News

The ASX 200 fell 3.8 per cent over the month, the biggest fall this year, as investors sought to understand the impact of war, economic factors and other concerns on markets at home and abroad, according to Selfwealth.

The list targets domestic and international entities the regulator suspects of offering services to Australians without the appropriate licenses or permission. It already contains more than 1,300 names.

The global energy transition is an unstoppable process with major questions marks still hanging over it, not least among them the economic implications of super-cheap energy once the transition is complete, according to ClearBridge Investments’ Nick Langley.

The Australian small-cap sector is currently trading at a whopping 30 per cent discount, according to new research from Datt Capital, with history suggesting strong returns are likely to follow as active managers continue to show their skill in this buzzing space.

The Australian Shareholders’ Association and the Australian Investors Association have agreed to amalgamate in the new year, seeking to grow their membership and influence as a unified leader in advocacy and education.

The “decidedly subpar” investor experience with managed funds is often down to two factors – overstretched portfolios and human bias – that a high-conviction focus on quality stocks can help avoid, according to Claremont Global’s Bob Desmond.

Tasmanian eco-tech firm Sea Forest is making huge strides in its quest to use a unique Australian seaweed to combat climate change by reducing methane emissions from cows. The plan has huge environmental and commercial potential, its chief scientific officer says – government policy just needs to catch up.

ESG investment strategies are at their highest-ever penetration rate, with 90 per cent of global investors now on board, according to a new survey. And while greenwashing and data disclosure concerns remain, sustainability-minded investors are coming up with their own solutions for these challenges.

Most Australian financial professionals are now using smart beta ETFs and other passive investments in their clients’ portfolios, a new VanEck survey shows, continuing a three-year trend away from active management approaches.

Australian companies are poised to play a key role in the clean energy transition, with major projects in critical minerals emerging to meet new demand for rare earths elements. Here are four ASX stocks likely to benefit from the new mining boom.

Australian companies’ dividend payouts are down 24 per cent from a year ago, as higher interest rates and cash flow challenges darken the outlook. Payouts from miners decreased significantly, although the dividend picture remains positive for banks.

While many sustainable funds use negative screens to avoid stocks with poor ESG scores, Martin Currie’s Naomi Bant says engagement with companies that can provide a net benefit to society leads to better investment and sustainability outcomes.