Proxy season no longer sends clear signals to the US market on which sustainability topics fund managers value, Morningstar warns.

Political clash over stewardship continues as Democrat states write to Blackrock arguing the “true meaning” of fiduciary duty involves consideration of “long horizon” issues.

Republican state treasurers tell fund managers to reject climate change considerations in favour of ‘traditional fiduciary duty’.

A majority of top fund managers may hold boards accountable for perceived lack of responsiveness or stewardship.

Favouring actions over persuasion, boards can take small yet extremely effective steps to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sir Keir Starmer seeks governance ideas for growth; a step nearer 2030 for the climate agenda; BlackRock on board diversity.

The incoming administration is likely to overturn climate risk reporting rules and stifle shareholder proposals, say observers.

‘The board should account for material sustainability risks’, says the wealth fund, ‘and social consequences of its products’.

Fund manager refuses to back resolutions “seeking to roll back efforts to address material sustainability-related risks”.

Number of anti-ESG proposals may be rising but they are failing to win support, says Morningstar