Asset Managers Janus Henderson are taking a different approach to the huge variety of datasets available - or not - to determine what makes a sound ESG investment and it doesn’t involve traditional data sources. Could this ne a revolution in the making?

As demonstrated by environmental protests against asset managers accused of “funding destruction”, the investment industry remains broadly perceived as uninterested in the existential challenges facing humanity.

A damning statement from The Wisdom Council research paper: Investors don’t associate the investment industry with sustainability. The question is: Why not? Bad PR or a failure to communicate more effectively overall?

In addition to the now decade-old quest to meet return targets in a low-yield environment, institutional investors face a new set of challenges as they position portfolios for the post-COVID-19 period. Among the most important: the need to protect their portfolios from mounting inflationary risks.

The FCA set out a number of stylised examples of applications for authorisation of investments funds with an ESG/sustainability focus that have fallen below our expectations. A shot across the bows of the Investment Industry?

COP26 goal: To urgently protect and help adapt our communities and natural habitats from the destructive effects of climate change. I wonder what the people of Germany think about that right now?

Under the Taxonomy Regulation, the Commission had to come up with the actual list of environmentally sustainable activities

EM equities: a shift from commodities-oriented sectors toward faster-growing tech and consumer sectors

According to the initial American Jobs plan factsheet just two of the key elements of the $621bn physical infrastructure plan called for are Investment in the electric grid network and rolling-out affordable reliable high-speed broadband across the country

Why was an old and unsafe Chinese factory trawler sold for USD 24.5 million in December 2020?

We keep hearing the phrase ‘Build Back Better’ but what does it mean in reality?

International migration provides much-needed incomes and remittances which support source countries. The chains of slavery aren’t always visible.

The Italian G20 presidency is helping to cement the progress in recent years, laying the foundations for a system in which every financial decision takes #climatechange into account.

This important report from the CFA Institute highlights critical impacts on financial markets, created by the pandemic and the reactions of government, business, and society from around the globe.

PLSA members were asked which social factors do your scheme’s investment and stewardship policies focus? Do you refer to any international standards, such as those relating to human rights or labour rights? Interesting answers.

Definitely in the category of ‘Put your money where your mouth is’ this report from PwC highlights the increasing momentum to see executive pay linked to the things that matter to the wider public, not just the bottom line.

PGIM asks what would happen if stocks and bonds moved in concert—as they did for more than three decades up until the turn of the 21st century?

More needs to be done to speed up progress of diversity & inclusion within the Financial sector. Sam Woods, Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation and Chief Executive Officer of the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) said:

Less hurry, more worry: Finances in the time of COVID - A comprehensive survey of it’s members by LGIM

The decision is dictated by the goals of promoting corporate social responsibility and improving financial and reputational risk management1.