ESG

Many are seeking to oversimplify ESG, which is an inherently complex part of investing, while others are overcomplicating what is really a simple consideration.

Adam Grotzinger from Neuberger Berman shares insights with James Dunn from The Inside Network on how important ESG factors are in the bond and credit market these days.

Groundhog Day, markets down, unemployment falls, ARB’s run continues The ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) weakened another 0.3% today as Victoria plunged into its fifth lockdown and the outbreak continued to extend in NSW. Just two sectors finished higher, materials up 1.4% and utilities, 0.7%, with the latter benefitting from another 6.3% jump in Spark Infrastructure Group (ASX: SKI). The…

Markets are experiencing a “manic moment” around ESG investments and less exuberance now might not be “a bad thing in the longer run”, according to Fidelity investment director Tom Stevenson. Stevenson likens the obsession with ESG to the popularity of the “Nifty 50” – stocks like Kodak, IBM and Xerox – in the 1970s and…

If investors ever had any concerns about whether the Perennial ‘Better Future’ strategy was giving up any potential returns through its ESG orientation, the actual results should put them to rest. The strategy, available through a standard unlisted unit trust, the listed active managed fund vehicle (ASX: IMPQ) and mandates on request, has averaged 14.7…

Another winning day despite Sydney lockdown, Boral offer increased, US infrastructure boosts commodities The ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) delivered another strong day, finishing 0.5% as it followed a strong US lead. This time it was news of President Biden receiving approval for his infrastructure package, which pushed the materials sector 1% higher. Every sector barring consumer staples (-0.8%) and…

Even in ethical and responsible investing, ‘there will always be winners and there will always be losers, not everything is going to win’. They were some of the words of wisdom offered by Mike Murray, Head of Domestic Equities at Australian Ethical. What began as a boutique, niche ethical fund manager has grown into a…

While the buzz surrounding its introduction just over ten years ago has abated, an increasing body of research is building on the value of robo-advice. A new paper shows the benefits can be wide-reaching. More than a marketing tool for index managers or various asset allocators and other agents, robo-advice, when properly constructed with a…

The Clearbridge RARE Infrastructure Income fund was last week awarded Money Management’s Fund Manager of the Year award for the Infrastructure Securities category. This comes after a strong recovery to April and an impressive long-term track record. According to Money Management, it was Clearbridge’s ability to “focus on the best ideas and staying index-unaware” that…

Money Management held its fund manager of the year awards last week. Presented by TV personality Andrew Daddo, the awards recognise stellar fund manager performance at a time when markets underwent bouts of extreme volatility. There were numerous awards in various categories, but ultimately the Fund Manager of the Year Award for 2021 was taken…