Greenwashing incidents on the rise but likely overstated
The Bottom Line: References to greenwashing appear to be on the rise, but various considerations other than greenwashing may be contributing to the recent uptick. References to greenwashing are on the rise but likely overstated References to greenwashing appear to be on the rise, as illustrated by data along the lines captured by FactSet in… Continue reading about Greenwashing incidents on the rise but likely overstated
Can the U.S. Antitrust Laws Stop ESG investing?
Opinion: ESG is gaining traction as a political issue and in the process, arguments have surfaced that ESG initiatives may be subject to anti-competitive practices. The politicization of ESG investing is introducing additional business uncertainties and risks with financial consequences, including potential legal liabilities and reputational issues ESG investing is gaining traction as a political… Continue reading about Can the U.S. Antitrust Laws Stop ESG investing?
Comments in response to the SEC’s proposal for enhanced ESG disclosure practices by funds
The Bottom Line: The proposal for enhanced ESG disclosures by funds is a step in the right direction but some modifications would strengthen the framework. The following response and recommendations were submitted on August 15, 2022 to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for consideration in response to the SEC’s Enhanced Disclosures by Certain Investment… Continue reading about Comments in response to the SEC’s proposal for enhanced ESG disclosure practices by funds
Investors should conduct due diligence even as SEC increases scrutiny of ESG funds
The Bottom Line: The increased SEC scrutiny of ESG funds will bolster confidence in sustainable investment products but investors should conduct their own due diligence. Introduction and summary On June 10, 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was conducting a civil investigation of Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM),… Continue reading about Investors should conduct due diligence even as SEC increases scrutiny of ESG funds
The INDEX Act, a gain for sustainable investors?
The Bottom Line: If enacted, the Investor Democracy is Expected (INDEX) Act will potentially give sustainable investors an influential voice by shifting proxy voting power. Summary/Conclusion The concentration of corporate voting power in the hands of a small number of investment advisers who are perceived to be aligned with an ESG agenda is engendering pushback. … Continue reading about The INDEX Act, a gain for sustainable investors?
Are 401(k) plan fiduciaries ready for Bitcoin as a plan option?
The Bottom Line: For at least three reasons it seems unlikely that plan sponsors will offer Bitcoin in company sponsored 401(k) plans any time soon. Introduction and conclusion On April 26, 2022 Fidelity Investments announced the launch of Fidelity’s workplace Digital Assets Account (DAA), the industry’s first offering that will enable individuals to have a portion of… Continue reading about Are 401(k) plan fiduciaries ready for Bitcoin as a plan option?
ESG Issues in the Bond Fund Space presentation slides
The Bottom Line: Slides presented at Crane Data’s Bond Fund Symposium, March 28, 2022, on the topic of ESG Issues in the Bond Fund Space. Key takeaways from Crane’s Bond Fund Symposium presentation: ESG and sustainable investing are terms that are used interchangeably, leading to confusion and misunderstanding. Terms should be defined, and standards established… Continue reading about ESG Issues in the Bond Fund Space presentation slides
Focusing on ESG ratings: A more active due diligence role for sustainable investors
The Bottom Line: Scrutiny of ESG ratings identifies challenges and signals to investors to take an active due diligence role to understand their fund’s strategies. Sustainable investors should take on a more active due diligence role to understand the sustainable strategies pursued by their funds and ensure continued alignment with their sustainable investment preferences Financial… Continue reading about Focusing on ESG ratings: A more active due diligence role for sustainable investors