News & Views

Technology shares led gains while UK equities fell, as rising mortgage costs added to pressure on households. This week’s review also looks at higher Eurozone inflation, the ECB’s response to energy pressures and the FCA’s decision to step back from mandatory climate disclosures.

Cleaner steel, sustainable aviation fuel and electricity generated from waste heat feature in this week’s ESG in 5. We explore Google’s support for lower-emission steelmaking, FedEx’s latest fuel commitments and Kanin’s industrial energy projects, alongside Europe’s proposed support for industry and India’s expanding wind-power sector.

Technology shares led a mixed week for markets, while UK inflation edged higher and oil prices eased. This week’s review explores the latest market moves, political developments in Germany and Greenland, and questions over the ECB’s future leadership, alongside progress on corporate climate commitments and the economic releases to watch.

August saw market leadership broaden beyond big tech, with commodities, European equities and selected emerging markets taking the lead. As higher energy prices renewed inflation concerns, the Balanced portfolio benchmark returned 1.46%. Our latest Monthly Market Review explores what drove returns, how the interest-rate outlook is evolving and why diversification remains in focus.

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.