Ahren Lester

Economic rebound will be 'final test' for ESG funds, says Candriam

After delivering relative outperformance before and during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, the "final test" for environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds will be how they perform during the ongoing rebound, says Candriam.

DWS launches 'smart' ESG investment approach

Asset manager DWS has announced stricter environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment criteria, focused on identifying and engaging with firms with high climate transition risk and violators of international sustainability standards.

'Time has come' for SEC to address ESG disclosure

A committee of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged the regulator to take a lead on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures, amid concerns a delayed response will result in US firms suffering a "distinct disadvantage" in accessing international capital.

Manulife US REIT secures maiden $100m green loan

Manulife US Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has secured a $100 million green loan from OCBC Bank to refinance a US property and undertake environmental initiatives at other properties.

JP Morgan Chase given bloody nose by climate resolution

JP Morgan Chase experienced a significant revolt from investors against its climate change position after nearly half voted in support of a shareholder resolution urging the US bank to align its financing to the Paris Agreement.

HSBC and IFC real economy green bond fund raises $470m

HSBC Global Asset Management (HSBC GAM) and the International Finance Corporation announced their green bond fund targeting "real economy" assets has raised more than $470 million following its third close.

Banks' fossil fuel commitments accelerate as pressure intensifies

Shell climate resolution support welcomed by green investor group

Support for a shareholder resolution demanding Anglo-Dutch oil supermajor Royal Dutch Shell set carbon intensity targets more than doubled compared with a similar resolution in 2018, but still failed to secure enough votes to pass.

Siemens Gamesa inks medical research supporting bank guarantee

Wind turbine maker Siemens Gamesa signed an innovative €600 million bank guarantee line to cover the component construction for the world's largest offshore wind farm, with the premium on the deal used to finance a cancer research project.

Coalition of 42 global faith groups divest from fossil fuels

Over 40 religious institutions with more than £1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) in assets under management have agreed to divest from fossil fuel companies, in the largest ever joint announcement by faith organisations.