Content (426)
-
White papersArtificial intelligence – Still positive after the sell-off
In the week ending 24 January, a previously unknown Chinese start-up presented an artificial intelligence large language model apparently showing a performance comparable to that of the leading US models. The unexpected development could disrupt the paradigm of a quasi-monopolistic position for leading US chip manufacturer. This concern led to a major fall in valuations of some prominent tech companies. Markets have since recovered most of their poise. Here we give our view on these developments.
-
White papersA balancing act: how can sustainably managed forests offer investment opportunities while protecting forestland and safeguarding biodiversity?
While the notions of natural capital and nature-based solutions are spreading amongst the investment community, the initial focus has been on a forest’s ability to sequester and store carbon. When it comes to forests as a solution to the biodiversity crisis, very few investors new to forestry investing know what sustainable forest management endeavours to achieve, and why it can indeed be one of the answers to safeguarding biodiversity.
-
White papersFixed Income Outlook – Come what may
Once gain the US bond market will lead global fixed income markets in 2025, with a strong US economy but uncertainty over the new administration’s policies setting the tone. We expect the US economy, over time, to pivot towards structurally slower growth and stickier core inflation. This more ‘stagflationary’ trajectory may result in the Federal Reserve taking a more cautious approach towards further rate cuts.
-
White papersDecarbonising buildings lags amid discrepancy between SFDR and EU Taxonomy
Decarbonising buildings plays a critical role in achieving the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Hence, the EU’s ambition to have the region’s building stock fully decarbonised by mid-century and reduce the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% by 2030. However, the absence of unified regulatory standards is restraining the potential for investors to get involved, writes Nicolas Toupin.
-
White papersEquity Outlook - Defying gravity
The US economy enters 2025 in a strong position, with above-trend growth, but also above-target inflation. This combination, while positive for equities, is not sustainable. The question then is how quickly and in what manner growth and inflation revert to trend.
-
White papersA balancing act – Investing in sustainable forestry while safeguarding biodiversity
While the idea of natural capital and nature-based solutions is spreading amongst the investment community, the initial focus has been on a forest’s ability to sequester and store carbon. However, few investors know what sustainable forest management seeks to achieve, and why it can indeed be one of the answers to safeguarding biodiversity.
-
White papersInvestment Outlook – Finding opportunities and tackling volatility
Already early into the new year, it is becoming clear that ‘looking for opportunities as markets shift’ and ‘dealing with volatility’ are the standout themes for 2025, as we had signalled in our Investment Outlook Opportunities in a volatile world.
-
White papersESG goals, risk and returns – A new framework to optimise equity portfolios
A new paper from BNP Paribas Asset Management, “Impact of ESG Objectives on a Portfolio”, recently published in The Journal of Portfolio Management, details a framework for adding environmental, social, and governance objectives to passively and actively managed equity portfolios so that the impact of the ESG criteria on risk and return is minimised.
-
White papersThe constructive outlook for sustainable corporate bonds
Renewed economic growth and lower interest rates should support corporate bonds generally. Sustainable corporate bonds in particular may benefit from additional tailwinds and provide investors with opportunities to boost returns and temper credit risk, write Michel Baud and Yrieix De James.
-
White papersAddressing water scarcity – Water is not optional
In recent weeks, several global agencies have sounded the alarm on water scarcity, highlighting the negative implications of rising economic activity and climate change on supplies. The message has been consistent: water is not optional. In this article, Impax Asset Management notes urgent action, along with significant investment, is required to address water infrastructure needs.
-
White papersIncluding ESG in a fund name – cosmetics or effective driver of change?
A recent study by an international team of academics examines whether renaming investment funds to include the term ‘ESG’ is just a cosmetic jump on the sustainability bandwagon – or whether it does have a positive impact in reducing ESG risk and improving ESG performance. Here, we summarise their findings.
-
White papersAligning investment strategies and sustainable development goals
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals promote sustainable development and work with a selection of indicators to help countries develop implementation strategies and allocate resources accordingly.
