“UWaterloo researcher Tony Wirjanto finds that investment strategies built on ESG principles deliver stronger, more resilient returns — even during times of economic stress… The study, titled ESG information integration into portfolio optimization is published in the Journal of Risk Management in Financial Institutions. “ [COMMENTARY] This is another good study on the case for ESG investing. The…

“Despite objections from the left, the European Parliament has approved a tweak to sustainable finance benchmarks that would open it up to companies producing “controversial weapons”. [COMMENTARY] This debate as to whether weapons manufacturers can be classified as ESG ‘compliant’ or as ethical investments has heated up since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now it…

“The Global Sustainable Finance Market reached approximately US$895.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach about US$5,064.94 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of around 24.19% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.” [COMMENTARY] To many ethical and sustainable investors, these projections seem wildly optimistic. However, outside the US, they seem more…

“In Europe, ESG ETFs improve risk-adjusted performance in utility-maximizing strategies. In the United States, ESG ETFs also enhance returns adjusted for risk in utility-maximizing portfolios during periods of market stress, though this advantage is less evident in more stable market conditions.” [COMMENTARY] There have been many studies like this, mostly showing similar results. Does ESG…

“The reporting this week that the Trump administration is moving to craft an executive order potentially limiting the power of proxy advisory firms such as ISS and Glass Lewis, along with the reported FTC investigation into whether these firms have violated antitrust laws, should be celebrated across the political spectrum. As longtime corporate governance scholars, we believe…

“A coalition of 16 Republican state attorneys general sent letters in October 2025 to corporate leaders at Microsoft, Google, and Meta alleging that compliance with the European Union’s sustainability directives could violate U.S. law.” (COMMENTARY) Investors need to watch carefully how this unfolds. It could have market implications! Republican AGs warn companies about European ESG compliance, by…

“A PwC Global Investor survey found that 50% of investors are now willing to divest from companies that fail to take sufficient action on material ESG issues. By pulling back on verifiable transition planning, a CFO is sending a clear signal to sophisticated investors that the firm is unprepared for the structural changes ahead.” [COMMENTARY] I believe the…

“As You Sow today released Social Justice Funds, a free online platform scoring thousands of investment funds on racial justice, gender equality, corporate diversity, and LGBTQ+ equity.” [[COMMENTARY] As You Sow is a highly reputable organization. Hence, any investor tool they put online is likely to be worth taking notice of. New Investor Tool Reveals…

“At first glance, it seems as if lots of companies are reneging on their original net zero goals. But a closer look reveals that many organizations haven’t given up at all — in fact, they’re just de-emphasizing their climate progress in public communications. It’s a phenomenon known as greenhushing, and it’s becoming increasingly common.” [COMMENTARY]…

“Reimagining sustainable investing through blockchain-powered ESG tokenization in the Web3 era.” [COMMENTARY] The era of tokenization of assets, both tangible and intangible, is arriving. The world of finance could look very different in a few years. This will require investors to be schooled in the opportunities for this new era. How ESG Tokenization Platforms Are…

“More than 3,000 people across the country weighed in on which brands in their state they feel actually share their values.” [COMMENTARY] Most ethical and sustainable company ranking lists have sophisticated methodologies behind them. Not here. It’s simply a request for opinions from consumers and tallying them up to see who leads. I wonder why…

“The ‘omnibus’ directive was introduced in February 2025 and, if approved, would have exempted 80% of companies that were originally set to be covered by the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), mandating the publication of regular reports regarding companies’ ESG risks in accordance with European Sustainability Reporting Standards.” [COMMENTARY] It’ll be interesting…

“What we have found over the years is that so-called sustainable investing, when executed in the context of rigorous, long-term financial thinking, works.  What worries us is that people increasingly believe it does not, not because it has failed, but because it has been too-often misguided.” [COMMENTARY] This is a good article on issues related…

“When we talk about diversity in business, it’s usually in moral or social terms – fairness, inclusion and representation. But our new research suggests diversity also pays off in a very practical way: helping companies make better financial and investment decisions.” [COMMENTARY] Despite the US government’s put-down of DEI and diversity initiatives, it’s seen in some…

“Shareholder activism is at record levels and is no longer limited to the “proxy season.” Dozens of U.S. activist situations are underway for 2026 annual meetings, well before the windows for nominations open at most targeted companies.” [COMMENTARIES] What I thought was particularly peculiar about these top shareholder activism trends is that there is no…

“Widespread adoption of solar and wind technologies continues to expand renewable generation capacity, which in turn supports global decarbonisation and plays a large part in sustainability strategies of some of the world’s largest companies.” [COMMENTARY] Despite the US government’s renewable energy smashdown, renewable energy continues to thrive — even in the USA. In fact, some…

“New Wharton research shows that investors pay more for bonds with ESG scores. For issuers that stay silent, the cost is higher borrowing.” [COMMENTARY] Again, another story of how investors are still highly valuing ESG and sustainability factors in their investments. Why ESG Scores Are Moving the $4 Trillion Municipal Bond Market, by Seb Murray,…

“The fanfare and hoopla surrounding environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing seen several years ago has largely waned, but that doesn’t mean ESG and sustainable investing principles are no longer prioritized by advisors and investors.” [COMMENTARY] Many surveys of investors continue to show high support for ESG and sustainable investing — even in the USA! Investors…

“The SEC may be open to eliminating the ability of shareholders to submit precatory shareholder proposals to companies incorporated in Delaware…. {However), there is no reason to believe the SEC would not take the same position for companies incorporated in other states.” [COMMENTARY] Such a ruling would likely hurt, particularly, proposals related to ESG, sustainability,…

“The S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index has surged close to 50% since US President Donald Trump’s April tariff announcements caused havoc across markets. That compares with the roughly 35% gain delivered by both the S&P 500 Index and gold over the same period.” [COMMENTARY] Many studies report that renewable energy production is cheaper and…