon-intensive assets at cheap prices, motivated by the ability to secure above-average returns. So while offloading assets reduces an individual company’s carbon footprint and potentially enables it to reach net-zero by 2050, it is likely that this will not provide a net benefit to…

“The final version of the regulation emphasizes the importance of using only ‘pecuniary’ factors in the assessment of investment options within tax-qualified retirement plans, rather than expressly limiting the use of environmental, social and governance themed investments.” [COMMENTARY] It’s unfortunate for US retirement account investors that the current US administration is so centered on 19th…

“The likely outcome is that less climate-conscious firms will buy these carbon-intensive assets at cheap prices, motivated by the ability to secure above-average returns. So while offloading assets reduces an individual company’s carbon footprint and potentially enables it to reach net-zero by 2050, it is likely that this will not provide a net benefit to…

“It is both possible and practical to own gold that is responsibly sourced: science, technology, and public and regulatory focus are improving the industry and standards of sourcing and production are recognised as paramount when buying any form of gold asset in seeking to ensure adherence to socially and environmentally responsible values.” [COMMENTARY] Investing in…

“Worldwide, central banks and regulators have slowly implemented new policies and initiatives to reduce their exposure to climate risk. Leading the way is the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), which, in 2017, took up the challenge of introducing a corporate bond investment pool that screens investments according to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.” [COMMENTARY]…

“It is both possible and practical to own gold that is responsibly sourced: science, technology, and public and regulatory focus are improving the industry and standards of sourcing and production are recognised as paramount when buying any form of gold asset in seeking to ensure adherence to socially and environmentally responsible values.” [COMMENTARY] Investing in…

“Worldwide, central banks and regulators have slowly implemented new policies and initiatives to reduce their exposure to climate risk. Leading the way is the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), which, in 2017, took up the challenge of introducing a corporate bond investment pool that screens investments according to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.” [COMMENTARY]…

“While the recognition of all things ESG is finally happening, there is no time to waste to add a ‘T’ for technology — making ESGT — to include the vast and growing array of technology and digital issues, risks and opportunities.” [COMMENTARY] The case is compelling when you see the list of reasons for this…