Investment

ASEAN green bond issuance reaches US$7.8bn: Climate Bond Initiative

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 17 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Issuance of green bonds in Southeast Asia almost doubled to reach US$7.8 billion in 2019, according to research from the Climate Bonds Initiative.

Modern slavery, climate risk key elements of RI activity: First Sentier

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  THURSDAY, 9 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Engaging with companies on modern slavery exposure and risks of climate change are key elements of First Sentier Investors' responsible investment activities both in 2019 and 2020, the fund manager said.

Q&A: Pablo Berrutti, on the launch of the Altiorem research platform

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  THURSDAY, 9 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Pablo Berrutti is a senior investment specialist, Sustainable Funds Group, at Stewart Investors. He is also the founder of Altiorem, an online library and resource centre designed to support the finance industry in the shift towards sustainability. Altiorem ...

Climate risk assessment impacts on small, mid-cap portfolios: Fairlight AM

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  THURSDAY, 9 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Ed note: The Sustainability Report is pleased to present this opinion piece from Ian Carmichael, portfolio manager and partner, Fairlight Asset Management. The opinions expressed reflect Fairlight Asset Management's position.

Questions raised over governance implications of share buyback schemes

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 3 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Listed companies that have used debt to fund share buyback schemes could now be in a fragile position as balance sheets come under pressure during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fundamental portfolio managers analyse ESG performance of funds

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 3 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Companies with stronger performance on material environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations appear to be performing more strongly in the abrupt downturn of financial markets, according to fund managers with fundamental qualitative ESG-themed ...

Climate change, plastics, human rights drive 2019 engagement: Ausbil

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 3 APR 2020  |  NEWS
Material issues related to climate change, modern slavery and human rights in the supply chain, plastic pollution were some of the topics that formed the basis of engagement in 2019 for fund manager Ausbil Investment Management.

The role of finance has never been more important: RIAA

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 3 APR 2020  |  NEWS
The role of finance has never been more important in shaping the global economic response to global issues captured by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, and the coronavirus crisis.

ESG indices, products faring relatively better in coronavirus response

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 27 MAR 2020  |  NEWS
In the immediate financial markets response to the coronavirus pandemic and the associated implosion to the global economy, indices and products that integrate ESG ratings have performed relatively better than mainstream benchmarks.

Majority expect savings, super to be ethically invested: RIAA

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 27 MAR 2020  |  NEWS
A majority of Australians expect their savings and super to be invested responsibly and ethically, and would consider moving to alternative providers that invest in such a fashion, according to new research commissioned by the Responsible Investment ...