Companies must make social license a focus
When assessing a company, investors spend a great deal of time examining factors such as its balance sheet, past performance and potential for future growth. However, many investors overlook a factor which is becoming increasingly important: social licence. Leon Kamhi, Head of Responsibility at Hermes Investment Management, discusses how a company needs to think about the […]
How cyber-attacks will change the face of company boards
Leon Kamhi, Head of Responsibility, Hermes Investment Management: In recent months, some of the UK’s largest companies have suffered major data breaches or significant technical issues which have resulted in disruption for stakeholders, including customers, staff and investors. When these events occur, consumers are the first to be hit by having their data compromised or […]
How markets are missing the biggest populist movement of all
It is an interesting time to be an investor – everyone is talking about politics and how they are affecting markets. Whether it is Brexit, the Trump Administration or upheaval in some emerging markets – everyone has a view on what it means for the economy. But really, these are all relatively short-term and isolated […]
Hermes EOS highlights governance concerns at alibaba
Ahead of the Alibaba (“NYSE: BABA”) AGM on Wednesday 31 October 2018, Dr Christine Chow, Director of Hermes EOS, highlights the issues that Hermes EOS are raising with the Board of Directors and outlines voting recommendations to clients. Executive summary Hermes EOS encourages Alibaba to consider: Disclosing the mechanism by which the Alibaba’s Cayman Islands […]
Shared interests unite bondholders and shareholders
The perceived divergence of priorities between bondholders and shareholders has led some to believe that these investors cannot engage with companies on the same issues. Some – remarkably – even question the legitimacy of bondholders (or other creditors) engaging with companies in the first place. However, given their financial stakes in a company, both types […]
Hermes EOS appointed by Brunel Pension Partnership
Hermes Investment Management has today announced that its stewardship and engagement team, Hermes EOS, has been appointed by Brunel Pension Partnership (Brunel) to provide voting and engagement services. Brunel brings together circa £30 billion investments of 10 likeminded Local Government Pensions Scheme funds. It is one of eight national pooled funds and will manage the […]
Solving the plastic problem
Investing in a circular economy
Why I’m worried
I’m the only one worrying
Hermes to launch Global Emerging Markets SMID Strategy
Hermes Investment Management, the £33.6 billion manager, today announces that it plans to launch a Global Emerging Markets SMID (small- and midcap) strategy, subject to regulatory approval. Building on the success of the Hermes Global Emerging Markets Strategy, which has outperformed its benchmark by an annualised 6.4% and 4.7% over the past five- and three-year […]
Ways to successfully tap Europe’s rich direct lending pipeline
In an era of rising correlations, institutional investors are increasing exposure to alternative asset classes. At the forefront of this trend is direct lending, where institutional investors can access sustainable yields and sources of uncorrelated returns. In his latest insight, Patrick Marshall, Head of Private Debt and CLOs at Hermes Investment Management, discusses how to […]
