We can no longer afford to be complacent over climate change. It's time for financial institutions to contribute by using our influence to support the wider community through a rapid and just low-carbon transition.

Covid-19 has highlighted gaps in health and healthcare access. Using results from the 2021 Access to Medicine Index, discover our assessment of how pharmaceutical companies are addressing these inequalities – and our engagement here.

Launched in 1987, the BMO Responsible Global Equity fund aims to provide capital growth while driving positive change in society and the environment. Read more from Portfolio Manager, Nick Henderson, on the investment opportunities and the long-term impact of COVID-19.

The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (A.I.) could improve efficiencies, drive economic growth and solve many of society’s problems today. But if mishandled, it could lead to mass unemployment and increased social inequality. Discover the steps companies should take to ensure a smooth integration of A.I. technology into their business.

The way we travel is unsustainable and presents a pressing global challenge. But with challenge comes the opportunity to invest in innovative solutions. Discover the high-quality companies we believe are driving the transition to more sustainable modes of transport.

Bitcoin is back in the headlines thanks to recent record prices. Perhaps it’s becoming a credible asset class…but is it suitable for those wishing to invest responsibly? With a mix of ESG…

Historically difficult for investors to define and quantify, social issues are now among the most pressing issues for companies globally – discover our engagement on some of these issues, including antimicrobial resistance in Q4 2020.

Regulators, governments and corporates are finally mobilising in line with responsible investment themes. Which companies are positioned to make the most of the opportunities?

Despite lockdowns leading to a collapse in economic output and a sharp downturn in market-wide company profits, equity markets have reached new record highs, pushing valuations to historically high levels. Is this meteoric rise in equities a signal to investors that a sustained market downturn is imminent? We think not. Paul Niven, Head of Portfolio Management, Multi-Asset Solutions, explains that in a world where interest rates are at all-time lows, equities still represent relative value, and details the reasons why he is still positive on equities. 

With a growing number of governments setting paths to net zero emissions, the future of coal is in question. It’s estimated that coal use would have to drop by 60% by 2030 to achieve a net zero future. Through our engagement, we seek to encourage companies with exposure to coal to be proactive in how they will manage the transition and avoid the risks of stranded assets.

The asset management world is a fast changing one. That means themes, opportunities and asset classes moving into the spotlight and then out again.

We have a deal on Brexit and a new US President. Both huge changes. And vaccines promise salvation but how will it play out? In his new year update, our Chief Economist Steven Bell takes a look at the prospects for the global economy and the implications for corporate earnings; all with a view to judging where financial markets are headed.

The roll-out of a vaccine sets the stage for a recovery in growth during 2021 with government and central bank policy providing additional support. The return to normalcy and shift in consumer spending will also lead to greater demand for labour and we expect the services sector be a principal beneficiary as the in-person economy roars back to life in the post-pandemic world.

We continue to have a favourable view on equities for 2021 due to our expectations for a vaccine-driven economic recovery and revitalised global corporate earnings. Though it may take a few months to get the pieces in place for a pronounced recovery, we are optimistic that this can happen in 2021.

 

The outperformance of the US equity market means that it now accounts for two-thirds of the MSCI World Index - creating an issue of concentration in global equity indices. This has also been a driver of success in passive investment propositions. In this article, we reassess the risks looking forward and compare the attractions of active investment management in terms of risk, performance and cost.