How big index fund and ETF providers have increased their sway over publicly-traded companies while potentially discouraging competition. What can be done about it? Topics covered include: How market share for assets under management has become increasingly concentrated with big fund complexes like Vanguard and BlackRockWhat is a fiduciary relationship and how do asset managers serve as fiduciariesWhy do investors in index funds and ETFs have no input as to how fund sponsors vote on … [Read more...]
384: Has a Commodities Bull Market Supercycle Started? If So, How Do You Invest in It?
What causes secular bull and bear markets in commodities. What factors suggest a new commodities bull market has started and how can investors participate. What the risks are. Topics covered include: What is a bull and bear marketHow long have earlier commodity bull and bear markets lasted and what were the returnsWhat led to the current commodity bear market that began in 2011How shareholder revolts and ESG mandates have contributed to reduced investment in the commodities space, … [Read more...]
340: Climate Change, ESG, and What Should Investors Do?
How businesses, households, governments, asset managers, and investors interact in unpredictable ways to address the risks and opportunities related to climate change and other global trends. Why ESG investing goes beyond just buying an ESG fund or ETF. Topics covered include: What are the incentives, constraints, opportunities, and risks faced by businesses, households, governments, asset managers, and investors when deciding what to do. What is ESG and sustainable … [Read more...]
303 Plus: Broken Assets, Impact Investing ETF, and a Venture Capital Fund for Individuals
In Plus Episode 303, we review a recent article on underperforming assets by Research Affiliates. We analyze the iShares MSCI Global Impact ETF and use it as an example for how to analyze an ETF. Finally, we consider the Alumni Ventures Group as an option for individuals to invest in venture capital. … [Read more...]
251: Impact Investing and Intentionality
How individuals can have a positive impact while earning a good return investing. What are some examples of socially responsible and impact investments and platforms. In this episode you’ll learn: What is the difference between impact investing, ESG and SRI?What are examples of socially responsible exchange traded funds.What are green bonds.What are some examples of impact investments and platforms.What are three ways we can have a positive impact as individuals. Show … [Read more...]
221 Plus: The Great Financial Crisis Revisited and ESG Investing
This week September 14, 2018, we review the causes of the Great Financial Crisis and provide an update on ESG investing. … [Read more...]
77: Does Ethical Investing Outperform the Market?
Why ethical investing will underperform the stock market unless consumer behavior changes. Photo by Gerry Lauzon In this episode you'll learn: What is ethical investing, also known as ESG or SRI.How institutions structure ethical portfolios.How ethical portfolios have performed relative to the overall stock market.Why should in theory ethical portfolios underperform the overall stock market, absence a change in consumer behavior.How we can make a larger social impact by what we buy … [Read more...]