Financial markets whipsawed, after steep falls sparked by US recession fears were quickly recovered. Betting markets cranked up the odds of a September rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed).

Any thoughts of a quiet summer were quickly dispelled by gyrating financial markets in early August. Confidence evaporated, causing a sharp spike in volatility, before markets rebounded to close a volatile week almost flat.

President Biden dropped out as Democratic candidate for November’s US election, in favour of his Vice President Kamala Harris. US Q2 GDP data came in higher than expected at 2.8%, boosted by consumer spending and investment.

Discover what investors expect from their ESG investments, from important reporting requirements to the main industries that should be excluded.  

Markets remain in high spirits, with increasing confidence in a Fed rate cut in September. But elsewhere the backdrop is far from certain, with political risks rising in the US and Europe and a great deal riding on the second quarter earnings season.

The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing landscape is evolving rapidly. While interest remains high, our recent survey reveals a complex picture of investor attitudes and behaviours. This article examines the key barriers facing ESG investing, as well as  potential solutions for overcoming them.