All articles by Adrian Murdoch
Adrian Murdoch
Russia: Stock investors not penalising companies for staying or going
International companies still in Russia appear to be prioritising profits over ethics or possible reputational damage. Stock prices have given them no reason to act otherwise.
German companies keep cards close to chest on Russia
Despite Germany’s robust response to Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine, nearly half of the 40 companies in the Dax stock index have either indicated they do not intend to pull out of Russia or have kept quiet about their operations there.
Counting the cost of owning Russian energy assets
Amid public and political pressure on oil companies over the Ukraine crisis, BP, Equinor, ExxonMobil and Shell have said they will exit their Russian assets. TotalEnergies has been more equivocal on its plans. How markets react will be telling.
Keolis deal reflects gender diversity drive in European rail
A push by European train operators to attract more female staff is gathering pace, in light of the sector’s first sustainability-linked loan to set a target of hiring more women, taken out by a French transport company.
The business risks of dismissing ‘woke capitalism’
Despite a rise in recent calls for companies to prioritise profits over ESG, corporate chiefs that ignore sustainability issues in the longer term may risk a higher cost of capital, dissatisfied customers and lower competitiveness. And openness on such strategies is seen as key.
“Challenging” ESG targets set for landmark UK housing sector bond
London & Quadrant Housing Trust has sold the property sector’s first sterling sustainability-linked bond amid strong demand for such debt. Company treasurer Martin Watts discusses the deal, which incorporates targets linked to emissions and affordable housing plus a stiff penalty.
Recycling plastic: A short-term remedy for a growing waste pile
The scourge of plastic waste is not going away. There are those – such as Kenyan recycler Mr Green Africa, backed by chemicals giant Dow – working to address the issue. But such projects can only be temporary solutions, as the world awaits a much-needed international agreement.
European companies set GSS bond pace
The world saw green, social and sustainability issuance hit $500bn last year. Europe was by far the most active region, both in terms of the number of bonds and the value of individual issues. Tackling environmental change was the most popular reason for use of proceeds.
Hong Kong reit extends green strategy with urban farm plan
Fortune Real Estate Investment Trust has signed a sustainability-linked interest rate swap tied to a farm on top of a mall, adding to its three sustainability-linked loans and setting a positive example in a territory and sector not famed for their green credentials.
Market’s love for Adani belies coal sector challenges
India’s Adani Group, the world’s largest private developer of fossil fuels, is still securing funding for its Carmichael project in Australia despite investors increasingly withdrawing support and rising negative sentiment against coal. But how long will it be able to do so?