Comment

Leaders

  • DoL proposal misses the mark on ESG

    The US Department of Labour (DoL) has proposed what it characterises as a reiteration of what has always been required of retirement fiduciaries — that they act in the best interest of their beneficiaries — urging them to disregard ESG considerations in investment decisions. In doing so, it appears not to have noticed the last decade in financial markets, which has shown that ESG investing is very much in investors’ interests.

    30 Jul 2020

  • Covered bond spreads are no longer a one-way bet

    Surging redemptions and aggressive buying by the ECB — which is also offering issuers a cheaper funding alternative — mean a reduced supply outlook for the covered bond market and, therefore, ever tighter spreads. But higher yielding, safer alternative investments are on the horizon, meaning the asset class may soon lose its allure.

    23 Jul 2020

  • The EU is taking back control

    Agreement in the EU this week on a €750bn recovery fund should remind market participants of the UK’s newfound vulnerability.

    23 Jul 2020