Responsible Investor

January 2009

Norway govt fund blacklists world’s biggest gold producer

Fund also excludes Textron Inc. for links to cluster bomb production.

Davos launch of UN-backed ESG reporting guidelines for financial services companies

Soros, Stern and Stiglitz scheduled to attend launch dinner.

Merrill Lynch cuts dedicated SRI research

Bank joins roster of peers by laying off SRI research staff

Systemic reform is the only course for ‘decimated’ investors

Debating relative performance in this crisis is like re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

Investor pressure heralds say-on-pay victories at Credit Suisse, Nestlé, UBS and Hewlett Packard

Swiss, US and Canadian pay campaigns build up steam.

Former Citi analysts set up SRI research boutique

Tyrell and Davis strike out with Sustainable Investor.

RI round-up Jan 22

RI’s regular round-up of the most important responsible investment news.

Nordic investor CSR and engagement initiatives plot international expansion

Consolidation of projects in Nordic region could bring in outside investors.

US SIF puts proxy vote and fiduciary duty on Obama agenda

SEC and DoL rulings in sights of US SRI investor lobby group

MPs and trades unions urge Gordon Brown to introduce ‘do no harm’ rule for pension fund investment

Signatories also call for sign-up to UN Principles for Responsible Investment.

Crisis to opportunity: policy suggestions for the inauguration of the Obama administration

Stronger governance, investor rights and a green-based economic revival.

Three simple steps to improve sell-side broker research

Questions must be asked about the depth, transparency and efficacy of today’s broker research.

SRI funds beat mainstream equity fund sales

Sales figures suggest SRI funds bearing up as crisis endures.

PRI coalition adopts good COP/bad COP policy on UN Global Compact

Investors point to success of 2008 campaign.

Why should investors get involved in the ‘Better returns in a better world’ project?

How alleviating poverty can foster better market conditions in developing countries.

Sustainability should be regulated into fiduciary duty

SRI by itself will not drive companies to become greener or more ethical.

Norwegian govt fund checks companies for Israel-Gaza human rights abuses

Council of ethics will include non-Israeli suppliers to the region in its review.

Investors to meet with EU for SRI policy talks

Eurosif takes talks on mandatory CSR reporting and Europe-wide SIP to Brussels.

RI round-up Jan 8