The investing world is fast embracing ESG data to inform investment decisions — likely because, as stacks of studies show, on the whole ESG scores are an indicator for performance. But what is this information? Why is it important? Where does it come from? Is all ESG alike? In short, how is ESG made? Don’t
Read moreWe keep seeing articles fingering ESG for the sub-benchmark performance of some socially responsible investment (SRI)-themed funds. That’s like cursing the hammer for your sore thumb when you’re the one swinging it. That the terms ESG and SRI have become so popularly confused is not just unfortunate; it is wrong, and this mistake can be
Read moreShareholder engagement can be a powerful force in steering a company toward better practices, but it can also backfire. A recent Harvard Business School paper examined 2,665 cases of shareholder proposals, finding that 58% of these engagements focused on immaterial issues — with materiality determined using ESG standards from the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB). According
Read moreIn a recent article, the editors at Chief Investment Officer demonstrate some of the common misperceptions surrounding the use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data when investing, from characterizing it as for tree-huggers to dismissing it as former Editor-in-Chief Kip McDaniel does, saying, “I just don’t believe asset owners can save the world.” If even
Read moreLots of recent articles talk about the benefits of using ESG data to invest. But what does that mean in a practical sense? How does ESG help make better investment decisions? Whether your aim is sustainable investing or increased returns (or the sweet, sweet overlap of both), here are five resources to get you started.
Read moreWhat’s the best strategy for creating positive impact? Institutions with a mandate to consider the environment struggle with controversy over whether to keep or sell investments in fossil fuels. Recently, University of Toronto President Meric S. Gertler took a stand, saying blanket divestment isn’t sustainable. Find out how the U of T will satisfy fiduciary responsibility
Read moreCheck out the Fiduciary Talk podcast for an interview with OWL ESG cofounder Ben Webster, speaking with fi360’s Blaine Aiken about how ESG can improve investment decisions. Investors at all levels have become more interested in responsible investment practices, but sorting out what that means can be a real chore — even when you’re the one
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