News & Views

This week’s ESG in 5 covers South Korea’s $745bn green transition strategy, Scotland’s new paper-based bottle factory and HSBC’s ESG-linked business loans. Plus, a US shareholder voting investigation and a $2bn emerging-markets investment initiative.

Markets ended the week mixed, with the Dow Jones and FTSE 100 gaining ground while technology shares declined. Meanwhile, closer UK-EU ties, rising US inflation expectations and growing concerns over climate-related financial risks featured among this week's developments.

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.

US technology shares led markets higher last week, while UK equities slipped as energy costs and inflation remained in focus. Record diesel prices added to pressure on households and businesses, while rising US inflation expectations highlighted concerns over the outlook for interest rates. This week, attention turns to US jobs data and Eurozone inflation for further insight into the balance between growth and price pressures.

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.

Rising energy costs kept inflation and interest rates firmly in focus, as the ECB announced a rate increase and US wholesale inflation accelerated. This week’s review also explores the financial fallout from UK flight disruption, escalating US–Canada trade tensions and new sustainability guidance for advisers. Looking ahead, decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of England take centre stage alongside key economic data.

From household solar and corporate reporting reform to coffee supply chains and natural capital, discover five ESG developments shaping business and investment.

Markets remained broadly flat as oil prices climbed, Eurozone inflation rose and investors looked ahead to the ECB’s latest interest-rate decision.

This week’s ESG in 5 explores how governments, companies and financial institutions are supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy. Developments include Greece’s €4.77 billion Social Climate Plan, legalised plug-in solar panels across Great Britain, Philips’ first European Green Bond and a new green shipping partnership between Singapore and Brazil.

US equity markets rebounded over the week, led by technology stocks, while UK shares finished slightly lower. Investors remained focused on renewed energy-driven inflation pressures, rising government bond yields and the prospect of further interest-rate increases. This week’s review also examines record ocean temperatures, Nepal’s flood-recovery challenge and the key economic releases ahead.