News & Views

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.

lobal decarbonisation efforts gained pace this week as Microsoft and Amazon advanced major renewable energy deals, Barclays backed innovative carbon removal, and Germany launched a €7 billion industrial emissions plan. ESG data firm Diginex also expanded its sustainability intelligence through the acquisition of Matter, highlighting growing demand for transparent climate reporting.

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.