News & Views

Markets ended August on a cautious note as inflation remained a key theme across regions. UK services costs stayed elevated, while US data showed cooling headline inflation but persistent core pressures. The eurozone held steady with balanced price signals. Central banks signalled a slower pace of easing, and commodity prices edged higher. ESG and trade developments added to the mix as investors look ahead to September.

In this week’s ESG in 5, we highlight five major corporate sustainability actions from around the world. Meta expands its clean energy portfolio with a 100 MW solar project in South Carolina, while GreenCo launches a free AI-powered app to simplify ESG reporting. Google takes a bold step into advanced nuclear energy to power its data centres, and climate-tech firms Deep Sky and Skyrenu achieve a first for North America with permanent CO₂ storage via direct air capture. Finall

Global equities steadied last week as investors balanced Powell’s cautious Jackson Hole remarks with stronger US manufacturing data and stubborn UK inflation. We review the latest market moves, policy signals, commodity trends, ESG updates, and geopolitical shifts shaping sentiment heading into September.

This week’s ESG highlights showcase progress across renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable innovation. From IKEA investing in circular plastics in China to AWS backing new wind power in India, Trane advancing AI for greener buildings, and Seaspan partnering on cleaner marine fuels, companies worldwide are taking bold steps to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Global equities hit record highs last week, though momentum faded by Friday. Investors now turn to the Fed’s Jackson Hole meeting for clarity on interest rates, while economic resilience in the UK and geopolitical shifts add to the week’s outlook.

Behavioural finance reveals a harsh truth: the biggest risk to an investor’s success is often themselves. The disposition effect—selling winners too soon and holding losers too long, is a common trap driven by emotion, not logic. Neuroscience shows how dopamine and fear shape our decisions, making discipline and strategy essential for long-term success.

Markets rallied in July 2025 as trade tensions eased and central banks diverged in policy direction. A new US–EU tariff agreement boosted investor confidence, while global equities surged—led by Hong Kong and Thailand. Despite inflationary pressures, diversified portfolios benefited from strong sector performance in Financials and Technology.

This week’s ESG roundup covers regulatory action, sustainable innovation, and major investment in clean energy. From Shein’s greenwashing fine in Italy to Meta’s push to reduce embodied carbon in data centres, and HSBC’s high-profile exit from a major climate alliance, we bring you the key developments shaping the ESG landscape in under five minutes.

Last week saw markets react to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, stubborn inflation dynamics, and central bank hesitation. From renewed tariff tensions to steady interest rate decisions, global investors navigated a cautious landscape. In this week’s review, we explore key market movements, policy updates, and the latest in ESG and geopolitical developments to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

Global markets in July showed resilience but faced sharp volatility. Strong earnings and steady growth lifted equities in the U.S., UK, Eurozone, and Japan, yet trade tensions, rising public debt, and mixed inflation created uncertainty. Bond yields climbed, currencies weakened in key regions, and late-month policy concerns reminded investors how quickly sentiment can shift.

Clean energy, ethical fashion, and EV expansion take centre stage as Google backs next-gen storage, Meta powers data centres with solar, and bp opens its largest US charging hub. Meanwhile, top Indian designers pledge to go feather-free in a major win for compassionate couture.