| From across the nation and around the world, INSIGHTS-edge brings you news, commentary and research in key areas of interest regarding ESG, Sovereign Wealth Funds and US Public Sector Pension Funds. We watch the watchers...who are watching you. ESG / Sustainability Mercer Study Supports Positive Link Between Responsible Investment And Financial Performance
(source: Mercer) Specific environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors can have a positive impact on portfolio returns, according to a growing body of academic research. In its new report, Shedding Light on Responsible Investment: Approaches, Returns and Impacts, Mercer summarizes and comments on sixteen academic studies— the majority of which (ten) show a positive relationship between ESG factors and companies’ financial performance, four of which show a neutral relationship and two which show a neutral to negative relationship. ESG Practices In Africa Are Improving
(source: Responsible Investor) Strong environment, social and governance (ESG) practices build real value and make commercial sense. These practices are especially important for businesses in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which is rated by some as the most difficult continent in the world in terms of ease of doing business, and is home to a larger proportion of poor people than any other region. Sovereign Wealth Funds The Rise And Rise Of Sovereign Wealth Funds Is Set To Resume
(source: AMEInfo.com) A report by the Ernst and Young ITEM Club highlights that despite the impact of the last 12 months Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are poised to enter another period of sustained and impressive growth. Sovereign Wealth Fund: Crisis Provides Breathing Space To Rethink Strategy
(source: Financial Times) The grand plan was laid out a few years ago by Hamad bin Jassim, Qatar’s influential prime minister and most visible international dealmaker. The Qatar Investment Authority could, with the right decisions, secure the wealth of the country until well after the last tanker of liquefied natural gas has sailed from Ras Laffan port. Norway Fund Divests From Norilsk Nickel
(source: The Moscow Times) OSLO — Norway excluded Norilsk Nickel from its sovereign wealth fund, saying the world’s largest producer of the metal is contributing to extensive environmental damage. |
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| US Public Sector Pension Funds NY State Pension Fund Hits $126 Billion
(source: Reuters) New York State's pension fund rebounded 18.3 percent to $126 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, with the gains driven by stronger returns in domestic and international stocks, the state's comptroller said. Missouri Pension Fund Debate On Suing Over Stock Market Losses Raises Controversy
(source: St. Louis Post Dispatch) The pension fund for Missouri’s state employees will consider taking a step toward filing a lawsuit to recover some of its $1.8 billion in stock market loss. Ohio Sues Moody's, S&P, Fitch For Inflated Ratings
(source: Reuters) The three largest credit rating agencies were sued on Friday by Ohio, which said their pursuit of profit and ties to Wall Street resulted in inflated ratings on toxic mortgage debt that cost state pension funds hundreds of millions of dollars. Watching the Watchers Watcher in the News: Carbon Disclosure Project CDP launches a Global Water Disclosure Project to raise Business Awareness of Water-Related Risk
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has announced the launch of CDP Water Disclosure, a new programme that will help institutional investors better understand the business risks and opportunities associated with water scarcity and other water-related issues, by increasing the availability of high quality business information on this critical issue. Profile: Carbon Disclosure Project
Headquarters: London, England / Established: 2000
Overview/Mission: From the organization: “The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organization aiming to create a lasting relationship between shareholders and corporations regarding the implications for shareholder value and commercial operations presented by climate change.” |
