Capital Monitor finds a distinct lack of variety among ESG ETFs, especially the most popular. The holdings of funds with different ESG ratings were also similar, revealing minimal differences in exposure.
UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 figures low on investors’ agenda, while their exposure to at-risk forest companies remains high.
Building trust in the nascent ESG-linked derivatives market is vital. But the hunt for liquidity could affect the impact of the new products. This will be a long-standing tension that needs to be monitored closely.
One of the world’s most influential financiers of oil and gas remains reluctant to threaten clients with funding cuts as a means to hit net zero. The US bank argues its investment-led approach to reducing carbon intensity within sector hotspots goes far enough.
The number of ESG ETF launches shows no signs of abating, and while many are now aligning with the UN SDGs, their diversity and quality are questionable.
While the appetite for sustainable ocean economy opportunities is increasing, investors must pay more attention to the risks hidden therein.
The proliferation of ESG indices and the funds launched off the back of them is great business, but the ESG ratings underpinning them are under intense scrutiny.
Energy majors face a rising number of US lawsuits arguing that they knew about fossil fuels' negative environmental impact for decades but sought to conceal the facts.
Companies need to take their heads out of the sand and deal directly with shareholders' concerns over ESG – unless they don't want to tap cheaper capital, of course.
HSBC has its eyes on significantly growing its Middle East operations. But as the world's largest exporter of oil, the region's carbon footprint is entrenched. We assess whether Europe's largest bank has the appetite to confront these issues head on.
With an estimated 25 million people in forced labour, hundreds of companies should be identifying human rights abuses every year, yet very few do. Shamefully, investors don't apply enough pressure, while existing regulations lack bite.
The European Commission wants to compel around 50,000 companies to report across a range of ESG factors. Investors, banks and NGOs are broadly aligned, but reservations exist.
Two of Europe’s biggest pension investors have teamed up with Australian and Canadian peers to channel billions towards the UN’S Sustainable Development Goals. Here’s how it works.
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