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21 January 2025
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A topic that was once considered niche is now an enduring component of the investment decision-making process. Here we cover the fundamental investment approaches and strategies that consider ESG matters.
Although Australian investors are among the most ESG-aware in the world, with the vast majority wanting responsible and ethical investments, there are still some misconceptions to dispel.
Impact investing is moving out of the fringe and into mainstream investing, and the trend is supported by millennials who will soon benefit from a massive wealth transfer.
ESG investing is becoming more of a mainstream consideration for investors. Asset managers are facing the challenge of having to meet clients' non-material requirements as well as their long-term financial goals.
It's a dilemma for fund managers to make divestment decisions on behalf of investors based on philosophical grounds. Does it reflect the investors' beliefs and will it adversely impact returns?
Responsible investing is increasingly mainstream and relevant, but there are many words used to describe similar activities. What do they all mean and how do managers decide where to invest?
Banks are walking away from resources projects, super funds are dumping stocks based on human rights issues and climate change related shareholder resolutions are gaining wide support.
Impact investing is a growing field that is helping to address many of society’s most pressing challenges. It aims to achieve a financial return, as well as positive social, cultural or environmental impacts.
John D Rockefeller turned in his grave when the news drifted in that the Rockefeller Brothers Fund was divesting from fossil fuel companies. What are the responsibilities of companies, funds, directors and trustees?
Cuffelinks reader, Josh, asks: "Can you tell me about Impact Investment, how do I do this, and where do I go?" The market is gradually unlocking the challenges and potential of this sector.
Last year, I wrote an article suggesting returns from ASX stocks would trample those from housing over the next decade. One year later, this is an update on how that forecast is going and what's changed since.
The housing market was subdued in 2024, and pessimism abounds as we start the new year. 2025 is likely to be a tale of two halves, with interest rate cuts fuelling a resurgence in buyer demand in the second half of the year.
The renowned investor has penned his first investor letter for 2025 and it’s a ripper. He runs through what bubbles are, which ones he’s experienced, and whether today’s markets qualify as the third major bubble of this century.
This examines the performance of key asset classes and sub-sectors in 2024 and over longer timeframes, and the lessons that can be drawn for constructing an investment portfolio for the next decade.
Key lessons include expensive stocks can always get more expensive, Bitcoin is our tulip mania, follow the smart money, the young are coming with pitchforks on housing, and the importance of staying invested.
Check out the most-read Firstlinks articles from 2024. From '16 ASX stocks to buy and hold forever', to 'The best strategy to build income for life', and 'Where baby boomer wealth will end up', there's something for all.