News & Views

This week’s ESG updates spotlight global progress in sustainable packaging, carbon-removal technology, supply-chain decarbonisation and water stewardship, alongside Vietnam’s rise as a key green-transition hub in Asia.

Global markets strengthened this week as easing inflation expectations and resilient earnings supported risk sentiment. The UK Budget dominated headlines, while commodities gained and central banks highlighted emerging financial-stability risks. Geopolitical cooperation also advanced, contributing to a more balanced outlook as investors assess momentum heading into 2026.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the 2025 Budget, stating “We are rebuilding our economy.” The plan raises £26bn by 2029/30, expands fiscal headroom, and keeps Labour’s tax pledges. Forecasts show modest growth and falling inflation. Measures include frozen tax thresholds, ISA changes, higher wages, business incentives, housing investment, NHS upgrades, and new duties on vehicles, tobacco and gaming.

Global ESG momentum accelerated this week, with Germany committing $1.15B to Brazil’s rainforest fund, Singapore and Malawi advancing Article 6 carbon-market cooperation, and sustainable funds surging 50% since 2023. A major 505MW solar deal for Meta underscored corporate clean-energy demand, while the EU proposed new fund categories to strengthen sustainable-finance integrity and support climate-transition goals.

Markets softened last week as investors faced delayed US economic data, cautious central-bank signals and ongoing adjustment after November’s pullback. UK and US equities declined, with tech and growth names under pressure. Commodities were mixed, while geopolitical talks and COP30 outcomes added to a complex backdrop. Attention now turns to upcoming inflation releases, PMIs and policy updates across major regions.

Markets saw a healthy pullback in November as AI momentum cooled, valuations reset, and the U.S. government shutdown delayed key data. Sticky inflation and a cautious Fed further weighed on sentiment. Despite global weakness, strong earnings, long-term AI investment, improving valuations, and supportive December seasonality suggest conditions may favor a year-end rebound and constructive outlook ahead.

Markets strengthened in October as the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut of the year and resilient global growth supported sentiment. While the Bank of England and ECB held policy steady amid persistent inflation, equities rose broadly, led by strong gains in tech-driven Asian markets. Healthcare and Technology outperformed on continued demand for AI and biotech innovation, reinforcing momentum across growth sectors.

ESG developments this week highlight major strides in corporate sustainability, clean energy expansion and biodiversity protection. Global firms are scaling investment in low-emission infrastructure, advancing nature-based resource stewardship and accelerating the energy transition, while scientists deliver a rare breakthrough in marine conservation. Together, these updates underscore the growing momentum behind climate and environmental action across sectors.

Markets delivered a mixed performance last week, with UK and US equities diverging as tech weakness weighed on major indices. Key regulatory, inflation and commodities news shaped sentiment, while central-bank commentary and progress on ESG and global climate negotiations added to the macro backdrop. Ahead, investors look to key data releases in the US, UK and Eurozone for clearer signals on year-end momentum.

This week’s ESG highlights reflect growing accountability and innovation in sustainability. Airlines pledge to curb greenwashing after EU scrutiny, while HSBC reinforces its net-zero goals. IKEA launches a major forest restoration project, Morocco commits to ending coal power by 2040, and Shell and Mitsubishi invest in carbon capture startup Avnos—signalling progress toward a more transparent, low-carbon global economy.

Global markets ended the week subdued as investors weighed mixed economic data and shifting central bank signals. U.S. equities led declines amid rising yields and tech weakness, while the FTSE 100 was steadier, supported by defensives. Commodities strengthened, with gold near record highs. As inflation eases and rate cuts loom for 2026, markets remain cautious ahead of key data releases.