News & Views

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.

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.