News and insights

Since the boom in 2020, global Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) investments that embed ESG criteria have gone through some bumpy years – particularly in 2023. Macroeconomic events such as the energy price shock in Europe, interest rate hikes, and even political elections, have had a profound impact on ESG investing.

Global markets are moving into a new phase, one that will require investors to manage their portfolios more actively as the easy returns of the past couple of years fade while volatility increases. However, this is also a market where intelligent asset allocation and a thoughtfully structured portfolio will be able to generate alpha – a chance for active...

Capital markets solutions offer another way to provide the scale of financing needed for the energy transition in Asia Pacific. A new Societe Generale-backed solar securitisation in New Zealand could serve as a template for other jurisdictions.

As we enter the second half of 2024, investors focus on the path of disinflation causing divergence in central banks’ policy easing. How will these factors play out and what are the implications on Asian markets?

In the energy transition, the commodities sector is where the pedal really hits the metal. Rising prices are just a taste of things to come.

International connectivity and a nimble approach to debt financing helps issuers and investors access the right opportunities at the right time.

From gigafactories to green ammonia, bankable new business models are key to accelerating the energy transition.

Societe Generale Global Markets experts share their views on the drivers and strategies shaping the green transition in Asia – and what it all means for investors.

In a little over two years, Japan appears to have put three decades of deflation decisively behind it. Accelerating from near zero at the start of 2022 to a peak of over 4% early last year, consumer prices are currently just shy of 3%.

The global push for sustainable supply chains is strengthening the link between digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Following a correction in valuations during 2023, investors are turning cautiously optimistic about Australian real estate again and refocusing on the sector’s structural growth, which is being underpinned by heavy investment into higher environmental standards.

Every country is striving to reach net zero carbon emissions in the coming decades. But not all of them face India’s additional challenges of trying to decarbonise a rapidly growing economy, while also extending electricity coverage to a still largely rural population of 1.4 billion.

As stakeholders push companies to become more sustainable, technology, regulation and national support measures are all evolving rapidly to make this possible, allowing investors to deploy more capital with greater certainty.

A new year brings new challenges and opportunities. While some of last year’s trends are likely to continue in early 2024, what should investors look out for in the Asian markets in the coming months?

Property market stabilization requires faster restructuring of developers' debts

A dazzling economic and exporting success story, Korea can maintain its momentum if its companies adopt greener practices.

Despite the deepening troubles in China’s property sector, a financial crisis that could spill over into global markets looks unlikely.

Australia’s rollout of smart metering solutions is a template for upgrades to energy networks in Asia Pacific

As Societe Generale celebrates 50 years in Japan, we look ahead at how the energy transition will shape the country’s economic prosperity over the coming decades.

China’s currency is attracting renewed attention as global trading partners rethink their exposure to the US dollar. For companies where China is a key part of the value chain, it is already logical – and increasingly practical – to deal in renminbi.

As China cools, India’s markets are rising up the agenda for global investors. Recent inflows could be just the start of things to come.

Banks have a critical role to play in scaling up finance and investment to address sustainability challenges. In Asia Pacific, a holistic approach is needed to support corporates and investors in their transition.

Japan continues to catch global investors’ eyes – and it’s not just a short-term bet.

Japan offers lessons on importance of not delaying intervention

Wei Yao, Chief Economist and Head of Research, Asia Pacific, Frank Benzimra, Head of Asia Equity Strategy and Multi-asset Strategist, and Kiyong Seong, Lead Asia Macro Strategist recently shared their views on Asia’s economic, investment and FX markets outlook for second half of 2023.

Vijay Vikram Kannan, Asia Macro Strategist, shares his views with the Business Times on the Indonesian rupiah. The resilience of Indonesia’s currency reflects the country’s revitalised economic prospects and reduced exposure to global risks. Investors can approach the rupiah with renewed confidence.

Australia’s emissions reduction target of 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050 will require contributions from different parties.