News & Views

This week shows ESG in action across data, supply chains, climate tech, infrastructure, and finance — from IBM’s emissions tools to Brineworks’ frontier carbon capture, with corporates like Levi’s and Amazon turning pledges into practical initiatives

Markets ended September with diverging performances, as UK equities outpaced global peers while U.S. indices split between industrial strength and tech weakness. Safe-haven demand lifted gold to new records, while oil prices fluctuated on supply headlines. Central bankers struck a cautious tone, with the Bank of England signalling confidence in disinflation and the ECB describing inflation as “reasonably benign.”

This week’s ESG in 5 spotlights how businesses and governments are stepping up their climate action—from Hitachi Digital Services expanding ESG goals, to Mercedes-Benz powering German operations with wind, IKEA turning food waste into fuel, Google tackling carbon removal and methane, and Spain mandating carbon reporting under its new Climate Emergency Plan.

Global markets diverged last week as U.S. equities gained while UK shares slipped. The Bank of England held rates steady and slowed QT, Eurozone inflation stayed at target, and the ECB hinted at a “contingency cut.” Gold hit record highs, oil prices firmed, and Climate Week NYC drew record participation. Looking ahead, investors eye U.S. GDP and PCE data, UK flash PMIs, and Germany’s Ifo survey for fresh signals.

From nutrition and net zero to sustainable AI, this week’s ESG in 5 highlights how global leaders are turning bold commitments into measurable impact. PepsiCo is advancing its pep+ strategy, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce are cutting carbon with low-emission fuels, and Sustainability Magazine has named the world’s top 250 sustainable companies. New initiatives from the Rainforest Alliance and Land O’Lakes show how agriculture is tackling climate and food waste.

Rate Cuts, Rebounds, and Renewed Optimism Markets gained in August as global equities rose and the Balanced portfolio Index added 0.27%. The BoE cut rates to 4.00%, while the Fed and ECB held steady. Denmark rebounded 5.03%, and Colombia surged 9.7% amid easing inflation and election optimism. Latin America benefited from strong commodities, while India fell on new US tariffs. Diversification and nimble positioning paid off.

Markets rallied as inflation concerns eased and central banks held steady. UK retailers warned of rising food prices ahead of the autumn Budget, while US inflation hit its fastest pace this year. The ECB kept rates unchanged amid mixed signals, and the EU simplified sustainability reporting rules. With key data releases ahead, investor focus remains on policy direction and economic resilience across regions.

Investment success isn’t about predicting markets - it’s about staying disciplined. Emotional decisions, poor timing, and misreading data can all derail performance. But with the right tech tools and a clear process, investors can avoid common behavioural traps and stick to a long-term strategy. Discipline, not instinct, is the real edge.

Netflix turns to forests, Microsoft bets on nuclear, and a Dutch pension fund pulls $34B in mandates over weak ESG integration. With new sustainability tech deals and fresh certification standards for coffee, ESG momentum is driving change across finance, energy, and agriculture.

Markets opened September with mixed results, as UK equities inched higher while U.S. indices diverged. Commodities strengthened on supply risks and central bank policy expectations, while UK housing and inflation developments added to uncertainty. Investors now turn to key inflation data, GDP figures, and central bank decisions in the week ahead.

M&S resale on eBay, Hawaiian’s first SAF flights, Logitech’s repair push, Planetary’s $31m ocean carbon deal, and Mexico’s avocado industry pledging zero deforestation — five big moves driving sustainability forward.