An eclectic mix of topics and musing to reflect a week of snow, sunshine, wind and politics. Not always easy to tell apart from one another! From Giles Gibbons Good Business

Much changed as bonds and traditional currency hedges failed as diversifiers of equity risk. Are we on the cusp of a “Great Transition” or are we likely to revert to the kind of markets seen prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ernst & Young LLP advises that as you plot your own ESG agenda for the coming year, take a look at how peers are viewing this business imperative for the year ahead.

To what extent should the UK government subsidise green industries and innovations that take place within the UK - asks the IOD

Investors looking for return on investment often find the infrastructure market attractive for its long-term performance, high yield, and diversification benefits.

A joint report from SAVVY Investor & Northern Trust examining key findings that reveal ESG’s contribution to portfolio risk

More institutional investors recognize environmental, social, and governance factors as drivers of value. The key to investing effectively is to integrate these factors across the investment process.

The ageing of populations poses mounting challenges for governments that will require changes in national policy priorities, country institutions and social arrangements.

Self-report measures from employees revealed that 71% had lower levels of “burnout”, and 39% were less stressed.

Bill Gates said: “The UK has all the ingredients to become a major player in the global push to build a net-zero emissions future, including world-class research facilities and forward-looking investors. It’s great to see cleantech businesses, innovators, and policy makers coming together to advance UK climate leadership.”

It will take self-reflection and disruptive change—including giving in far greater percentages, placing more diverse people in decision-making roles, and taking much bigger bets.

"This will be President Biden's first veto," predicted a spokesperson for Republican Senator Mike Braun, who has rallied support for the Senate measure from the chamber's 49 Republicans and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin.

Ultimately, a strong commitment from finance providers, governments and businesses is needed to finance and facilitate the energy transition.

Green hydrogen production and FCEV usage highlight platinum’s role in significantly reducing CO2 emissions

So, is it Go or Stop for Oil companies and their promises to clean up their act?

Our friends at IFSWF as ‘Why Should Sovereign Wealth Funds Consider Nature-Related Financial Risks?’ and the answer should act as a warning to all.

Building and strengthening public-private partnerships is crucial to create real economy impact in emerging markets and developing economies.

Global markets hit an inflection point in 2022. A decade of relative calm following the global financial crisis—including two years of supernormal returns after the initial shock of the pandemic—gave way to a new reality of supply-side disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and surging inflationary pressures.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “Beyond100 is the boldest plan in Bentley’s illustrious history, and in the luxury segment. It’s an ambitious and credible roadmap to carbon neutrality of our total business system, including the shift to 100 per cent BEV in just eight years.”

As any emerging markets investment books will show, this asset class has generated spectacular returns over the last decade. But is it just for those with an appetite for risk or an emerging opportunity for ESG investing?