| 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 Is There a Case Against CSR?
(Source: Triple Pundit) Corporate social responsibility is more than “doing well by doing good.” Companies have found that implementing measures related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues make a solid business case as well. Consumers have also become more aware of the impacts that their favorite products have on the planet and people, and are urging companies to respond in kind. OpEd: The Case for Corporate Social Responsibility
(Source: Triple Pundit) It’s a sad day when the Wall Street Journal, usually known for accurate reporting and thoughtful opinions, not only publishes something so illogical and devoid of common sense, but does it with such prominence. I understand they want to remain relevant in a world that is quickly changing from past ideals but sensationalism without critical thinking serves no one and damages their brand. SEC making access to ballot easier
(Source: AP) Washington — Federal regulators are moving to make it easier for shareholders to nominate directors of public companies, a major change long sought by investor advocates and buttressed by the new financial overhaul law. The action by the Securities and Exchange Commission will allow groups that own at least 3 percent of a company's stock to put their nominees for director on the annual proxy ballot sent to all shareholders. Foxconn Holds Rally For Employees
(Source: Digital Trends) No one ever accused Foxconn of doing things small. Or for being subtle, for that matter. After a tough year in the public eye following the suicides of 12 employees, Foxconn recently held the first of many rallies with the theme, “Treasure your life, love your family, care for each other to build a wonderful future”. Sovereign Wealth Funds Huijin Said to Boost Bond Sale to 54 Billion Yuan
(Source: BusinessWeek) Central Huijin Investment Co., the state company that controls China’s biggest banks, sold 54 billion yuan ($7.94 billion) of bonds, boosting its sale by 14 billion yuan, according to a person familiar with the sale. The domestic arm of the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, China Investment Corp., sold seven-year 3.16 percent bonds, and 4.05 percent notes maturing in 2030, according to the website of Chinabond, the official bond clearing house. Huijin had an option to increase the sale from an initial 40 billion yuan. Sovereign wealth fund is illegal’
(Source: NEXT) The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) says the Sovereign Wealth Fund being proposed by the Federal Government is illegal, as its foundations are not rooted in the provisions of the country’s constitution. The Fund is for the accumulation of excess revenue from trade and crude oil exports for investments and development of critical infrastructure that would benefit both the country’s economy and the citizenry in general. Bahrain Sovereign Ratings Cut to A3 From A2 by Moody's; Outlook Is Stable
(Source: Bloomberg) Bahrain’s sovereign credit ratings were lowered by Moody’s Investors Service, which said higher oil prices were needed by the government to balance its budget and cited the negative outlook on the banking sector. The nation’s local and foreign-currency debt ratings were reduced one level to A3, the seventh-highest investment grade ranking, from A2, with a stable outlook, Moody’s said in an e- mailed statement in Dubai today. | Coming Soon… 
We are in the process of upgrading INSIGHTS-edge, including the addition of many more profiles, identification of ESG critical issues of importance to corporations and investors, adding to the toolbox (twitter, customized email alerts and more). You will see the 2.0 version soon. And, we are rebranding the platform to better identify the focus of our efforts:SustainabilityHQTM
will be here September 1, 2010.
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US Public Sector Pension Funds Pension Funds Drawing Up List of Targets
(Source: NY Times) Shareholders may soon get more power to shake up corporate boardrooms in the United States after the financial crisis exposed glaring weaknesses in how companies were managed, Reuters reports. The Securities and Exchange Commission will meet at 10:00 a.m. eastern time on Wednesday to decide whether to adopt a rule that would give shareholders an easier way to nominate corporate board directors. Even State Pensions Aren't Safe Anymore - audio
(Source: National Public Radio) Though many current state workers believe their pension plans are protected from cuts, three states are moving forward with reductions in cost-of-living adjustments. It establishes a precedent that concerns many current and future retirees. Guest host Rachel Martin talks with Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, and Stephen Pincus, a Pittsburgh lawyer representing retirees in a legal fight over benefits. CalPERS investment staff receive luxury travel, gifts from financial firms
(Source: LA Times) The state's embattled public pension fund for years allowed its top investment staff to accept private jet trips around the world and other luxury travel from financial firms with whom they were doing business — without disclosing any of the trips publicly, according to the court testimony of a senior portfolio manager. SEC Charges State of New Jersey for Fraudulent Municipal Bond Offerings
(Source: Securities and Exchange Commission) Washington, D.C.— The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged the State of New Jersey with securities fraud for misrepresenting and failing to disclose to investors in billions of dollars worth of municipal bond offerings that it was underfunding the state's two largest pension plans. Watching the Watchers  Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) Australia/New Zealand
Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Established: 2005
KEY PARTNERS
Has worked on projects with organizations such as Carbon Trust, Carbon Disclosure Project, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, Investor Network on Climate Risk, Goldman Sachs JBWere, Merrill Lynch, and others. OVERVIEW / MISSION
“The Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) is a collaboration of Australian and New Zealand investors focusing on the impact that climate change has on the financial value of investments.” IGCC member investors believe that climate change affects financial returns on investment. The organization uses its forum for three primary activities: (1) raising awareness of climate change's potential impacts on investments and society; (2) encouraging best practices for including climate change in investment analysis; and (3) providing information to the investment industry on climate change and investments. |
